Timor-Leste and ASEAN: Insights from FLBA and Thailand's Immersion Experience

On April 3rd, Futuru Lider Ba ASEAN (FLBA) was officially launched, marking the beginning of our journey as part of the Future Leaders program. A program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste to empower young Timorese leaders and prepare them for ASEAN integration. From leadership training to a 10-day ASEAN immersion journey was more than just a cultural experience – it was a crash course in ASEAN's values and best practices.?

As a Futuru Lider Ba ASEAN (FLBA), I joined a cohort of peers from across the country to learn from Thailand's experiences as an ASEAN member. Upon returning to Timor-Leste, I reflected on the lessons learned and considered how they could be applied to Timor-Leste's path toward ASEAN membership. In this article, I'll share my takeaways and insights from this unforgettable journey and experience, and how they can inform Timor-Leste's path to ASEAN membership.

PERSONAL JOURNEY THROUGH FUTURU LIDER BA ASEAN PROGRAMME

When I was 21 years old, I applied for the Future Leaders of ASEAN programme's first cohort, which involved an inclusive and competitive selection process conducted by the FLBA advisor team to select a hundred qualified candidates to join The Future Leaders for ASEAN (FLBA) program. I was selected as one of them. This program has been an impressive journey of personal growth, providing holistic leadership knowledge and preparing us for Timor-Leste's commitment to regional integration and cooperation. This experience has taught me how I see leadership as part of professional development and my duty as a citizen to contribute directly to my country’s development. I was inspired by the diverse backgrounds and professional experiences of my fellow young leaders, as well as the exceptional advisors of the FLBA program ( Dr Bob Aubrey , Ms. Yeni Pereira Maun Natalino Guterres ). They came from different areas of expertise, talents, knowledge, and inspiration. From local communities to the private and public sectors, as well as entrepreneurs, activists, mentors, and business leaders, they were all dedicated to growing this country together.?

A week full of leadership training on ASEAN good practices for a better understanding of ASEAN's existence allowed us to learn valuable lessons about national integration, leading potential development, and sustainability innovation. We explored the benefits of ASEAN for a young nation like Timor-Leste, as shared by experts, professors, mentors, and government leaders regarding the essentials of program capabilities, which were well-described in an overview of ASEAN, particularly in Human Development, Economic Growth, and Full Sustainability. During this time, what I gained in developing my personal and professional growth increased and positively impacted my understanding of ASEAN, including engaging in interactive discussions about Timor-Leste's opportunities and challenges in becoming part of this integration and the criteria to fulfill before joining this membership. Sitting among my peers from different backgrounds was a great opportunity for me to connect, share, and build a network while discussing the main contributions we should make as young leaders after completing this training. Time management was a challenge due to other priorities; however, I successfully managed my time

One of the key activities in the FLBA program was an ASEAN immersion trip designed to provide participants with a realistic understanding of ASEAN best practices and to help them discover their leadership capabilities. This trip focused on three key sectors: human development, economic growth, and full sustainability. As part of this immersion, I joined 11 other young leaders from the FLBA team on an immersion trip to Thailand, organized by the ASEAN University Network (AUN). This itinerary provided valuable insights that will be instrumental in contributing to Timor-Leste's development. ASEAN immersion learning insights, continue reading in the last pages.

Additionally, I participated in an Action Learning Project (ALP), which focused on leading cross-sector initiatives and driving change and innovation in three key areas: economic growth, human development, and full sustainability. These initiatives foster economic development, support the creation and development of Timorese companies, and address strategic projects in human development. The full sustainability component emphasized the circular economy, zero waste initiatives, and leading biodiversity and environmental projects. I was assigned to the ASEAN Connectivity team, where we worked on connecting Timorese youth to ASEAN through cultural exchange programs and leadership capacity-building initiatives. Our goal was to educate Timorese citizens about ASEAN, its benefits, and the market opportunities it presents.

Upon completing the program, each participant was required to meet one of the assessment criteria known as the Personal Enterprise Plan (PEP).

The Personal Enterprise Plan (PEP), licensed to AHDO by the Bob Aubrey Institute, provides a comprehensive framework for long-term career and lifestyle development. It is described in detail in two books published by McGraw Hill: Managing Your Aspirations (2010) and Creating Aspirational Leaders (2012).

The PEP serves as a business plan for your career and life, allowing you to outline your identity, dreams, achievements, learning experiences, career goals, and lifestyle priorities. It encourages reflection on personal and professional networks, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and potential risks. Furthermore, it helps you evaluate your personal capabilities, align your development with market needs, and create both a primary (Plan A) and alternative (Plan B) career path. (Plan A (your main goal) and Plan B (a backup plan).)

I was surprised by how much I appreciated writing my PEP at the end of the program. Initially, I was unsure how to articulate my identity, capabilities, dreams, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. I struggled with defining my career goals and setting future aspirations. However, through the PEP process, I found it incredibly helpful in prioritizing my goals and aligning them with future market demands. It allowed me to identify my key capabilities, focus areas, and the challenges I need to address to achieve my aspirations. The PEP also assessed how the FLBA program shaped my future goals and enhanced my leadership skills.

On November 12, 2024, I was interviewed by Dr Bob Aubrey and received certification with excellence. This achievement was particularly meaningful as it was my first time participating in such a program. I was also supported by my professional mentor, Ms. Nelania Sarmento who is currently pursuing her master’s degree through an Australian scholarship.

Overall, I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop their leadership capabilities and gain a deeper understanding of regional initiatives and cooperation. While ASEAN is not a new concept globally, it is relatively new for Timor-Leste. It is essential for Timorese youth to understand ASEAN and prepare to contribute to Timor-Leste’s development as it moves toward regional integration.

ASEAN IMMERSION LEARNING

Beginning with an overview about Timor-Leste, as a young nation with a population of 1.3 million, has made significant progress since gaining independence in 2002. However, challenges remain in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Timor-Leste has succeeded in saving the proceeds from its natural resource endowment, which provides a foundation for future development.

Timor-Leste has consolidated its democracy and is considered the most democratic country in Southeast Asia, according to the Economist's Democracy Index. (Read this: https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?cat=39&lang=en).

Investments in human capital, such as improving education and health services, are directly linked to Timor-Leste's future growth, productivity, and competitiveness. The government has aligned the country's development goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, providing a clear pathway for progress. While Timor-Leste has made important strides, continued investment in human capital, economic diversification, institutional strengthening, and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth are crucial to achieving its development goals and graduating from least developed country status.

As a part of ASEAN immersion, we were assigned to visit Thailand for10-days and were co-organized by the ASEAN University Network in collaboration with the Timor-Leste Embassy to Thailand. (Coaches from ASEAN University Network, Nisanat Watthayu , Program Officer & Head of ASEAN-JAPAN ENGAGEMENT and Ms. Praphatsorn Songdee, Quality Assurance Officer)

This visit to Thailand focused on three key areas, including human development, where Thailand's achievements are particularly impressive. The country has made significant progress in improving education and healthcare outcomes, as well as increasing access to social services. For example, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration promotes Human Development through various initiatives including Healthcare Services, education and skill development, including initiatives like the ASEAN University Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) and the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue, College of Management, Mahidol University (MU).?

One of the key factors contributing to Thailand's human development achievements is its commitment to community-based initiatives. For example, the government has established community-based health centers that provide basic healthcare services to rural communities. Additionally, the government has also launched various community-based programs aimed at promoting social cohesion and reducing inequality.

For Timor-Leste, prioritizing investments in education and healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas with limited access to these services, is crucial. According to a 2021 research study conducted by the Timor-Leste Youth Parliament on youth with education and health, several issues persist in these sectors. In education, there remains a lack of basic infrastructure to access quality education, including essential materials to support the learning process. Additionally, the healthcare sector faces a shortage of investment in infrastructure, resulting in limited access to modern equipment. Furthermore, the lack of capacity-building initiatives hinders the promotion of healthy living among young people.

In terms of Thailand's economic growth, it is a testament to the country's ability to adapt and diversify its economy. From its agricultural-based economy to a diversified economy with a strong service sector, Thailand has made significant progress in recent decades. Thailand’s economic policy was quite impressive as based on BMA work focusing on economic diversification through promoting economics from the local communities by promoting income generation for all target group including Vocational training for urban dwellers to serve labor market demands, Provision of space as Hawker Centers for trade, pushing for creative districts to stimulate local economies. This includes vocational training courses for the disabled and vulnerable groups, providing Employment of disabled individuals in BMA Metropolitan and job Matching Platform.

These strategies can enhance Timor-Leste's economic growth by empowering local communities through vocational training and capacity-building initiatives, fostering a strong collaboration between the government and the community. Besides, Timor-Leste also could prioritize investments in infrastructure development, particularly in transportation and digital infrastructure. Additionally, the country could promote trade and investment by signing FTAs with other countries and establishing business incubators and accelerators to support local entrepreneurs that will benefit and drive a circular economy in a country.

When it comes to sustainability, Thailand is considered as a leader in sustainability initiatives, with a strong focus on environmental conservation, sustainable circular economy and renewable energy development. The country has established numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to protect its rich biodiversity. Additionally, Thailand has made significant investments in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. According to a lecture on ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue, College of Management, Mahidol University (MU), which focuses on sustainable economic growth through waste management and value-added produce and processed products by small businesses and start-ups.

The initiative of solid waste management included strategies such as Upstream: Waste Minimization and Separation at Source by Promote waste minimization and separation at source by 3Rs Principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) along with separating 4 types of waste for efficiency and proper management. They also implemented a process to collect the separate waste by setting up the appointment for place & Time for Waste Collection in Bangkok. Midstream: Waste Collection & Transportation which include utilizing waste collection trucks and for Waste & Aquatic Plant using Collection Boats. They also applied a downstream process including treatment and disposal. According to the outcomes for Solid Waste Management Cost 7,630 million Baht/year and Waste Collection Fee 540 million Baht/year (or 7.21%). This data shows how they transform waste into a business that supports the circular economy and sustainability environment.?

Thailand's sustainability efforts utilize a public-private partnership (PPP) model. For instance, the government has partnered with private companies to develop large-scale renewable energy projects. Additionally, the government has also launched various awareness campaigns aimed at promoting sustainable practices among citizens.

Timor-Leste could establish PPPs to develop renewable energy projects in partnership with private companies. Additionally, the country could launch awareness campaigns aimed at promoting sustainable practices among citizens. Moreover, we could apply strategies for the waste management process that focus on how to turn a problem into an opportunity which focuses on entrepreneurship sustainability which may impact our economy processes and promote a sustainable environment in a country.

During our visit, we found Thai street vendors, local communities, and drivers to be highly approachable and hospitable, providing visitors with a warm welcome. Every driver carried brochures showcasing Thailand's attractions and provided detailed explanations, making us want to visit. Their marketing skills were impressive.

Thailand's tourism promotion efforts are also noteworthy. They effectively promote their unique cultural and religious heritage, attracting many tourists and foreigners. One standout attraction was the Grand Palace, which showcased the country's rich religious history. We were surprised to see how many people visited, with an entry fee charged for each attraction, including the National Museum of Bangkok. The government has made efforts to preserve and showcase these sites, often charging entry fees to national museums and other attractions. Thailand has embraced digital technologies to enhance the tourist experience, including developing user-friendly mobile apps, implementing data analytics for informed decision-making, and utilizing digital marketing strategies to reach target audiences effectively.?

Overall, Thailand's multifaceted approach to tourism promotion, which combines engaging local communities, showcasing cultural heritage, developing infrastructure, diversifying offerings, and embracing digital transformation, has contributed to its success as a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia.

? 2023 Cristovao Reinato Estelita. Young Entrepreneur and Future Leader of ASEAN programme's first cohort.

References

• https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?cat=39&lang=en
• https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/timor-leste/overview
• https://www.undp.org/timor-leste/inclusive-and-sustainable-growth
• https://timor-leste.gov.tl/?cat=39&lang=en?
• Futuru Lider Ba ASEAN (FLBA) Lessons
• ASEAN Immersion learning?in Thailand
• General observation.