Malaysia offers technical training, education support and TVET expertise to help Timor-Leste’s rural development as ASEAN’s newest member.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has committed to sharing its rural development experience with Timor-Leste, ASEAN’s newest member state.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia is prepared to collaborate by hosting Timor-Leste officials under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme.
“We can also conduct a ‘Training of Trainers’ programme for their officials here, while senior officers from the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development may also visit Timor-Leste,” he told reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding with Timor-Leste.
The MoU was signed by Ahmad Zahid and Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Dr Bendito dos Santos Freitas.
Beyond infrastructure, Malaysia will share expertise in education, entrepreneurial training and technical fields under the ministry’s purview.
Ahmad Zahid noted he has visited Timor-Leste’s rural areas and confirmed Malaysia’s readiness to assist.
“In education, especially preschool, Timor-Leste already has existing programmes, but we hope to strengthen them further through the Community Development Department,” he said.
Malaysia will also focus on developing rural entrepreneurs and sharing knowledge through Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions.
Ahmad Zahid encouraged more Malaysian investors to explore opportunities in Timor-Leste, noting current investor numbers remain small.
Freitas expressed hope the MoU would strengthen bilateral cooperation in technology transfer, knowledge sharing and digitalisation for rural communities.
“We are taking this opportunity to learn from Malaysia’s experience,” Freitas said.
He added that both countries can develop together for their people’s benefit while strengthening bilateral ties. – Bernama
