However, speaking about the role of the Singaporeans in the country, he said: “I’ve also come to realise it’s not just the official and the diplomatic ties and contributions that they value. Actually, it’s the people.”
The Singapore residents in the country include pioneers who have been living there for more than two decades. Among them are businessmen, educators, doctors and volunteers, he noted.
They represent “the best of what Singapore can offer”, he said.
He called on them to further support the country as it prepares to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the near future.
“It is going to be a process that will take enormous effort. We are going to help the Timorese fulfill this criteria and to go through this roadmap. And we will also require assistance from you to help them – help this country stand on its own two feet, be confident and to be able to be a contributory member of ASEAN as well,” he said.
THE NEW ASSOCIATION
The aim of the association, which has a clubhouse to its name, is to create a “vibrant, supportive community” for Singaporeans working and living in Timor-Leste, said Mr Jonathon Lim, the head of the Singapore Community Association who has been living in Timor-Leste for 13 years.
There are 58 Singaporeans registered in Timor-Leste.
“We want to foster close connections with the local community. I think it is important that Singaporeans come together, we harness their energies, and then we spur each other on to greater heights to success that we’ve all come to Timor to pursue,” he told CNA.
Mr Lim said that hopes that with the upcoming resident embassy and this new association, more fellow Singaporeans will live and work in Timor-Leste.
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