Dili: Timor-Leste’s position as a ‘launchpad’ to markets in Indonesia and northern Australia makes it an attractive destination for Malaysian investors, training institutions, and media organisations, said Malaysian ambassador to Timor-Leste Datuk Amarjit Singh. He noted that investment opportunities are already open, with the government prioritising highways, roads, and petrochemical facilities on the country’s southern coast.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Amarjit Singh elaborated on the potential for Malaysian involvement in Timor-Leste’s development plans during an interview on Bernama TV’s The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch programme. He suggested that Malaysian civil service training institutions and private sector players could play a significant role in supporting public sector reform and English language training, both of which are in demand in Timor-Leste.
On the trade front, Amarjit highlighted that Malaysian products are widely available in Dili, the capital. He noted that trade was valued at RM85 million last year, compared to RM100 million the previous year. He expressed optimism that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s upcoming visit could strengthen the momentum for two-way trade.
The ambassador also encouraged Bernama and Timor-Leste’s news agency Tatoli to explore cooperation through staff exchanges and training, suggesting that stationing correspondents in both countries and bringing in experienced journalists could expedite progress.
During a briefing session by the ambassador, the Bernama delegation viewed the embassy-produced documentary ‘Tabah di Timor: The Untold Story of Malaysians in Timor-Leste.’ The film, available on YouTube, highlights the resilience and contributions of Malaysians living in the country.
Amarjit Singh mentioned that Prime Minister Anwar’s two-day visit to Timor-Leste is expected to enhance bilateral ties significantly. He remarked that the visit is a testament to Malaysia’s strong support for Timor-Leste, especially as Malaysia chairs ASEAN this year. He further discussed Malaysia’s role in supporting Timor-Leste’s bid for ASEAN membership, which is expected to be formalized by the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.
Malaysia has been actively supporting Timor-Leste through various capacity-building programmes, including special attachments with Wisma Putra and the establishment of the Timor-Leste Unit at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. Malaysia was the first ASEAN country to open a liaison office in Dili in 2001 and established its embassy on May 19, 2002, on the eve of Timor-Leste’s independence.
Trade between Malaysia and Timor-Leste reached RM85.68 million in 2024, with Malaysia mainly exporting goods. Timor-Leste’s economy is also eyeing the potential of the Greater Sunrise gas fields, which hold significant reserves of gas and condensate.
As of May 2025, a total of 1,005 Timorese officials had been trained under the Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), and nine Timorese students have received MTCP scholarships for postgraduate studies in Malaysia since 2003.
The Bernama delegation is on an eight-day mission to Timor-Leste, led by acting deputy editor-in-chief (news services) Mohd Shukri Ishak, as the agency is the official media and coordinator of the International Media Centre for ASEAN Summit coverage.