Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean

Singapore will intensify its support for Timor-Leste's government capacity building, as the region's youngest nation prepares to join Asean as a full member.

- Hariz Baharudin

The upgraded Singapore-Timor Leste Asean Readiness Support (Stars) package, now known as the enhanced Stars (eStars) package, will provide tailored assistance to help the South-east Asian nation meet the requirements for joining key Asean economic agreements.

This was announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on July 14 at a luncheon for visiting Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

Mr Gusmao is on an official four-day visit to Singapore, more than a decade after his first as prime minister in 2013. He received a ceremonial welcome on July 14 before meeting President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and PM Wong.

Speaking at the lunch held at the Pan Pacific Hotel, PM Wong said the refreshed package will also include training aligned with Timor-Leste's national development priorities, as well as leadership development programmes and scholarships for its future leaders.

The eStars package, which runs from July 2025 to December 2028, will offer wider access to Asean-related training courses and expertise to support Timor-Leste's integration into the regional grouping. The first iteration of the Stars initiative formally began in 2022.

Addressing Mr Gusmao, PM Wong said: "Timor-Leste's upcoming accession to Asean is a significant milestone, both for your country and for Asean.

"Singapore looks forward to welcoming you warmly to the Asean family. And we will continue to stand with you on this journey."

Speaking at the same event, Mr Gusmao thanked Singapore for its support over the years, particularly in helping Timor-Leste prepare for Asean membership.

He cited the training provided to Timorese civil servants in areas such as negotiation and policy writing, describing it as "a real difference" that reflects cooperation "measured not in words, but in actions".