LCETPA Showcases Industry Skills Framework and Occupation Standards at Timor-Leste’s 2nd International Skills Week

LAMG-China Education Training Promotion Alliance (LCETPA) took part in the 2nd International Skills Week, hosted by the National Institute for Workforce Development (INDMO) in Dili, Timor-Leste, from September 15 to 19, 2025.

The international gathering brought together government representatives, educators, training institutions, and industry stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific to explore innovative approaches to workforce development and skills transformation. LCETPA’s participation highlighted China’s growing role in promoting international collaboration in vocational and technical education in Timor-Leste.

At the event, Galib Hossain, Director of the International Department of LCETPA, presented its Industry Skills Framework (ISF) and National Occupational Standards (NOS), which were developed to strengthen alignment between industry requirements and technical education. The Industry Skills Framework emphasizes competency-based learning across different skill levels and adaptability to emerging technologies and industries, particularly in the context of Timor-Leste as it prepares to join ASEAN. The initial ISF and twenty-one National Occupational Standards were presented, covering multiple industries and providing a clear vision for INDMO and local education entities to implement.

“Since LCETPA was officially authorized to develop the ISF and NOS for INDMO, Timor-Leste, right after we signed an MoU with INDMO in 2024, our goal has been to ensure that vocational and technical education systems remain responsive to industry needs, not only in China but across Asia. By sharing the Industry Skills Framework and Occupational Standards, we hope to support countries like Timor-Leste in building resilient, future-ready workforces,” said LCETPA’s Chairman, Allan Yang.

The detailed presentation sparked discussions among policymakers and training providers, many of whom expressed interest in adopting similar models to modernize national skills standards. INDMO officials praised the contribution as an important step toward regional cooperation and skills harmonization, both of which are essential for labor mobility and inclusive economic growth.

After a two-day on-site review and evaluation by international experts, local stakeholders, and government officials, and following preliminary discussions, the ISF and NOS developed by LCETPA were officially approved. They are now ready to move into the implementation stage in Timor-Leste over the next several years.

The 2nd International Skills Week served as a platform for knowledge exchange on pressing themes such as identifying gaps in skills training and discussing suitable approaches to address these gaps efficiently. The Industry Skills Framework and Occupational Standards presented by LCETPA highlighted mechanisms for cross-border partnerships and skills development in agriculture, smart manufacturing, energy and mining, finance, media, hospitality, trade in services, artificial intelligence, and digital skills—supporting Timor-Leste’s ambition to develop a highly skilled workforce that meets both local and international demands.

As INDMO continues to expand its workforce development initiatives, LCETPA is expected to play an even greater role in Timor-Leste’s vocational education and training sector through capacity building, teacher training, and curriculum development.