Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu Delegations Commend Timor-Leste Skills Competition 2026

Mr. Aquiles S. Guterres | INDMO, I.P.

DILI. INDMO (8 July 2026) — Delegations from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have commended Timor-Leste and the Instituto Nacional de Desenvolvimento de Mão-de-Obra, Instituto Público (INDMO, I.P.) for successfully organising the 2^nd Timor-Leste International Friendly Skills Competition and the 9^th National Skills Competition, held from 7 to 9 July 2026.

The appreciation was expressed following the delegations’ participation in a meeting with WorldSkills Asia and INDMO, I.P., as well as their observation of the skills competitions involving young competitors, experts, judges, technical officials and partners from Timor-Leste, the Pacific and other participating countries.

Mr. Brian Clowes, Representative of the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations of Papua New Guinea, congratulated Timor-Leste and INDMO, I.P. for hosting the event.

“We are very happy and honoured to be here, to be part of this occasion, to learn from Timor-Leste, WorldSkills Asia and our Pacific partners, and to share our own experiences,” Mr. Clowes said.

He highlighted the vision of WorldSkills Asia, which focuses on empowering young people to lead change and build a better future through the power of skills.

“This competition is about recognising the skills of our young people so they can have a better future tomorrow,” he stated.

Mr. Clowes praised Timor-Leste’s efforts in skills development and noted that regional events such as this provide valuable opportunities for countries to learn from each other through competition, dialogue and exchange of experience. Reflecting on his visit, he shared the Papua New Guinea delegation felt warmly welcomed in Timor-Leste.

“When we arrived in Timor-Leste, it felt like coming home. We share similar culture, climate, food and friendship. We have been received very well, and we are very impressed by the kindness of the Timorese people,” he reminded.

Mr. Howard Aru, Political Adviser to the Minister of Education and Training of Vanuatu, also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the Timor-Leste Skills Competition 2026. Mr. Aru mentioned the Vanuatu delegation was pleased to join the regional event and came with an open mind to observe, learn and exchange experiences with Timor-Leste and other Pacific partners.

“This competition is not only about winning. It is also about improving practical skills that can support national development, industry and local communities,” Mr. Aru noted.

He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Vanuatu and Timor-Leste, including shared historical experiences, regional solidarity and common development challenges. Mr Aru emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in technical and vocational education and training, skills development, seasonal work opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, and workforce preparation.

“This visit gives us an opportunity to identify gaps, share lessons learned and explore stronger cooperation between Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Pacific countries, Australia and other partners,” he said.

The Timor-Leste Skills Competition 2026 has provided an important platform to promote youth talent, strengthen regional cooperation and recognise technical and vocational education and training as a key pathway for economic and social development.

Through this event, INDMO, I.P. continues to support the development of a stronger, more inclusive and industry-oriented TVET system that contributes to youth empowerment, workforce readiness, national development and regional partnership.