By Ornella Byak
It’s been an incredible year for Timor-Leste. After years of hard work, resilience, and hope, Timor-Leste will attain full membership in ASEAN at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit scheduled for October 2025. This is a moment of immense pride for the Timorese people. But it’s also a reminder that the world is watching, and that the work has only just begun.
For me, this milestone isn’t just about economics or diplomacy. It’s about the kids I see every day. It’s about their future. It’s about ensuring that they have the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. And yes—one of the most important of those skills is English.
Let me be honest: English proficiency in Timor-Leste is incredibly low. A 2011 study found that just 2.1% of the population were fluent in English. Even if we account for some improvements since then, the reality is stark—most young people in Timor-Leste don’t have access to high-quality English education.
And yet, English is the language of opportunity. It’s the bridge to regional trade, to diplomacy, to higher education, and to the kinds of jobs that can break cycles of poverty. In ASEAN, where English is the working language, this gap becomes even more urgent.
That’s why at BETTER, we don’t just teach English—we equip our students with the skills to be leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in a global world. We use Australian-developed lesson plans, focus on fluency, and create immersive learning environments that mirror the best in the world.
I see it in our kids every day:
📚 They’re reading books confidently, solving math problems, and dreaming bigger than they ever thought possible.
🌎 They’re imagining careers as doctors, engineers, and teachers—not just for Timor, but for the region.
🌱 They’re growing into the kind of leaders that Timor-Leste needs to be part of ASEAN’s future.
But here’s the truth: This is just the beginning.
If we want Timor-Leste to truly thrive in ASEAN, we need to invest now—in education, in English skills, in leadership development. I’m proud of the work we’re doing at BETTER, but we can’t do it alone. This is a call to action for everyone who believes in the power of education to transform lives.
Together, we can give every child in Timor-Leste the chance to step onto the global stage with confidence.
This is our moment. Let’s not waste it.