VIETNAM, November 19^th, 2024 — The Executive Director of TIC Timor Agency, Mr. Venâncio Pinto, and the Timor Digital Coordinator, Mr. Eusébio de Jesus Pinto Exposto Goveia, along with the delegation team from the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), accompanying H.E. the Minister of Transport and Communications, Eng. Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, participated in the 'Vietnam International Digital Week' event in Ha Long City, Vietnam.

At the opening ceremony, the Vietnam's Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, stated that the Virtual Digital Week (VIDW) is an opportunity for the State Management Agencies, International Organizations, Associations, and Global Digital Companies to discuss, exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and collaborate with the aim of establishing a sustainable digital world.

On this occasion, H.E. Minister, Eng. Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, delivered his remarks, stating that, currently, Timor-Leste has not yet fully completed the Virtual Assistance (VAs) in government services. This is due to challenges in infrastructure, expertise, and resources. However, the base for the digital future is constantly progressing.

One of the important developments is that Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable (TLSSC), which is expected to be completed in the early 2025. The South Submarine Cable (TLSSC) will significantly improve network connectivity, providing opportunities for advanced technologies, such as VAs.

H.E. the Minister further stated that, to strengthen our commitment, the government has already launched 'Timor-Digital 2032' with its plan for the next ten years, focusing primarily on the integration of ICT in Critical Sectors, including e-Government, Education, Health, Agriculture, and the Economy.

The strategy was designed with the aim of adapting to the emerging opportunities, and also with a view to align with the priorities of technology development.

Timor-Leste's participation as an observer in the ASEAN digital dialogue aims to collaborate and learn from regional partners. This effort aims to create a strong system that enables innovations such as 'Virtual Assistants' (VAs), with a view to increasing citizen engagement and achieving the delivery of public services in an easy and efficient way.

In this meeting, participants discussing and sharing new practices, approaches, and initiatives to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN countries, organizations, and companies, regarding the promotion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and the implementation of virtual assistants, with priority topics including virtual assistant applications, AI governance, Open-Source RAN, Legal Framework for 5G, Digital Infrastructure Development, and Digital Literacy.This event was carried out from November 19 to 22, 2024, in the Ha Long city, Vietnam

(Média TIC)