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The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
From Melaka to Macau: Asia's Lusaphone legacy takes the spotlight
Tiny minority communities linked to Portuguese descendants dating back to more than five centuries ago made history in Timor-Leste late last month. They came from the shores of Melaka and Macau, forgotten Catholic parishes of Bangkok, war-torn valleys of Myanmar, the green hills of Goa, Kampung Tugu in Jakarta, the Azores isle of Flores and from Sri Lanka and beyond. Despite their dissimilar skin tones, heights, and traditional garb, they carried a shared story woven by threads of a colourful tapestry straddling across the Indian Ocean. The 4th Asian Portuguese Community Conference (APCC) held at the Dili Convention Centre, witnessed delegates from Portuguese-descendant communities from all over Asia for a landmark three-day gathering focused on cultural preservation and regional cooperation. The APCC was initiated by Melaka Portuguese community leader Joseph Sta Maria in 2016, with the aim of fostering closer ties, promoting the Portuguese language and culture, and encouraging lasting collaboration among Portuguese-descendant communities in Asia. The first three conferences, held in Melaka, saw the participation of delegates from the various countries and also prominent personalities, including Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and Dr Fernando Nobre, president and founder of AMI (International Medical Assistance Foundation). Signatories of the Dili Declarationpictured with Prime Minister Gusmao (fourth, from left). Photo: Primero Ministerio Office, TL The fourth edition marks the first time that APCC was hosted in Timor-Leste, Asia's youngest nation and the only Portuguese- speaking country. It was organised by the Government of Timor-Leste in partnership with the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) with United in Diversity: Challenges and Opportunities of an Enduring Legacy as its theme. The event, which was held from June 27-29, brought together representatives from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, China (Macau), India (Goa), and Indonesia, along with scholars, researchers, cultural leaders, and dignitaries from the broader Lusophone world. It featured keynote lectures, round-table discussions, cultural exhibitions, academic presentations, and cultural performances showcasing the diverse traditions maintained by Portuguese-descendant communities throughout Asia, over more than 500 years. Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate Jose Ramos-Horta highlighted the historical significance of these communities and their continued relevance. 'This conference is more than just a gathering. We are bringing a family together. It is a moment to reflect on our shared history, to strengthen our bonds of solidarity, and to tell our stories with pride and with honesty, as we look together towards a future built on friendship, respect and renewal,' he said, noting that the shared story began in the sea. Traditional sword dancers from Timor fuse ancestral warrior rites and rhythmic chants into living expressions of the island's enduring spirit. Photo: Primero Ministerio Office, TL 'In the 16th century, brave and curious men from a small country on the edge of Europe looked to the ocean. They launched small sailing ships – caravels – into the unknown, guided by the stars and a thirst for discovery. 'As Luís de Camoes wrote in Os Lusíadas, they were moved by 'valour, and arms, and the mind's adventurous will.' They sailed not only for spices and trade but with a belief – both noble and naive – that the world could be mapped and known. 'Their journey was physical but also spiritual. They carried with them not only weapons but words. They brought both faith and fear, violence and vision. They made the world smaller but also larger. And in their wake, they left behind a new language, a new religion and emerging nations. In doing so, they reshaped the world.' Indeed, the Portuguese left a mark on Asia which time has not erased and the far-flung communities are evidence of this. As Ramos-Horta put it, the result was something enduring – the birth of communities that are both European and Asian, resilient peoples who had shaped the countries in which they live. The highlights of the 4th APCC were the historic step of setting up the Asian Portuguese Communities Association – APCA, and the signing of the Dili Declaration by leaders of the various communities. The Portuguese left an enduring mark on Asia, still visible today in far-flung communities across the region. Photo: Primero Ministerio Office, TL The declaration reads: 'On the basis of our shared culture, grounded in dialogue and mutual respect and united by the richness of a legacy inherited over centuries, which we wish to pass on to future generations, we express our commitment to seek solutions that bring tangible benefits to each community, while recognising and valuing their unique characteristics.' The declaration was signed by Joseph Sta Maria (Melaka Portuguese community), Aloysio Thurein (Bayingyi community, Myanmar), Guido Quiko (Kampung Tugu, Jakarta, Indonesia), Earl Bahelot (Portuguese Burgher community, Sri Lanka), Sarayut Supsook (Kudicheen community of Bangkok, Thailand), Honorarius Quintus Ebang (Sicca community, Flores, Indonesia), Carolina Fernandes Po (Goanese community, Goa, India), Miguel Senna Fernandes (Macanese community, Macau, China) and Antonio da Costa (Topass community, Oecusse, Timor-Leste). According to Ramos-Horta, APCA would be more than a network of people and communities as it would also be a promise and a commitment to preserve, to record and to empower. 'It will recognise the value of communities that are often marginalised or overlooked. The APCA will give voice to Asian Portuguese communities in conversations with governments and international institutions,' he said. 'It will support research, education and economic sustainability. It will help protect the histories and identities of people whose cultures are mixed, complex and proud. 'The goal is not only to honour the past but to make that past a platform for renewal. This will include documenting oral histories, supporting cultural festivals and strengthening community-led development.' Across Asia, Portuguese-descendant communities have survived wars, famines, migrations and political upheavals. They have adapted and endured. They have safeguarded traditions, stories, rituals and unique cuisines. Their survival is an act of defiance against forgetting. And yet, they are often invisible in national narratives. Forgotten by textbooks and histories. Treated as curiosities rather than as contributors to the richness of the nations in which they live. 'That is why it matters so much to come together. You are here not just to remember but to re-imagine and agree on a shared path forward. 'You must value shared bonds, not as nostalgia but as a foundation to resist the erosion of culture, the loss of stories, and the slow drift of communities,' concluded Ramos-Horta.
CNA
12-06-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Commentary: With 6 months left as chair, Malaysia should double down on the 40-year ASEAN Power Grid dream
KUALA LUMPUR: One way to understand how the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) works is to look at the 46th ASEAN Summit 's gala dinner on May 26. The night was a cultural tour de force, led by the world-renowned Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, unleashing not only the heritage of the host nation, Malaysia - in songs, costumes, dance - but also each of the other member states. The highest diplomatic point happened at the midpoint of the dinner. Three Malaysian singers broke into a medley of folk songs from every ASEAN country: the classic Sabai Sabai of Thailand, love ballad Pka Sla of Cambodia, archipelago Rasa Sayang of Indonesia, gentle Dok Champa of Laos, radio-favourite Shwe Pyi Tike of Myanmar, harmonious Bayan Ko of the Philippines, famous Home of Singapore, up-tempo Trong Com of Vietnam, recognisable Adai-Adai of Brunei, patriotic Sejahtera Malaysia of Malaysia, and Oh, Oh Timor of soon-to-be member Timor-Leste. Leaders smiled and cheered when they heard their songs. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took out her camera and recorded before giving the thumbs up; Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao cheered and waved his flag. Southeast Asia is about respecting differences, and the prerequisite of any collaboration is trust. Every country needs to feel like they are heard and have a place. No country is more important than the other. This is also why ASEAN has always been perceived as friendly but fragmented, progress stable but stalling. A TURNING POINT FOR ASEAN? When Malaysia took over the rotating chairmanship in 2025, many hoped it would usher in a new era of regional cooperation and decisive action. The timing seemed right. Geopolitical tensions necessitated stronger regional trade and integration. New leaders of member states seemed to agree on core economic growth items such as green energy, digitalisation and trade. The new chair, led by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, also seemed to command respect from others. Mr Anwar's mix of decades-long international network and personal charisma is unquestioned. ASEAN's rising middle class is ripe for an institutional turning point. However, a one-year timeline to coordinate structural changes in a loose regional system is overwhelming. Other member states may not have the same urgency for regional victory as the host nation, as domestic issues typically dominate leaders' day-to-day. United States President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs threw off the world, with a baseline 10 per cent for most countries, including Singapore, and as much as 49 per cent for Cambodia. ASEAN countries scrambled for bilateral carve-outs, amid stock market rout and currency declines, instead of adopting a bloc-wide approach. The sobering truth is that ASEAN concerns come second after domestic concerns. This is not unique to ASEAN; it is the reality of every loose non-integrated bloc. Against this backdrop, any lasting legacy-building work for ASEAN must be of equal or more importance to their domestic issues. ASEAN POWER GRID With six months left as chair, Malaysia would do well to double down on the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) development, a project that has the potential to deliver structural, lasting impact. Almost every region has plans for something similar. Europe (ENTSO-e), Southern Africa (SAPP), Central America (SIEPAC), Central Asia (CASA-100), and even Australia to Singapore. A supergrid for the region effectively makes borders invisible, creating superhighways for electrons to pass through land and sea, so that clean energy from the mountains and desert can power the city lights in another country. Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok's midday solar energy could be complemented by Mekong River's hydro energy at night. Indonesian and Filipino geothermal power could backstop variable changes of Ho Chi Minh, Manila and Singapore. For the ordinary person, this would promise cheaper bills, fewer blackouts, cleaner air, new jobs and higher income. Countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia and Myanmar that export clean energy can earn foreign revenue with reliable buyers. Transit states like Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei pocket the wheeling charges (fees paid to transmit electricity through a grid) to fund grid upgrades. Import-heavy sites (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh, Manila) secure clean, stable electricity and hedge against global fuel shocks. Although the APG idea was mooted as early as 1981, it went through a slow burn where progress was limited to research and interconnection builds. The first real demonstration was in 2018 when 100 megawatts (MW) of Laos hydropower slipped through the existing Thai gridlines and landed in Malaysia. It was the first time three ASEAN countries' power systems traded across borders. Wheeling charges, grid codes, legal agreements and political will made it happen. Then it went further. Singapore joined in. This time, with Thailand and Malaysia acting as the wheeling states. 100MW from Laos to the island state. Then 200MW, and talks went as far as 300MW. Now a fifth country, Vietnam, might join in a big way. MAKING THINGS HAPPEN Perhaps the most important agreement signed at the 46th ASEAN meeting is the potential Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore project to transmit offshore wind energy from Vietnam to Malaysia and Singapore. This means that on top of the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore transmission over land, we might have another subsea cable transmission from Vietnam to Malaysia and Singapore. Granted, these infrastructure projects take time to build. Even feasibility studies typically take months to years. However, there are a few structural changes that could be completed by Malaysia in a few months to leave a legacy as ASEAN chair. First, set a transparent wheeling charges formula. Now, most deals are negotiated from scratch on a case-by-case basis, resulting in protracted timelines. While a 'reasonable' rate varies widely, adopting best practices from other supergrids, like Southern African Power Pool may expedite this process. Rather than imposing exact rates, the formula could agree on key components, such as the proportion of network used, age of assets and replacement cost, and allowance for maintenance and operational costs. Analysts have widely agreed that this is one of the most consequential items for the APG. Second, expand the capacity target for Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project. Part of the reason this pilot did not progress further is also due to the lack of transparent wheeling charges formula. If this can be solved, setting a capacity target higher than 300MW is important as a showcase of what the APG could become. The critical paperwork is already in place - they could be boilerplates for others. Scaling from here is easier than any new project. Third, a fully funded tripartite feasibility study (Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore) with a time-bound path to a term sheet. Based on other similar projects, a concept-to-term-sheet timeline is typically four to six years. While it can't be achieved within this ASEAN term, the most important thing to do is to ensure feasibility study is started, with the backing of governments and multilateral development banks. If political and technical certainty can be secured, the remainder terms would be more mechanical than existential. In regional cooperation, the most difficult thing to do is to search for something concrete. Broad base frameworks set an umbrella of goodwill for discussions, but they must be translated into something tangible and beneficial to all involved. The APG still remains the highest leverage item for ASEAN, and it could potentially set off a series of deeper cooperation between nations. At the very least, it could be the very few items that would make many member states care more than their domestic issues.
Barnama
28-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
TIMOR-LESTE PM'S VISIT TO WESTSTAR SIGNALS STRONGER BILATERAL TIES IN AVIATION, ENERGY
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The official visit by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao to Weststar Group's headquarters reflects the shared commitment of both Weststar Group and the Timor-Leste government to strengthening bilateral cooperation in aviation, energy support services, and economic development. Group managing director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim said Weststar's relationship with Timor-Leste dates back to 2014, beginning with the supply of 10 units of 4x4 general service cargo vehicles to the Timor-Leste Defence Force. 'This year, we have proudly expanded our operations to include rotary-wing aviation support with the deployment of two AW189 helicopters based in Dili, operating under a contract with Santos in the Bayu Undan field,' he said in a statement, in conjunction with Gusmao's visit to its corporate headquarters here today. As part of Weststar's long-term commitment to the region, the company is working in partnership with Timor-Leste's national oil and gas company, Timor GAP, to further strengthen its presence in the country through the introduction of the AW139 helicopter fleet. The statement said that this next phase of operations will include support for utility, VIP, and emergency medical services (EMS). 'Weststar has already conducted two EMS missions in Timor-Leste, one of which included the honour of facilitating the air transport of the late Padre Domingos Maubere, a deeply respected spiritual leader in the country. This reflects not only the capabilities of our operations, but also the humanity that drives our mission,' said Syed Azman. He also said that the visit served as a platform to recognise Timor-Leste's impending full accession to ASEAN, a milestone Weststar fully supports. 'We look forward to seeing Timor-Leste take its rightful place within the ASEAN community. Weststar stands ready to support this transition by contributing to the region's infrastructure and human capital development,' he said. According to the statement, the group's subsidiary, Weststar Aviation Services' growing footprint in Timor-Leste is part of a broader strategic vision to strengthen the company's presence in Southeast Asia, focusing on safety, service excellence, and sustainable growth in the energy and government aviation sectors.
Barnama
28-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Chinese Premier, GCC Leaders Depart After ASEAN-GCC, ASEAN-GCC-China Summits
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao (right) departed for home today after attending the ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al Sabah departed for home today after attending the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Chinese Premier Li Qiang departs for home at 9.15 am today after attending the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur. SEPANG, May 28 (Bernama) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states' leaders and their delegations departed for home today following the conclusion of the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Li and his delegation boarded a special flight at 9.15 am from the Bunga Raya Complex of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). They were sent off by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. At around 10 am, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, also left for home aboard a special aircraft. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali was present to bid him farewell. Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs of Oman, Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, departed for home at 2.33 pm, sent off by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Meanwhile, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao left at 11.50 am aboard a special aircraft, and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was present to see him off. All the leaders were given a red carpet ceremonial send-off and a guard-of-honour mounted by 28 officers and personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial). Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his opening remarks at the ASEAN-GCC Summit, described the gathering as exceptional in the context of Southeast Asia Anwar highlighted the presence of ASEAN leaders alongside representatives from the GCC countries as a testament to the growing mutual trust and friendship between the two blocs. The 46th ASEAN Summit was held on Monday under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', and it was followed by the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Timor-Leste on track to full ASEAN membership by October, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asian leaders have agreed to accept Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October, subject to the fulfilment of several remaining requirements for full membership. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, however, said that the leaders had reached a consensus to support Timor-Leste in taking all necessary steps to become a full member of the regional bloc. 'The decision was clearly to agree (that) they would become accepted as full member by next Summit in October, of course subject to one or two actions or reforms to be undertaken, particularly one of the condition of economic pillar,' he said in the wrap-up press conference to conclude the 46th ASEAN Summit, here today. Timor Leste, which first applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, was granted observer status at high-level meetings in 2022. However, its full integration is still under evaluation. Its Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who was also in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Summit, was reported as being optimistic about securing the full membership by the end of this year.
