From June 23 to 25, SOI Asia delegation formed by Achmad Husni Thamrin and Noriatsu Kudo (Keio University), and Marcos Sadao Maekawa (APNIC Foundation) visited Timor Leste to deepen collaboration with partners in academia and infrastructure. The trip had three key objectives: signing the agreement for CBR3 (a community-based research project focused on IoT for water source management), facilitating the APIE Kick-start Workshop with students from the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), and exploring the future of the country’s national research and education network (NREN) with the National Authority of Communications (ANC).
Signing the CBR3 Agreement with UNTL
On June 24, SOI Asia and UNTL formalized their partnership in the CBR3 initiative—a project that uses IoT technologies to monitor water sources. This collaboration reflects a mutual commitment to digital transformation, sustainable development, and local capacity building.
During the signing ceremony, the Rector of UNTL expressed strong interest in future projects related to water preservation. The SOI Asia team introduced the broader CBR (Community-based research) initiative and discussed its alignment with the university’s long-term goals.
Kick-starting APIE with Local Students
Also on June 24, the team led the first APIE Kick-start Workshop at UNTL’s Hera Campus. Nearly 30 engineering students participated in the session, which introduced them to the APIE learning pathway and provided a hands-on start with SOI Asia’s Identity Provider (IdP), Inxignia, and the FutureLearn course Understanding the Internet.
Despite network challenges on campus, the students showed motivation and curiosity, receiving their first APIE certificates and badges. The workshop concluded with group photos and final remarks. Follow-up activities are planned as the students begin the Core Course in August, aiming to join the next APIE Camp in early 2026.
Building Momentum with the National Authority of Communications
On June 25, the delegation met with the National Communications Authority (ANC) to discuss the development of Timor Leste’s national research and education network, TLREN. ANC Chairman Flávio Cardoso Neves and Director José Lay emphasized their long-standing commitment to improving education connectivity.
The discussion covered potential collaboration with ARENA-PAC. ANC expressed strong interest in working with SOI Asia to strengthen research and education infrastructure nationwide, beginning with a few institutions and expanding gradually.
Looking Ahead
The visit analyzed the readiness of institutions in Timor Leste to engage in regional initiatives and develop local capacity in digital education and research. With the upcoming introduction of alternative options for Internet connectivity and follow-up activities, SOI Asia looks forward to continued collaboration in the economy.
