UM lecturer appointed as advisor to Timor-Leste government
Khoo described her appointment as an opportunity for Malaysia, which will assume the Asean chairmanship in 2025 to play a significant role in strategically positioning CNC and Timor-Leste on the Asean map.
DILI - Universiti Malaya (UM) lecturer Associate Professor Dr Khoo Ying Hooi made history as she is appointed as an advisor to the Timor-Leste government for the 'Centro Nacional Chega' (CNC) Board.
Khoo who is from the Department of International and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences was the only Malaysian officially appointed as a member of the International Advisory Council (IAC).
She was one of nine intellectuals and experts across various fields from different countries officially appointed by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao to assist the government in preserving the history of Timor-Leste and the nation's unification process.
According to CNC executive director Hugo Fernandez, all advisory members were selected by Gusmao himself and they will serve CNC for three years.
"They are here to provide support and strategic advice, particularly in the fields of history, post-conflict nation-building, national unification of Timor-Leste, youth empowerment, talent development and governance," Fernandez explained to the media after a meeting with the IAC.
Meanwhile, Khoo described her appointment as an opportunity for Malaysia, which will assume the Asean chairmanship in 2025 to play a significant role in strategically positioning CNC and Timor-Leste on the Asean map.
"In addition to the existing good relations between Malaysia and Timor-Leste, the Asean Chairmanship 2025 makes Malaysia more strategic in strengthening relations between Timor-Leste and Asean, as well as promoting peace and enhancing social ties between the people of Malaysia and Timor-Leste," Khoo said in a brief message after a meeting with Gusmao and other government leadership representatives. - AWANI