Díli, October 15^th, 2024 — The Acting Executive Director of the TIC TIMOR I.P. Agency, Mr. Justo Fernandes, accompanied by the TIC Senior Advisor, Dr. Eusebio Guterres, and the team, held a coordination meeting with representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Ms. Leila Maria Gusmão dos Reis Martins, IFC Operations Officer, and Ms. Fangfang Jiang, IFC Principal Operations Officer, at the TIC TIMOR I.P. building in Caicoli.

On this occasion, the IFC emphasized that the purpose of the meeting with TIC TIMOR is to gather more information about digital transformation in Timor-Leste. This topic is extremely relevant, as the IFC is involved in Digital Infrastructure programs, including the ID Digital (UID) program, Digital Banking, and the Digital Inclusion Program, which encompasses e-learning, fintech, aggrotech, and healthtech. The IFC also encourages the establishment of Data Center infrastructure for private sector.

Ms. Jiang Fangfang also pointed out that they feel proud of TIC TIMOR, which has already begun implementing Information and Communication Technologies, thus they intend to provide support to TIC TIMOR.

Considering that TIC and Digital Transformation are cross-cutting issues, in this regard, TIC TIMOR, as the main agency, will also seek to strengthen ties with key institutions such as BCTL and MCI.

The IFC stressed that the UID program, the Cybersecurity Policy, the legal framework for Privacy and Data Protection, and the existence of Cybercrime are imperative and essential for the implementation of the Electronic Government Program and Digitalization.

Meanwhile, TIC TIMOR introduced its specific mission attributed to promote the development of ICT and Electronic Government in state institutions across the national territory. It also mentioned the priority of the IX Constitutional Government and the priority areas of TIC TIMOR in Digital transformation, which includes the Ministries of State Administration, Health, Education, and Agriculture. Additionally, it highlighted the existence of various Digital Infrastructures under the management of TIC TIMOR, as well as versatile Systems and Applications, particularly the Office System and Human Resources, which already have initiated the introduction at the municipal level. They further stated that, the digital transformation will be gradually implemented, taking into account the aspects of human resources, the readiness of Digital Infrastructure, and financial capacity.

Take into consideration to the modular or gradual implementation, in collaboration with the MAE in the implementation of the Balcão Único, which may possibly integrate the “Uma Digital” program, outlined in TD 2032. The UID program under the mandate of the IX Government has become part of the MJ. By nature, the TIC TIMOR Agency will collaborate on the technical aspects.

To protect the Electronic Government program and digitalization, TIC TIMOR collaborates with the Tutelary Ministry and the MJ regarding the preparation of the legal framework, particularly in relation to Data Protection, Privacy, and Cybercrime.

“We are pleased to establish collaboration, as TIC has  adequate ICT infrastructure to implement in any area of resources, aiming to provide mutual support. Therefore, we would like to receive information that TIC can share with us, so that we can work together”.

Based on the explanation from the IFC, the Acting Executive Director and also the Director of Development of Information Systems and Applications (DSIA), Mr. Justo Fernandes, stated that the TIC Agency is responsible for the implementation of Electronic Government in Timor-Leste as it has been outlined at the IX Constitutional Government.

The government will focus on the areas of Education, Health, and Agriculture in the future, emphasized the Director.

The Director added that TIC TIOMOR has made significant progress, starting from the national to the Municipalities level.

“TIC Timor has a Data Center located at the Palácio do Governo, along with a Network Infrastructure that has already been implemented in the municipalities with local lines. This includes a team of Software Developers for Information Systems and Applications, as well as Cybersecurity. Furthermore, we are currently focusing on the Government Portal, such as the Human Resources System and others.”

The Director also informed that, currently, the TIC TIMOR team is conducting sensitization on Electronic Government in all Municipalities, and in the future, through the Government program, there are plans to provide capacity building in ICT for the public employees next year.

Meanwhile, the meeting was attended by the National ICT Policy & E-Governance Advisor of TIC TIMOR, Ms. Elizabeth Baptista, and the Logistics Support of the TIC Executive Officer, Mr. António Colo.