Dili, 25 October 2024—The TIC TIMOR I.P. Agency provided sensitization on Electronic Government, 'Revolutionizing Government with Accessible Digital Services to Promote Good Governance and Improve Service Delivery of Government to Employees in the Presence of the President of the Municipal Authority of Dili (PAM Portuguese Acronym),' including representatives of local authorities.

At the occasion of the sensitization activity, the Executive Director of the TIC TIMOR I.P. Agency, Mr. Venâncio Pinto, stated that in this sensitization activity, we are entering the era of electronic government or digitization. Time that is highly advanced, not only allowing easy access to information and the use of digital tools, but also ushering in a revolution of innovation and technology in which leading us to a stage integrating more advanced technologies in manufacturing and production processes, marking the transition from 4.0 technology and now we are entering 5.0.

Idea in which leading us to the concept that technology of today is no longer just a secondary need, but has become a primary necessity. To implement and the utilizing a more modern technologies in Timor-Leste, the responsibility does not fall solely on the TIC or any particular individual, however, should involve government institutions, civil society, and the media. Therefore, we all have a moral responsibility to implement digitization in Timor-Leste.

Speaking on digital literacy and electronic government, we cannot overlook an awareness campaign that focuses on important issues related to the digital landscape, such as ways to improve our ability to use digital technologies effectively to access information and communication, solving problems, and creating content. However, it also aims to enhance our ability to critically access information, interpreting the media content, and distinguishing between credible sources and fake information.

The top leader of the Agency also stated that this year the Submarine Cable project will be implemented in Timor-Leste, which could facilitate access to the internet with better and high capacity as well as the quality.

“I am delighted like to inform you that, in November or December, we will obtain one big project called the Submarine Cable, which will bring a significant improvement with high-capacity internet. Therefore, the goal of this awareness campaign with a view in preparing us, thus, upon the arrival of the Submarine Cable, we would be ready to use the high-capacity internet.

We should separate two things: one about Electronic Government and the other on the Digital Transformation. Electronic Government means that we transform services from manual to electronic form. While, digitization means that we are able to access all systems in one single place only.

The Executive Director also clarified that the systems being implemented are not without reason, as Timor has joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). Therefore, Timor-Leste needs to make maximum efforts to implement Electronic Government, and next year we will also become members of ASEAN. These factors become challenges for Timor-Leste, however, it seems not too late for Timor-Leste.

The Executive Director further stated that, it is expected that by 2025, the Municipality of Dili will have an integrated line between the Municipality and its Administrative Posts, allowing communication solely via email.

The superior also requested the Directors, Sub-District Administrators, and Heads of Department, most of whom are government employees, in taking this opportunity positively, as discussing on the Electronic Government involves the transformation from manual to electronic form. Therefore, if there are any suggestions or desires to implement system in the Sub-District Administrative, the TIC is always ready to provide its support.

On the same occasion, the President of the Municipal Authority of Díli (PAM), Mr. Gregório Saldanha, stated that this sensitization is an important step toward achieving changes.

The world of today become closer and more transparent, there is no longer have secrets, as moments like this are practically driven by technology that makes the world faster. We are discussing Electronic Government and digitalization because it revolutionizes the governance.

The PAM Díli also emphasized that the world of technology is advancing significantly in other nations, thus, Timor-Leste continues to make efforts to engage in this technological era.

In the modern world, technology is developing constantly; therefore, Timor-Leste must not fall behind or lose out. We will soon join ASEAN as well as WTO, therefore, we need to adapt to this environment where technology is so advanced. In moments like these, this advanced technology greatly helps to accelerate services with a more effective way.

The president further emphasized that, with this sensatization, they have the opportunity to obtain more information from the TIC TIMOR Agency, thus allowing them to integrate into the Municipality of Díli as one of the criteria of the IX Government program, which is successful in governance and inspires trust in the people.

On the last occasion, the President of the Municipal Authority of Díli also expressed gratitude to the Director of TIC TIMOR and his team, who play a very important role in carrying out this sensitization on this subject.

During this sensitization, also carried out presentation by Units such as Timor Digital, the Cybersecurity, the Directorate of Information Systems and Applications Development Directorate, the Directorate of Network Infrastructure Services, and the Directorate of the Data Center.

Meanwhile, this awareness campaign also included the presence of the Directors, Heads of Department, and Employees of the Municipal Authority of Díli.

(Média TIC).