Dili, July 14, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, said that through the participation of students from the 3rd Cycle of Basic Education of Timor-Leste in the international event The 11th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey (APT-JSO11), which was held for five days from 06 to 10 July 2026, in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines.
Timorese students presented to the Ministry of Education the results of the ASEAN plus Three Junior Science Odyssey 2026, APT – JSO Grand Awards with Gold Medal, Silver Medal and Bronze Medal.
Minister of Education Dulce de Jesus Soares stated that this event brought together students, teachers and representatives from ASEAN+3 region countries to share knowledge, develop scientific capacity, creativity and innovation.
“Strengthening collaboration in the areas of science and sustainability according to the National Base Curriculum for the 2nd Cycle of Basic Education Timor-Leste’s participation in this event represents the Ministry of Education’s commitment to promote scientific learning, critical thinking, creativity and the development of students’ capacity to participate in international competitions.” said the Minister at the Ministry of Education (13/07/26).
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Minister Dulce expressed appreciation to the students, mentor teachers and all parties who contributed to Timor-Leste’s success in The 11th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey.
This participation serves as inspiration to continue strengthening science education, innovation and preparation of students for the future.
At the same place, Head of Department at the Ministry of Education, Edia Monteiro, said she was happy to hear the results that we won medals at this regional event, because Timor-Leste is a country that competed in this event with a very different approach and activities.
“But on the ASEAN Pacific stage, ASEAN itself, Timor’s name was mentioned on the top stage. In this activity, teachers were also involved, but the teachers only shared their best practices that in this year’s event they took from Katuklas, from the prefixes in Katuklas, Kaugnay and Kaisa.” she said.
The teachers shared their experiences about Katuklas on how to integrate climate change into the curriculum. This is something to be very proud of because our curriculum already integrates climate change.
“So the curriculum that we are currently implementing for 7th grade, each subject has a project each period.” she stated.
The mentor said that when sharing experiences there with students from other countries, they said that Timor-Leste already has products if we properly implement our approaches. So each subject has three projects per year.
Then the biggest assessment value is 75% and we take it from the project. When we implement this well, our products are already there and international events invite us.
“We have already implemented student-centered teaching and learning in this event. Our teaching is already based on 21st century competencies: critical thinking, creativity, we have already achieved this.” she added.
Student Representative, Angelica da Costa Sequeira, explained that although she faced difficulties, she continued to get motivation from family and educators to participate with confidence and actively during the activities.
“I received motivation from family and educators, and that is what gave me the strength to ask questions to the scientists. From the attitude of asking questions, I managed to get a medal.” said Angelica.
She also said that the first medal she received was for being active in the question and answer session with scientists. That medal is considered a result of her courage and willingness to learn.
Angelica said another medal she received was also related to group work with participants from various countries, including Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia and Malaysia. She said that the group she was part of made a presentation on a science topic that received good appreciation from the scientists.
She added that the third medal they received was also because the Timor-Leste team showed activity, discipline and high attention during learning sessions and knowledge exchange with scientists.
“When scientists shared their knowledge and experience, we paid attention and listened well. That helped us learn a lot and get good results.” she said.
Regarding the fourth medal, Angelica explained that it was related to technology use activities, which gave students the opportunity to learn and apply technological knowledge in practical situations.
On this occasion, Angelica asked the Ministry of Education to continue to provide support and opportunities for Timorese students to participate in international events like this, because the experience can increase students’ capacity and motivation to achieve even better results in the future.
She also emphasized that during preparation and learning, the main difficulty they faced was the use of foreign languages and subjects related to science and technology. Despite this, the students continued to strive to overcome these obstacles and represent Timor-Leste with dignity at the international level.
Meanwhile, the Timor-Leste Student Delegation that represented Timor-Leste were:
Alandrinho Corbafo Caunan – Colégio Paulo VI, Dili Municipality
Angelica da Costa Sequeira – EBC Bidau Akadiruhun, Dili Municipality
Mendelina de Carmen Mascarenhas – EBC 30 de Agosto, Dili Municipality
Nelia Patricio Soares – EBC São Pedro, Dili Municipality
Peter Carlos Chima Anaje – EBC São José Operário, Dili Municipality
Salvador da Costa Pacheco – EBC Esperança da Pátria, Dili Municipality
And the Mentor Teachers who accompanied the student delegation were:
Alegrina de Jesus – EBC Akadiruhun
Helena de Sousa Amara – EBC Esperança da Pátria
Results of Timor-Leste’s Participation in The 11th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey:
The Timor-Leste delegation achieved good results with the following achievements:
- A. APT-JSO Grand Awards: 1 Gold Medal, 3 Silver Medals, 2 Bronze Medals
- B. Excellence Awards / Special Prizes
The Timor-Leste delegation also received special recognition through:
– Best in Estimating Carbon Footprint
– Best in Wings of Chance Challenge
– Katuklas Excellence Award – for new and original scientific discovery.
– Kaugnay Excellence Award – for excellence in teamwork and respect for culture.
– Kaisa Excellence Award – for strong advocacy for climate action.
Meaning of Katuklas, Kaugnay and Kaisa
Katuklas (Discovery) represents the spirit of research and seeking new knowledge through science and innovation.
Kaugnay (Collaboration) symbolizes the importance of working together among students, teachers, institutions and participating countries to share experience and knowledge.
Kaisa (Unity) reflects unity and solidarity in strengthening international cooperation in the areas of education and science.
Report By: Nélia Freitas
Photo: Estefánia Cardoso