Malaysian alumni empower Timor-Leste youth in coral reef conservation

In a bid to bolster Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy agenda, 20 secondary school students delved into the intricacies of coral reef conservation and sustainable tourism at a recent workshop. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) endeavor, spearheaded by the Alumni of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP), unfolded under the guiding hand of Compass Diving and was graced by Malaysian Ambassador Amarjit Sarjit Singh.

The workshop, held on March 2th, aimed to educate participants on the importance of coral reefs, their makeup, various types, and the challenges they face. Both theoretical and practical aspects were covered during the event, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject. To immerse the participants in a real-world scenario, a snorkeling expedition was organized to assess the health of coral reefs firsthand.

MTCP’s legacy of capacity building

The initiative is part of a broader series of CSR activities orchestrated by the MTCP Alumni under the auspices of the Embassy of Malaysia. Since its establishment in 2003, the MTCP has been a beacon of educational empowerment, having trained nearly 650 Timorese public officials through fully-funded short and medium-term courses.

The Malaysian government’s flagship initiative, MTCP, has been instrumental in supporting capacity building requirements of developing countries since 1980. Over the years, more than 34,000 participants from 144 countries have benefited from the diverse training courses offered by the program.

The Coral Reef Conservation Workshop not only aligns with Timor-Leste’s commitment to the Blue Economy but also signifies the collaborative efforts between Malaysia and Timor-Leste in fostering environmental sustainability and educational exchange. Through such initiatives, the MTCP Alumni and the Malaysian Embassy continue to play an active role in shaping a more resilient and ecologically conscious future for the global community.