Yangon, Myanmar, 21 to 24 September 2026, a delegation from the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) took part in three ASEAN digital meetings held at the Novotel Yangon Max. The delegation was led by Mr. Ambrosio M. B. Amaral, Director General of Communications, and included Mr. Agustinho Bruno Halle (Head of Digitalization and Cybersecurity Office), Mr. Pedro Amaral (Director, DNIC), Ms. Georgina E. da Silva Garcia (Finance Administrator, ANC) and Mr. Fabio de Magalhaes (Technical Regulator, ANC).
The meetings were the 9th ASEAN Data Protection and Privacy Forum (ADPPF), the 32nd ASEAN Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (ATRC) meeting with its consultations with dialogue partners and the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), and the Second ADGSOM–ATRC Leaders’ Retreat of 2026.
Timor-Leste’s national update to the ATRC
Timor-Leste presented its regulatory update to the ATRC. Related of the population is reached by 4G/LTE and that internet penetration. The presentation set out a phased roadmap for spectrum and 5G: spectrum management in 2026–27, a National IMT Roadmap in 2027–28, and a primary 5G band from 2028.
Data protection
At the ADPPF, Timor-Leste reported progress on its draft comprehensive Personal Data Protection Law. The Ministry of Justice conducted a public consultation, and the draft will now be reviewed and finalised before it goes to the Council of Ministers.
Regional work plan for 2027
The Retreat considered the 2027 ADGSOM–ATRC Work Plan, which includes 20 projects. Timor-Leste’s proposal, Inclusive Digital Skills Training for Rural Communities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities, is among them. Japan has also reported that the project is under ASEAN Secretariat review for funding from the ASEAN–Japan ICT Fund. Final endorsement is to be confirmed with the ASEAN Secretariat.
Next steps
The delegation’s follow-up plan includes briefing national institutions on the outcomes, confirming focal points for each ASEAN working group, giving feedback on the ASEAN Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, reviewing the draft China–ASEAN “AI+” Action Initiative before the 29th ASEAN–China Summit, and discussing of completing the APT membership process.
“For Timor-Leste, these meetings mark a shift from newcomer to contributor,” the delegation’s report concludes. ANC will continue to take part in ASEAN and APT work on spectrum, AI governance, cybersecurity and satellite connectivity.
