Government of Timor-Leste

On October 20^th, 2026, in Bandung, Indonesia, the Minister of Strategic Planning and Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, received the “Distinguished Honorary Fellow” distinction from the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) during the 44th Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO 44).

The “Distinguished Honorary Fellow” distinction is conferred by AFEO on individuals of recognised distinction who have rendered significant service to the development of the engineering profession, the achievement of the Federation’s vision and mission, nation-building, or the ASEAN community. Under AFEO regulations, potential recipients include government ministers and other figures holding positions of high responsibility.

Gastão Francisco de Sousa is an engineer and a member of the National Association of Engineers of Timor-Leste. He previously served as Minister of Public Works in the 5th Constitutional Government and currently serves as Minister of Strategic Planning and Investment in the 9th Constitutional Government, with responsibilities that include strategic and integrated planning and the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan, particularly in infrastructure, urban planning, and spatial planning.

The certificate awarded to Minister Gastão Francisco de Sousa was signed by AFEO President Ilham Akbar Habibie and the organisation’s Secretary-General, Tan Chee Fai.

CAFEO 44 took place in Bandung from October 20^th to 22^nd, under the theme “Future of ASEAN: Shared Prosperity and Humanity Through Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialisation”.

The conference comprised engineering sessions, working group meetings, technical visits, a Women Engineers Summit, a Young Engineers Festival, AFEO institutional meetings, and activities on sustainable development and regional cooperation among engineering professionals.