30th June 2025 – Oecusse, Timor-Leste – Oecusse SAR and Core Management Corporation Seal Transformative Agreements to Drive National Growth and Global Investment into Timor-Leste
In a landmark moment for Timor-Leste’s economic future, the Regional Government of the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA) has officially signed two transformational agreements with Core Management Corporation (CMC), laying the foundation for a new era of digital innovation, sustainable tourism, and inclusive development. These milestone agreements are set to position Oecusse as a dynamic engine for national progress and a gateway for responsible global investment into the country.
Held in a high-level ceremony attended by government dignitaries, corporate leaders, and international partners, the signing marks a pivotal step toward realizing Timor-Leste’s broader vision of economic diversification, digital readiness, and regional competitiveness.
Redevelopment of the Oe-Upu Hotel: Reviving an Icon, Reimagining Hospitality
The first agreement grants CMC the long-term lease of the iconic Oe-Upu Hotel in Oecusse, which will undergo an ambitious transformation into a world-class luxury destination. The revitalized property will feature:
- Five-star accommodations and premium lifestyle suites
- Curated culinary and boutique retail experiences
- Convention and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure
- Wellness, spa, and recreation facilities
- Regulated entertainment and tourism precincts
This anchor development is expected to generate over 500 direct jobs for local Timorese, serve as a model for sustainable tourism, and elevate Oecusse’s international profile as a luxury destination. Its economic impact will ripple across multiple sectors—tourism, transport, education, and local entrepreneurship—supporting the government’s goal of empowering communities and reducing dependency on imports.
Oecusse Digital Centre (ODC): Building Timor-Leste’s First Smart Economy Hub
The second agreement entails the leasing of approximately 140 acres of prime land opposite the Oe-Upu Hotel for the establishment of the Oecusse Digital Centre (ODC) — a bold, multi-phase mega development that will become the heartbeat of Oecusse’s transformation into a digitally advanced and economically diversified region.
ODC will become the nucleus of Oecusse’s smart transformation, encompassing:
- An integrated digital economy hub and innovation ecosystem
- World-class medical and wellness campuses
- Accredited international schools and vocational training institutes
- Smart residential districts and service apartments
- Cultural, leisure, and entertainment zones
- A regulated zone supporting licensed online gaming operations
- Timor-Leste’s first international call centre serving global clients across sectors
As part of its unwavering commitment to support transformative developments in the region, the Regional Government has pledged to take the lead on landfilling and site preparation works on the Said Land, ensuring full compliance with all local regulatory standards and social safeguards. This proactive involvement by the government demonstrates strong institutional backing for CMC’s vision, and reinforces the strategic alignment between public and private sectors in accelerating Oecusse’s rise as a premier investment destination in Southeast Asia.
This integrated development is poised to position Oecusse as a regional powerhouse in digital innovation, smart infrastructure, and sustainable community living.
Catalyzing National Growth through Regional Empowerment
These two integrated developments are not isolated projects—they are core to a long-term strategy to decentralize growth and empower regions to become drivers of national transformation. By leveraging the unique autonomous status of RAEOA, Oecusse becomes a testbed for innovation, governance efficiency, and sustainable development—all aligned with Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan.
The positive spillover effects will extend across national logistics, telecoms, education, and workforce readiness, generating scalable models for replication in other districts.
Rising Global Interest and Strategic Partnerships
CMC’s visionary framework has already attracted significant international attention. A major global conglomerate is in the final stages of formalizing a strategic alliance with CMC, expected to be announced imminently. The partnership will inject substantial capital into renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and green logistics, reinforcing Timor-Leste’s capacity to participate in global value chains.
Discussions are also underway with multiple listed entities and institutional investors from across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East—affirming CMC’s emergence as the preferred investment platform for high-impact, socially responsible capital inflows into Timor-Leste.
Statements from Leaders
H.E. Rogério Tiago de Fátima Lobato, President of RAEOA, emphasized:
“These agreements mark a defining moment in the history of Oecusse. We are building a future grounded in opportunity, digital advancement, and inclusive growth. With CMC as our trusted partner, Oecusse will rise to become a model for sustainable development not just for Timor-Leste, but for the world.”
Dr. Ken Lim, Chairman of CMC, stated:
“Our vision is to build Oecusse into a globally admired region — an ecosystem where innovation meets lifestyle, and investment meets impact. These two agreements are just the beginning. Through CMC, we are creating a structured platform for responsible foreign investment that aligns with the government’s long-term objectives and the aspirations of the people.”
Vincent Yeoh, ManagingDirector of CMC,added:
“With the launch of the Oecusse Digital Centre, we are opening new digital frontiers for the region. By introducing administrative support for regulated online gaming and establishing the country’s first international call centre, we are unlocking a brand-new economy for Timor-Leste. This is a game changer for job creation, digital literacy, and regional competitiveness.”
Jonathan Chan, Chief Legal Counsel of CMC, stated:
“These agreements are about more than just development — they reflect our deep commitment to growing responsibly and creating lasting value for the people of Timor-Leste. At CMC, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of compliance, ethics, and good governance. This will guide every step we take in Oecusse.”
“With the Oecusse Digital Centre, we’re building a hub where innovation, transparency, and sustainability come together. It’s a model for how government and private sector can work hand-in-hand to create real impact. We’re honored to be part of this milestone and remain fully committed to moving forward with care, integrity, and respect for the local community.”
An Invitation to Global Investors
The Regional Government and CMC jointly invite foreign investors, institutional partners, and innovators to explore opportunities in Oecusse through this new chapter of development. With secure frameworks, stable governance, and a gateway to untapped markets, Oecusse is ready to welcome the world — responsibly, sustainably, and strategically.
