People-to-People Connectivity in Action: Hong Kong and Macao Students Explore Timor-Leste

In late July, 22 secondary school and university students from Hong Kong and Macao, who are part of GX’s second cohort of “Youth Ambassador Programme”, embarked on an eight day public health study tour and internship in Timor Leste. The itinerary included visits to medical institutions, community health education, public health project monitoring, and cultural exchanges, aimed at broadening Hong Kong and Macao youths’ participation in global health governance and their international outlook.

The delegation was warmly received by H.E. Ms. WANG Wenli, Chinese Ambassador to Timor Leste, for a discussion, on 21 July. Ambassador WANG extended a warm welcome to the youth ambassadors and shared insights on the history of China Timor Leste diplomatic relations, international diplomatic practices, and local social development. She encouraged the students to leverage the international strengths of Hong Kong and Macao youth and engage deeply in community service. The participants also actively sought advice on topics such as the daily work of diplomats and public diplomacy strategies, fostering a lively exchange.

During the internship, the students were divided into three groups and travelled to the provinces of Baucau, Atabae, and Maliana to conduct field visits to GX’s dengue prevention and control and clean water projects at local hospitals and community health centres, and to carry out community health education activities themselves. In addition, the team visited the mountainous area of Maubisse to participate in a local Mass and interact with the community, joining in song and dance to practice people to people connectivity. They also conducted home visits to three families to learn about grassroots health and living needs. The delegation further visited the Universidade Católica Timorense and the World Health Organization country office in Timor Leste to discuss global health strategies and toured the Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum to deepen their understanding of local history and culture.

Since 2024, GX has implemented multiple public health programmes in Timor Leste. In dengue prevention and control, it has donated mosquito lamps, bed nets, rapid test kits, and sticky fly traps to local medical institutions. Under the Direct Potable Water Project, GX has donated and installed 100 water purification machines across the country, covering healthcare facilities, churches, and schools. In addition, GX has signed a two year Youth Development Programme with the Universidade Católica Timorense, providing over 60 internship placements for local medical students and promoting two way exchanges among young people from both sides.

GX’s one year "Youth Ambassador Programme" aims to cultivate humanitarian talent with both international vision and social responsibility, offering secondary school and university students from the Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas practical training, cross border exchanges, and community knowledge transfer. Since its launch in 2024, the programme has nurtured nearly 80 youth ambassadors.