Zchwantech and Timor-Leste Forge a Landmark Partnership for a Sovereign AI-Powered Nation 

Timor-Leste and Zchwantech enter landmark AI partnership

At the heart of every great national transformation is a choice to pioneer a new path rather than follow the old ones. Following a successful high-level delegation visit to Kuala Lumpur, Zchwantech and the Government of Timor-Leste have officially made that choice.

We are proud to announce the Timor-Leste Zchwantech partnership, a strategic collaboration to co-develop a sovereign AI-powered digital nation. This initiative serves as a significant milestone in the Timor Digital 2032 transformation strategy, designed to empower every Timorese citizen through cutting-edge technology and secure infrastructure.

(From left) Zchwantech corporate compliance senior manager BL Khoo, Timor-Leste’s Ataúro Special Development Fund (FEDA) national advisor Expedito Roberto Maria Belo, FEDA executive director Hermes da Rosa Correia Barros, Timor-Leste’s decentralisation and local government general director Antonio Augusto Guterres, Zchwantech executive director Alex Chan, Timor-Leste State Administration Minister’s chief of staff Benigno Humberto Gregorio Da Cruz, Zchwantech director Steven Lim, Zchwantech chief technology officer Chay Weei Jye, Zchwantech consultant Muhd Al-Shahmii, Total SE Solutions Sdn Bhd executive director Wayne Huang and Zchwantech public sector and enterprise strategy director Nicole Kok during the meeting to establish the strategic partnership between Timor-Leste and Zchwantech.

A Vision Rooted in Sovereignty 

Our mission ensures that Timor-Leste owns its digital future. By building in-country infrastructure, this landmark AI partnership guarantees that the nation’s data stays under its own protection and control, fostering true technological independence and long-term resilience.

“Zchwantech is well positioned to support Timor-Leste’s digital transformation by delivering end-to-end capabilities, from sovereign infrastructure and cybersecurity to AI-driven platforms and governance frameworks. Our role is to enable the development of secure, future-ready national systems grounded in sovereignty, resilience and long-term nation-building.” 

— Datuk Seow Gim Shen, Chairman of Zchwantech 

To achieve this, we are launching a feasibility study for a National Sovereign AI Cloud and Data Centre. Designed to Tier 3+ standards and located within Timor-Leste, this infrastructure will underpin national digital services and ensure operational resilience. 

Digital Identity as a Unified Key 

A core pillar of this sovereign AI partnership involves the development of an AI-Enhanced National Digital Identity System (Digital ID). By combining advanced biometrics with artificial intelligence, we are creating an inclusive and secure system envisioned as a unified digital key to unlock public services, social benefits, and financial systems.

“Beyond system delivery, our focus is on effective transfer of technology and operational know-how. We aim to work alongside Timor-Leste’s institutions to ensure local teams are equipped to operate, manage and progressively enhance these digital platforms. This approach supports long-term sustainability while allowing solutions to expand in step with national priorities.” 

— Mr. Alex Chan, Executive Director of Zchwantech 

(From left) Belo, Guterres, Da Cruz, Chan and Lim discussing the details of the strategic partnership.

A Decisive Journey for the People 

Our partnership also addresses Secure and Smart Border Management solutions and Digital Trade Corridors. By streamlining customs procedures and automating border crossings through e-Gates, we are opening Timor-Leste to the world with improved security and efficiency. 

“Timor-Leste is embarking on a decisive journey where technology empowers our people and accelerates our development. Our partnership with Zchwantech is a strategic choice to build sovereign capability. We are co-creating a secure digital foundation that will serve our citizens equitably and propel our nation toward its goals under the Timor Digital 2032 vision.” 

— Mr. Benigno Humberto Gregorio Da Cruz, Chief of Staff for the Minister of State Administration 

Looking Toward 2032 

The foundations we lay today in infrastructure, identity, and trade are only the beginning. The future phases of our cooperation may extend to public service innovations spanning smart healthcare, AI-optimized agricultural logistics and personalized digital education platforms across key ministries. 

At Zchwantech, we are not just delivering a system; we are building a future-ready, sovereign AI-powered digital nation. 

Stay update on our progress as this landmark AI partnership continues to set a new standard for digital governance in Southeast Asia, it has garnered widespread recognition across the region. For more in-depth perspectives on how we are shaping the Timor Digital 2032 vision, you can explore the featured coverage in The Star, New Straits Times, Berita Harian, Focus Malaysia, and VSDaily.

To learn more about our solutions and our journey in driving global digital transformation, discover our progress at zchwantech.com.