INDO - TIMOR MEDICAL EDUCATION SUMMIT
The Event was attended by important guests such as His Excellency Mariano Assanami Sabino, Deputy Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, and Her Excellency Elia A.A. Dos Reis Amara, Timor-Leste's Health Minister. The presence of these prominent leaders highlighted the summit's significance and Timor-Leste's commitment to strengthening international educational exchanges.
Dr. Raja Thangappan, a well-known figure in international medical education, has played an important role in promoting the link between Indian medical students and Timorese educational institutions. His initiatives, in partnership with Drs. Islin J. Baskar and Isaac Baskar, have been critical in creating a streamlined path for Indian students to study MBBS in Timor-Leste. Dr. Thangappan and Timorese officials share a goal for extending educational possibilities and developing cross-cultural exchanges.
One of the highlights of the summit was the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony performed by Mrs. Candida Xiencs Vieria, the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister. This gesture symbolized the illumination of new opportunities and partnerships between India and Timor-Leste in the field of medical education.
In his keynote presentation, Deputy Prime Minister Sabino stressed the benefits of studying MBBS in Timor-Leste. He emphasized that Timor-Leste not only follows the Indian MBBS curriculum but also has cutting-edge infrastructure and amenities. He told prospective students that Timor-Leste is a peaceful and hospitable society with no racial prejudices, making it an excellent choice for Indian students seeking study MBBS abroad.
Her Excellency Elia A.A. Dos Reis Amara expanded on the importance of clinical training for Indian students. She pointed out that Timor-Leste's tropical environment is similar to that of India, so students would acquire good clinical experience dealing with diseases common to both regions.
In a memorable moment, the Deputy Prime Minister launched the Portuguese version of "Fillipisms," a book written by Dr. Prateep V. Philip, former Director General of Police, and handed it over to H.E. Malik, a senior cabinet member from Timor-Leste.
Educational experts and educationists from southern India attended the summit, all of whom acknowledged the great opportunity that studying MBBS in Timor-Leste provides. They applauded the summit for providing a credible option for Indian students who were unable to get medical college admissions in India. Thus paving path for enhanced opportunities of studying MBBS and other distinguished courses in Timor Leste’s medical colleges.
The event came to an end with the rendition of India and Timor-Leste's national anthems, signifying the two countries' strong bonds and mutual respect. According to one of the participating educationists, the summit successfully presented the positive prospects of studying MBBS in Timor-Leste, which aligned with the expectations and goals of Indian medical students. They expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing the value of studying MBBS in Timor-Leste as a viable alternative for students who have faced challenges securing medical college admissions in India. The positive feedback from these educationists underscores the summit’s success in highlighting the opportunities available in Timor-Leste.
For those considering medical education abroad, the Indo-Timor Medical Education Summit has illuminated a promising path: studying MBBS in Timor-Leste offers a blend of high-quality education, a supportive environment, and clinical training relevant to Indian students. The Indo-Timor Medical Education Summit 2024 has set the stage for a new era in international medical education. The collaborative efforts of Dr. Raja Thangappan and his Timorese counterparts have paved the way for Indian students to explore the enriching educational opportunities available in Timor-Leste. With its adherence to the Indian MBBS curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and welcoming environment, Timor-Leste stands out as a promising destination for those looking to embark on a medical career.