Studying at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) became an unforgettable experience for the Chair of UGM Alumni Family (Kagama) of Timor-Leste, Dr. Manuel Vong. After completing his master’s degree in Public Administration at UGM, he returned to his home country to serve the nation. Throughout his professional career, he served as Minister of Tourism of Timor-Leste. Inspired by his alma mater, he also co-founded the Dili Institute of Technology and later served as its rector.
Dr. Vong acknowledged that the positions he held were not easy to obtain. He shared that his career journey was marked by numerous challenges. However, through the contributions and dedication of UGM, guided by experienced lecturers, every difficulty he faced was resolved.
“We were sharpened, nurtured, and cared for by Professor Sofian Effendi, Professor Warsito, and many other outstanding professors, shaping a farmer’s child, a taxi driver, and a bread seller from Samoro, Soibada, into who I am today,” said Dr. Vong, representing the Kagama Central Board, in his address at the UGM Graduate Program Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday (Jan. 21) at Grha Sabha Pramana.
According to Dr. Vong, the knowledge and values he gained at UGM became essential capital in his contributions to education and knowledge development in Timor-Leste. Armed with this education, he was able to play a direct role and create a tangible impact in his homeland.
“I truly felt the values upheld by UGM while completing my master’s program. Through that process, I learned to see life’s realities firsthand and to design ways to implement a vision that benefits society, while remaining faithful to Kagama’s principles of guyub, rukun, and migunani,” he explained.
Serving as Rector of the Dili Institute of Technology (DIT) and as Minister of Tourism of Timor-Leste was not an instant process. Therefore, Dr. Vong did not want to miss the opportunity to share knowledge with all segments of Timorese society.
“I am grateful that after completing my studies in the Master of Public Administration program at UGM, my colleagues and I were able to serve the people of Timor-Leste by establishing the Dili Institute of Technology, which carries the motto ‘Educated to Serve’,” he added.
With the establishment of an educational institution in Timor-Leste, Dr. Vong hopes that the people of Timor-Leste will gain the highest possible levels of experience and knowledge.
“We want to make it easier for people to obtain decent employment and to develop professionalism in accordance with their respective fields,” he said.
As the Chair of Kagama Timor-Leste, Dr. Vong continues to uphold the values he acquired during his time at UGM. One manifestation of this commitment is his effort to bridge community service programs, such as the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM), across the border between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
“I am confident that Kagama Timor-Leste, along with all Kagama chapters in Indonesia, shares the same commitment to making the KKN program a center of growth, change, and innovation for communities in the Indonesia–Timor-Leste border areas,” he stated.
On the same occasion, he also expressed his gratitude, particularly to all those who supported him during his most difficult times. Dr. Vong conveyed his appreciation to teachers and lecturers who supported and accompanied him throughout his studies.
“When I faced difficulties, so many people helped me. That is why I also want to help others who may be experiencing similar hardships, especially in the field of education, so that all members of society can access education,” he said.
Today, in addition to serving as Chair of Kagama Timor-Leste, Dr. Vong also serves as Director of the Doctor of Business Administration Program at the Dili Institute of Technology.
As Chair of Kagama in Timor-Leste, he noted that the number of UGM alumni in the country has exceeded 3,000. Through Kagama, he hopes to strengthen further cooperation between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Government of Timor-Leste.
Author: Diyana Khairunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Firsto Adi