OECUSSE, TIMOR-LESTE -- In a landmark display of visionary public-private collaboration, the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA) and Core Management Corporation (CMC) have unveiled a bold, multi-sector development strategy to position Oecusse as Timor-Leste’s premier hub for digital innovation, sustainable tourism, and green energy.

At the heart of this transformation lies the Oecusse Digital Centre (ODC) Smart Hub — a pioneering 140-acre integrated development that merges the iconic Oe-Upu Hotel with cutting-edge digital infrastructure, forming the country’s first future-ready smart city. This vibrant destination will feature five-star accommodations, curated retail and dining, wellness zones, MICE-ready facilities, and regulated entertainment precincts — all seamlessly connected in a self-sustaining, modern ecosystem.

The ODC will drive Timor-Leste’s leap into the digital economy, housing the nation’s first licensed online support and international call centre operations, advanced data centres, tech parks, global education and medical campuses, and smart residential communities. Designed to accommodate up to 150,000 workers and residents, the Smart Hub stands as a national model for inclusive growth, digital innovation, and strategic foreign investment.

To power this transformation, RAEOA and CMC have partnered with Weidun Energy to develop Timor-Leste’s largest renewable energy project — a 50 MW solar farm designed to deliver clean, stable, and scalable energy to the ODC and surrounding infrastructure. Under the first agreement signed with the Government of RAEOA, Phase 1 (4 MW) has already commenced and will secure energy needs for critical infrastructure, while reinforcing Timor-Leste’s commitment to sustainable national development.

Voices of Leadership

H.E. Rogério Lobato, President of RAEOA, stated:
“This marks a defining moment for Oecusse and for Timor-Leste. We chose to work with CMC not only because of their bold vision and professionalism but also because of their genuine long-term commitment to transformative development. This partnership will generate thousands of local jobs, uplift our communities, and significantly raise the standard of living for our people. We are building a new national narrative — one rooted in innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation.”

Dr. Ken Lim, Chairman of CMC, added:
“This project is not just about powering infrastructure — it’s about securing the future of Oecusse. The solar farm will provide clean, reliable energy for the ODC and future developments such as data centres, while creating jobs and attracting responsible global capital. And this is just the beginning — several more high-impact projects and international collaborations are in the pipeline, and will be unveiled in the coming months.”

Mr. Guo Chen, CEO of Weidun Energy, commented:
“We are proud to work alongside RAEOA and CMC to deliver the country’s most significant green energy project. With Phase 1 already underway, we’re deploying scalable solar solutions to power sustainable progress — not just for infrastructure, but for the future of Timor-Leste.”

Global Partnerships on the Horizon

CMC’s bold and integrated vision has sparked global investor interest. A landmark joint venture is now nearing finalization with a world-renowned international conglomerate. The partnership will co-develop next-generation smart infrastructure and high-capacity data centres within the ODC, placing Oecusse at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s digital frontier.

The upcoming signing ceremony — set to be attended by senior government officials, VIPs, and global industry leaders — will mark a historic turning point, unlocking access to international capital, advanced technologies, and world-class networks. The message is clear: Oecusse is open for business, and CMC is leading the way.

Vincent Yeoh, Managing Director of CMC, remarked:
“ODC and the Oe-Upu Hotel are just the beginning. We are executing a bold roadmap that spans digital economy, tourism, education, and financial services. With our next flagship project launching in Dili, we are expanding the vision far beyond Oecusse. We’ve been approached by numerous regional and international players keen to collaborate across various sectors— and we are actively engaging in discussions.”

Jonathan Chan, Chief Legal Officer, concluded:
“CMC stands apart for our commitment to governance, transparency, and long-term impact. The ODC Smart Hub will be built on our G.O.L.D. Standard — Governance, Openness, Legitimacy, and Diligence — values that define our partnerships. As we scale into tech infrastructure and smart logistics, more transformative announcements are on the horizon.”