PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – A delegation of innovative students from Timor-Leste recently raised the nation’s profile on the international stage through the International Creativity and Innovation Award (ICIA) 2026 competition, held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from April 24 to 26, 2026.
At this prestigious event, which gathered participants from approximately 27 countries (Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East), Timor-Leste demonstrated its capacity in the STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) by winning awards in various categories, including the prestigious Grand Award.
Rigorous Selection Process This participation was the result of an initiative by the Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO (KNTLU), through its Science Division, which annually celebrates World Science and Mathematics Day (WSMD). This competition serves as a gateway for students to showcase their innovations after undergoing a very rigorous selection process for the finalists.
Success in the Online Category In the Online category competition held on April 11, 2026, Timor-Leste competed against countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Italy, Romania, Mexico, and Brazil. The results were:
• Silver Medal: ESGP No. 1 Baucau, ESGP No. 1 Liquiçá, and ESGP 4 de Setembro Viqueque.
• Bronze Medal: ESGP Finantil Dili, EBC Dom Baumeta (Aileu), and EBC 3 Fatumeta (Dili).
New History in Onsite Participation Timor-Leste achieved even greater victory in the face-to-face competition in Cambodia. EB Catolica St. Antonio Teulale Baucau became the protagonist through the project “Statistics from Recycling: How to Find Mode, Median, and Mean using Bottle Caps, Skewers, and Styrofoam.” This project successfully brought home three awards: the Grand Award, Titanium, and a spot in the Top 10 Challenge from the Cambodian Minister of Environment.
Additionally, other groups contributed with:
• Silver Medal: EBC Dom Baumeta (Aileu) with the project “Homemade Bioplastic: Plates/Cups from Eggshells.”
• Bronze Medal: EB Catolica St. Antonio Teulale Baucau with the project “Number Sequences Appearing in Tais.”
Recognition for Teachers In this competition, it was not only the students who won; the pedagogical skills of Timorese teachers also received global recognition. Teacher Zelia Alves da Cruz from EBC Dom Baumeta 1, 2, 3 Suku Liurai, Aileu-Vila, won the Grand Award Top 3 “Teach Me Award.” This award was given based on her exceptional ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and educational manner.
Congratulations to the entire delegation, to KNTLU, and to the schools that have brought this victory home to our beloved nation, Timor-Leste!