Lafaek News-(BEIJING) — For nearly three weeks, from July 16 to August 4, 2026, the bustling pulse of Beijing bore witness to an invaluable journey for media practitioners from Timor-Leste. Participating in the “Seminar for Media Practitioners from Timor-Leste” organized by the China International Communications Group (CICG), the participants brought home not only profound insights into the modern media landscape, but also a deep emotional bond that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Behind the success of this intensive and packed schedule stood five young members of the CICG team from China who dedicated their time, energy, and heartfelt sincerity from day one until the delegation’s departure.
Dedication and Discipline Behind the Seminar Room
Attending an international seminar undoubtedly demands both physical stamina and mental preparedness. However, everything felt remarkably seamless thanks to the presence of the five liaison team members from China. With a disciplined work ethic, punctuality, and meticulous attention to detail, they ensured that every seminar session, discussion, and institutional visit ran flawlessly.
From coordinating training materials and cross-language communication to handling day-to-day logistics, all five were consistently present with warm smiles and exceptional patience. Their professionalism served as a vital bridge, making the journalists and media practitioners from Timor-Leste feel genuinely valued and heard in every forum.
Transcending Boundaries: From Working Relationship to Close Friends and Family
Yet, their dedication went far beyond the confines of the air-conditioned seminar halls. Genuine warmth truly blossomed whenever the official agenda concluded for the day.
Differences in language, customs, and national backgrounds naturally dissolved as they accompanied the delegation to explore various corners of Beijing—strolling along the riverbank under shimmering night lights, savoring local cuisine, and sharing laughs during casual breaks. Their open, humble, and unpretentious demeanor transformed a formal setting into a warm circle of friendship, feeling just like family.
A Symbol of Friendship: Timor-Leste’s Tais on the Shoulders of Beijing Friends.
The most poignant, climactic moment occurred during the closing ceremony. The five young men and women from China stood gracefully and with immense pride, draped in Timor-Leste’s traditional handwoven fabric, the Tais, over their shoulders.
The Tais is far more than a textile souvenir; in Timorese tradition, bestowing the Tais represents the highest honor, brotherhood, and a sacred bond of kinship. Seeing them wear it with deep respect was tangible proof that the relationship built over the past three weeks was not merely a formal working tie, but a sincere, heart-to-heart people-to-people connection.
An Enduring Legacy of Friendship
Three weeks may have come to an end, and thousands of kilometers now separate Beijing and Dili once again. However, the memories of kindness, discipline, hospitality, and sincerity from the five friends at China will remain deeply etched in the hearts of the Timorese participants.
They have proven that amidst the world’s diversity, sincerity and mutual respect remain a universal language capable of bringing anyone together as one big family.
Paul Afonso
