Dili, October 30 (AseanAll) — Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate J. Ramos-Horta awarded prestigious national honors to two distinguished business leaders on October 30, 2024, recognizing their outstanding contributions to Timor-Leste’s development.
In a ceremony held at the Timor Lodge Comoro, Ramos-Horta presented the Medal of Merit and Certificate of Recognition to Mrs. Neelofer Awan, Co-founder and Director of Administration of the East Timor Trading Group of Companies. President also awarded the Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal and Certificate of Recognition to Mrs. Zeenat Aluwihare for her invaluable service to the nation.
Mrs. Neelofer (Neelo) Awan, a respected business leader with over 20 years of senior management experience, has played a crucial role in the group’s expansion and diversification as its co-founder and Director of Administration. Under her leadership, the company has created significant employment opportunities and strengthened the national economy.
Mrs. Zeenat Aluwihare, as Corporate Affairs Director, has leveraged her extensive expertise in executive support and office management to drive operational efficiencies and foster strategic stakeholder engagement within the group. Her dedication has significantly contributed to both the company’s success and Timor-Leste’s development.
East Timor Trading Group, established in 2002 by Sakib and Neelo Awan, has evolved from a family enterprise into a leading force in Timor-Leste’s development. The company now employs over 200 staff across retail, hospitality, and distribution operations. As it expands into real estate development, the group continues to serve as a cornerstone of community development through initiatives in education, infrastructure, and local empowerment. Through the Discovery Foundation, co-founded by Mrs. Awan, the group has launched a significant corporate social responsibility project establishing pre-schools across Timor-Leste. The ‘Avo Ana Irena Olimpia de Almeida Pre-Schools’ initiative has already opened three facilities, with a fourth under construction. Mrs. Aluwihare has been instrumental in this project, which aims to establish pre-schools in every municipality in the country.
“These awards recognize the exceptional contributions of Mrs. Awan and Mrs. Aluwihare to Timor-Leste’s development,” said Ramos-Horta. “Their exemplary leadership and dedication to our nation’s progress set a shining example for others to follow.”
Ramos-Horta extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Awan and Mrs. Aluwihare for their invaluable service to the country. This recognition reflects the nation’s commitment to honoring those who have played pivotal roles in its development and the strengthening of its democratic institutions.
