• Name: Modesto Lopes
• Role: National Programme Manager, TOMAK – To’os Ba Moris Diak – Farming for Prosperity
• Locations: Dili, Timor-Leste

What’s your big “why”? What’s the positive change/impact you and others in your field are trying to achieve and what are some of the challenges you face whilst doing so? 

My journey to where I am today has not been easy. I grew up in a very remote village in the south of Timor Leste. Rural life shaped my childhood. I saw communities supporting one another each day, planting and harvesting together. This sense of unity and resilience inspired me from a young age. However, farming systems were very traditional, relying heavily on manual labour and practices such as slash and burn. There was limited use of improved techniques. As a child, I often wondered how these practices could be improved to support better livelihoods. That question stayed with me…

When I reached university, I chose to study agriculture. My aim was not to change everything at once, but to understand how science and technology could complement local knowledge and strengthen rural communities. After graduating, I joined the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research’s Seeds of Life programme, which focused on high yielding seed varieties and improved farming practices. This aligned closely with my early experiences and interests.

Today, Timor Leste has a national seed system run by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF). However, promoting good agricultural practice remains a slow and challenging process. Farmers want to see clear results before they adopt new methods, and climate change presents additional difficulties for productivity and livelihoods. When I joined ASI in 2016, first as a Regional Manager and now as National Program Manager, I felt that my journey had come full circle. My work allows me to contribute directly to the improvement of food security, nutrition, and resilience in rural areas similar to where I grew up. I am proud that our programme is making a meaningful contribution in communities across Timor Leste.

If you could write your own job title that best describes what you do here, what would it be? 

My current title is National Programme Manager for TOMAK. My role involves ensuring that the team delivers according to our annual work plan, supporting our partnerships with government, private sector actors and NGOs, and coordinating regularly with donors such as DFAT. I also provide guidance during challenges, help identify solutions, and ensure that our relationships with partners remain strong. We hold regular monthly and quarterly meetings to review progress and address issues.

If I were to create a title that reflects the nature of my work, it might be something like Cross Functional Programme Lead or Results Driven Programme Lead. My responsibilities involve management, partnership development, and engagement at community level to ensure activities are aligned with local needs.

What do you like about working in a global development company? 

Working in a global development organisation exposes me to diverse cultures, perspectives and approaches. Through TOMAK, we work with international advisers, and ASI staff visit Timor Leste frequently. I learn a great deal from them through collaboration.

I feel privileged to be part of the ASI family, a place where I can grow professionally while contributing to meaningful change within my country. What I value most is ASI’s commitment to locally led approaches. They empower national institutions, local government, NGOs and communities. This aligns strongly with my belief that science and technology must work together with local knowledge to create effective interventions.

Since joining ASI as a Regional Manager and later being promoted to National Programme Manager, I have been encouraged to learn continuously and contribute to long term solutions. With Timor Leste still building its key sectors following past conflict, support from global development partners plays a vital role in strengthening areas such as agriculture, education, health and Tourism.

What’s the most exciting thing happening in your project/at work right now? 

TOMAK has two major components. One focuses on food security and nutrition, and the other on agriculture and market system development. One exciting initiative now is the Local product campaign. This was initiated by the private sector and is supported by us. It encourages consumers to purchase food and products that are grown and produced in Timor Leste. This helps strengthen rural incomes and local markets.

Another significant focus is preparing for the close out of TOMAK, which finishes in May 2026. We are working closely with our partners, especially government institutions, to ensure a smooth handover and to secure the sustainability of the programme’s achievements. Our aim is that TOMAK’s benefits continue long after the programme concludes.

In Tetum (the most commonly used national language in Timor-Leste), ‘To’os ba Moris Di’ak’ means ‘Farming for Prosperity’ or for a good life. The abbreviated ‘TOMAK’ is another Tetum word meaning ‘whole’. 

What movements or discussions inspire you generally right now? 

2025 marks an historic moment for Timor Leste, as the country has formally joined the ASEAN community as its eleventh member. This dream began back in 2002 when Timor Leste restored independence, and the formal request to join ASEAN was submitted in 2011. When ASEAN membership was confirmed in October, it inspired the entire nation. Young people, students and communities across the country celebrated. For me, it is a reminder that major achievements take time and persistence. It took fourteen years for this to be realised. ASEAN membership brings opportunities for learning, investment and development across many sectors. I hope it will help the younger generation enhance their skills and contribute to the nation’s growth.

What volunteering or passion projects do you do outside of work? 

I do not have a formal or regular volunteering role, but I take part in several activities when I can. I helped establish an association for students from my home municipality. We meet occasionally to discuss issues affecting our communities and explore possible solutions. I also visit orphanages when I have time, usually at weekends. I spend time with the children, listen to music with them, and encourage them to pursue their dreams. Sometimes I visit organisations supporting people with disabilities and share music and conversation. These visits remind me of the importance of compassion and the principle of leaving no one behind. Even when I am not offering material support, sharing experiences and encouragement can make a difference.

What qualities do you think a game changer should have?

A Game Changer should have qualities such as self-discipline, commitment, willingness and persistence. The journey towards any goal will always involve challenges and setbacks. Ideas will not always be accepted, and decisions may not please everyone. For example, in my role as National Program Manager, some decisions may be questioned or disagreed with. That is normal. What matters is remaining committed, disciplined and consistent, and ensuring that solutions reflect collective decisions. Obstacles exist in every profession, whether you are a student, a teacher or a leader. If you commit to your principles and work consistently, you will find ways to overcome difficulties and progress towards your goal.

Finally, what is something you would like people to know about Timor Leste?

Timor Leste has a very rich culture, and the people are extremely friendly. Visitors are always warmly welcomed, especially in rural areas. One cultural symbol that many visitors remember is the tais, a traditional handwoven cloth that has been recognised by UNESCO. It is often given as a gift to visitors. When we take guests to rural communities, they are welcomed with tais, traditional music and dancing. It creates a memorable experience that people carry with them.