As we approach the end of the year, Diplomatic Network Asia is proud to have hosted another successful networking event in November 2025. DNA hosted a breakfast at the esteemed InterContinental Hotel Singapore on 6 November, and attendees were invited to share personal experiences while enjoying a heartening meal.

DNA happily welcomed three esteemed Guests of Honour to this breakfast. His Excellency Alex Tilman, Ambassador of Timor-Leste, HE Severine de Potter, Ambassador of Belgium and Mr Saqr Al Mohannadi, Deputy Chief of Mission of Qatar.

The event was hosted by DNA member Dainial Lim, Director at Xignam Consulting Pte Ltd. Also in attendance were Sheam Zenglin of Oaks Legal LLC and Eva Vincetic of the European Chamber of Commerce (Singapore).

Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Journey

A notable topic of discussion during the meal was Timor-Leste’s recent accession into ASEAN just one week earlier on 26 October. 

The guests reflected on Timor-Leste’s early milestones, including its first step towards ASEAN membership when Timor-Leste was granted observer status in 2022. Timor-Leste had aligned its economic and regulatory frameworks over the past three years to ASEAN standards, facilitating greater regional trade and cooperation. 

HE Tilman and guests also appreciated the support that Singapore and other ASEAN states provided during this transition.

Lessons From Belgium and Qatar

Another meaningful exchange occured when the guests compared the similarities between Belgium, Qatar and Singapore in terms of their national priorities. 

Belgium was noted as an international gateway, much like Singapore. Belgium’s two major connectivity hubs, Brussels and Antwerp, serve as entry points into the EU market. Similarly, Singapore is an entry point into the Southeast Asian economy. 

Meanwhile, Qatar has a strategic development plan very similar to Singapore’s. The Gulf state emphasises global connectivity, investing in its local aviation sector and maintaining strong diplomatic relationships. Qatar is therefore very much a global hub for finance, logistics and industries, much like Singapore. 

As all three nations have invested in innovation and sustainability, a foundation for future collaboration between Belgium, Qatar and Singapore has been recognised.

Food as a Cultural Network

Guests at the event also spoke about the unique cultural dishes of each of the nations represented.

Timor-Leste’s cuisine blends Portuguese and Southeast Asian elements, with its staple dish being batar da’an, a corn stew. 

Qatar is home to traditional foods such as machboos, a rice dish that symbolises the hospitality which is central to Qatari culture.

Belgium’s iconic Belgian waffles and fries led to a discussion of how food has contributed greatly towards the creation of Belgium’s national identity.

Finally, Singapore’s multicultural landscape has brought together diverse culinary traditions, leading to a national heritage that uniquely blends multiple different dishes such as laksa, chicken rice and briyani. 

The gathering was therefore a tremendous success in fostering bonds between foreign ambassadors and local businesses. DNA is proud to have organised his wonderful experience!

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