We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dillyana Ximenes as our new Executive Director. She will start with Maluk Timor in February 2025, transitioning into the Executive Director role later in the year.
Dillyana brings a wealth of experience in international development and leadership to Maluk Timor. With over a decade of experience in management roles across the Asia-Pacific region with Plan International and Mary MacKillop International, she is well-positioned to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth and impact.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dillyana to the Maluk Timor family,” said Julie Hamblin Chair of Maluk Timor Australia. “Her extensive experience in program management, gender equality initiatives, and regional leadership makes her an ideal candidate to further our mission of improving healthcare access and quality in Timor-Leste.”
Dillyana’s impressive career includes roles as Pacific Program Director and Interim Asia Pacific Regional Director for Influencing and Programs at Plan International. Her expertise in managing complex development projects aligns perfectly with Maluk Timor’s focus on capacity building and health systems strengthening.
The appointment comes as Raj Natarajan, the current Executive Director, and his wife Lois Hong, the organisation’s Clinical Director, prepare to depart later this year after four years of dedicated service. Under their leadership, Maluk Timor has made significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes for the people of Timor-Leste.
“We are immensely grateful to Raj and Lois for the passion, dedication and expertise they have brought to their work with Maluk Timor,” Francisca Baptista, Chair of Associacao Maluk Timor added. “Their contributions have been instrumental in strengthening healthcare for the people of Timor-Leste, and we wish them the very best in their future endeavours.”
A smooth transition process is underway, with Raj continuing as Executive Director until Dillyana formally steps into the role later in the year.
Maluk Timor has been a vital presence in Timor-Leste since 2017, working closely with the Timorese Ministry of Health and local health workers. The organisation’s focus on training and developing a skilled national health workforce, treating and preventing infectious diseases, and improving healthcare accessibility has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless Timorese people.
As Maluk Timor enters this new chapter, the organisation remains committed to its core mission of empowering people to improve their health and wellbeing while positively changing community attitudes towards healthcare.