Tammy Kassiou is a globally respected entrepreneur and development leader focused on building scalable, real-world solutions in education, training, digital access and workforce empowerment. Her mission is deeply rooted in enabling people through opportunity and skills development, especially in frontier economies like Timor-Leste, where the potential is vast and underserved.
She is the founder of the GEM Foundation, a Timor-Leste-registered organisation that oversees impactful education initiatives, including the GEM Institute, which opened in early 2024. The institute is the first of its kind in the country, offering foundational and accredited courses in English language, vocational training and professional development across a range of sectors:
• Public sector administration
• Tourism and hospitality
• Legal, health and aged care
• Business and entrepreneurship
Her goal is to empower the people of Timor-Leste with the skills and confidence to succeed both locally and in high-demand sectors worldwide.
The GEM Institute is also home to Timor-Leste’s first British Council-approved IELTS Test Centre, following a landmark partnership that allows students to sit for academic and general IELTS exams locally for the first time, with flexible testing dates and local preparation support.
Prior to this partnership, individuals were required to travel to Indonesia to sit the exam, a barrier that limited educational and career pathways. Now, the GEM Institute is unlocking opportunity for thousands of aspiring students, professionals and jobseekers.
Many students have already completed studies in the GEM Institute’s programs, demonstrating the strong demand for high-quality education delivered locally. New courses and real-world training pathways are constantly being developed and rolled out.
Tammy also leads Vorakai Lda, Timor-Leste’s first official Starlink internet provider, which delivers high-speed satellite internet to remote communities, businesses and government agencies and organisations including health and education. By improving access to digital tools and connectivity, Vorakai is helping close the digital divide and supporting the rapid digital transformation of the country.
Tammy’s other ventures include ISAT, a leading job capability training company and Branditall, a wholesale and import business providing international standard PPE, uniforms and branded merchandise in Dili.
Her businesses are designed to grow with purpose, give back to the community and contribute to the long-term development and prosperity of the regions they serve.
