Tammy Kassiou is an internationally respected business leader and social entrepreneur whose work focuses on unlocking potential through training, capability development and job creation.
As founder of ISAT, Tammy is leading one of Timor-Leste’s most important employment-focused initiatives. ISAT partners with government departments, large-scale infrastructure projects, health and aged care providers and private enterprises to provide certified, skilled and highly motivated workers, many of whom are trained through sector-specific programs aligned to local content requirements, industry demands and international standards. Workers are placed across Timor-Leste as well as Australia and other countries throughout the region.
Tammy is also the founder of the GEM Foundation, which launched the GEM Institute in early 2024. The institute offers a wide range of foundation and certificate courses across:
• Public administration
• Tourism and hospitality
• Legal, health and aged care
• Business, entrepreneurship and English language
Through a historic partnership with the British Council, the GEM Institute is now also Timor-Leste’s first and only IELTS Test Centre, offering on-ground access to internationally recognised English testing, along with preparation courses and support services. This has opened up study and work opportunities for thousands of Timorese people who previously had to travel overseas to take the exam.
Tammy also leads Vorakai Lda, the first licensed Starlink provider in Timor-Leste, delivering high-speed satellite internet to schools, clinics, businesses and government institutions in both urban and remote regions, ensuring the digital infrastructure is in place to support learning, development and innovation.
In addition, Tammy founded Branditall, an import, wholesale, manufacturing and retail company providing internationally compliant PPE, uniforms and branded merchandise, serving the growing needs of the local business and public sector. Branditall is now designing and manufacturing school uniforms for many schools and educational providers across Timor-Leste, helping to grow local manufacturing, industry and jobs. Previously these products were purchased from Indonesia.
Her vision is simple but powerful: to equip people with skills, connect them with opportunity and build the capacity of nations through education, innovation and enterprise.
