Mark Panayiotis Notaras

Founder, Timor-Leste Food Lab

Mark has dedicated his 22 year career to tourism development and international development in the Asia-Pacific. Mark has experience working in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Palestine, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Mark is the Founder of the Timor-Leste Food Lab and its flagship restaurant Agora Food Studio where he developed the post-conflict nation’s first generation of tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs. Mark has pioneered innovative approaches to activating indigenous and traditional cuisine in emerging and challenging tourism destinations, including through the Timor-Leste Food Innovators Exchange (TLFIX). The application of this model in Asia’s newest tourist destination has resulted in the establishment of a new network of locally owned tourism businesses that promote Timorese food, coffee and taste experiences to international travelers. Mark has mentored food tourism business in Palestine and supported the work of the Pacific Island Food Revolution. Mark is a 2024 Asialink Leaders Program Alumnus, a Rotary Peace Fellow and graduated with Merit in a Masters of International Affairs from the Australian National University.