On 2 to 5 December, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2024 brought together 100 young leaders from across ASEAN and Timor-Leste in the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, under the theme “Connecting the Creative Economy.”
The event, supported by the US Department of State, the US Embassy in Vientiane, and YSEALI, was implemented by STELLA and Quack, two youth empowerment groups in Laos.
One of the key highlights of the Summit was the opportunity for participants to engage in masterclasses on cutting-edge topics such as “Creative Economy and Strengths of ASEAN’s Creative Industries.”
But what exactly is the creative economy, and why is it important for the ASEAN region, especially for Laos?
For Phetmany Viyadeth, the Founder of UTD Education Centre in Laos, the creative economy holds immense potential for the country.
“I’ve met so many talented and kind individuals from various creative careers who share a creative mindset, and we share a common interest in supporting our community. I’ve learned that collaboration and shared ideas are key to driving change, especially in the creative economy,” she said.
From the perspective of Keopanya Sengsoulivong, Manager of Pakse Youth Power, the creative economy can transform the lives of young people, especially artists.
“Back in my hometown of Pakse, we’re working on a collaboration to create more opportunities for the local community. For me, the creative economy is about increasing the value of creative work, especially since many artists, like painters, often struggle financially. Through our ‘Young Talents’ project, we aim to help these young, talented individuals. Creativity not only empowers youth, but it also helps them earn a living,” Sengsoulivong said.
“With my background in education, I see creativity as a tool for developing programs where young people can teach their skills to others and make a living from it. I’m excited about the future of the creative economy, particularly with young leaders stepping up.”
While Laos is leveraging its rich cultural heritage to develop its creative economy, other ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines are also finding unique ways to grow their creative industries and showcase their cultural identities.
In Thailand, Phitchakan Chuangchai, a Lecturer in Management of Cultural Heritage and Creative Industries at Thammasat University, sees ASEAN’s diverse cultural heritage as a valuable asset.
“The creative industry is actually composed of our culture, our creativity, our skills, all the talents that we have in the ASEAN region, and these things that we can then add value to the economy and also to our culture,” she said. “So, if we understand this, we see the potential that we have in the ASEAN region, that we have all the cultural diversity and also all the gems that we have.”
Singapore’s Ian Chew, Founder and CEO of Greenie Web, shared his perspective on the thriving digital creative economy.
“In ASEAN, the digital creative economy is already thriving, with young people using the internet in innovative ways to amplify their impact globally,” he said. “I also believe that the creative economy can help amplify the voices of the underprivileged, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to live life to the fullest. The intersection of sustainability and the creative economy will be a major trend over the next 10 to 15 years.”
In Vietnam, Nhat (Estella), Project Manager at 4V Vietnam, is using art to promote sustainability.
“My work at 4V Vietnam involves transforming trash, waste, and fabric scraps into art. Our vision is to engage artists in ecological and sustainable art practices, using their creations to raise awareness about sustainability,” she explained.
For Cambodia’s Thy Lineth, an artist and social media manager, the creative economy is deeply rooted in traditional culture. “In Cambodia, the term ‘creative economy’ may be new, but it has always been a part of our culture, especially in traditional crafts and arts. Recently, there has been a growing focus on creative industries, which is encouraging,” she said.
The Philippines’ Osep Reyes, Founder of Culture Shock, highlighted the importance of promoting cultural heritage through creativity.
“In ASEAN, we all face similar challenges, so focusing on the creative economy, especially in promoting our own culture, is important today,” he said. “The summit’s site visits, especially to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre and pottery-making demonstrations, deepened my appreciation for Lao culture. I believe we can adapt modern tools like AI to help. It’s inspiring to see how young people in the Philippines are using cyberspace to reconnect with our roots.”
By empowering young leaders and fostering collaboration, the creative economy is pushing for new opportunities for growth and positive change across the region.
As digital innovation accelerates and traditional arts gain global recognition, creativity is becoming a drive for sustainability and social impact.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/YSEALI-2024.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Original.blue_.whitetext.jpeg-150x150-1.jpgSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-01-15 09:10:202025-01-10 09:11:55Creative Economy Revolution: How ASEAN’s Youth are Leading the Charge
On 12 December, Seno Grilled Chicken was officially recognized by Savannakhet authorities, becoming a new symbol of the central Lao province.
It all started in the early 1990s at a bus stop in Outhoomphone district, where Sing Souliyed and his family set up a small grill to sell their marinated, smoky grilled chicken to weary travelers. Little did they know, their venture would ignite a culinary legacy.
What started as a simple venture, with just a few skewers sizzling over charcoal, gradually grew into a local sensation, attracting customers from across the district and beyond.
By the early 2000s, around 20 shops had joined the trade, and by 2015, that number had more than doubled. Seno Grilled Chicken had become a must-try dish, with its rich, smoky flavor capturing the hearts of all who tasted it.
In 2017, the Pingkaiseno Association, recognizing the product’s growing reputation and rising customer expectations, set out to secure official recognition for the dish. Their efforts paid off when Seno Grilled Chicken was granted the national ODOP trademark, an endorsement of its quality, hygiene, and market standards.
Keodavan Manivong, owner and operator of Pingkaiseno Shop in Vientiane Capital who is a member of the Seno Grilled Chicken Association, shared her thoughts on the recognition and its impact on local businesses.
“Our shop has been open for around 8 years. We use 100 percent fresh hens from Seno. These chickens are naturally raised by villagers, which give them a unique taste. Grilled chicken is the star of our menu,” she said.
“Joining the Seno Grilled Chicken Association has helped us promote our shop. This recognition also offers an opportunity for local parents to build careers and support each other in improving their businesses.”
The certificate was presented at a formal ceremony held at the district’s Association Club. Speaking at the event, Ratsami Souliyo, President of Pingkaiseno Association, highlighted the product’s growth over the decades. What began as a family operation expanded into a community effort, with more families joining the trade.
Ratsami emphasized that the ODOP certification not only boosts customer confidence but also motivates vendors to uphold consistent quality and hygiene practices.
Today, the association boasts 52 member shops, each selling at least 20 grilled chickens daily, with total sales reaching between 1,200 and 1,500 chickens per day.
With official recognition, Seno Grilled Chicken has cemented its status as a symbol of community pride and tradition in Savannakhet, bringing people together one skewer at a time.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/chicken.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Original.blue_.whitetext.jpeg-150x150-1.jpgSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-01-14 09:08:252025-01-10 09:09:55Seno Grilled Chicken Earns Official Recognition as Savannakhet’s New Symbol
Laos has earned renewed global recognition with the recent addition of the Fonelamvong dance to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list on 5 December. This honor adds to the growing list of Lao landmarks already recognized by UNESCO.
Among the listed sites are the Plain of Jars, an archaeological wonder in Xiengkhouang Province, and the town of Luang Prabang. However, Laos’ list of intangible heritage extends beyond these landmarks.
Fonelamvong
Laos’ traditional “Fonelamvong” dance was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list on 5 December.
This community dance, involving men and women forming circles and moving counterclockwise in repeated eight-step cycles, was originally a village tradition. Today, it is performed at weddings, cultural events, and taught in schools. The dance symbolizes Lao identity, culture, and unity, strengthening social bonds across generations.
Lao Naga motif
On 6 December 2023, Lao Naga motif Waving was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Lao women weave Naga designs into traditional skirts, symbolizing protection and strength.
The Naga motif tells cultural stories and reflects the identity of the Lao people.
The Plain of Jars
In addition to the cultural inscriptions, Laos’ Plain of Jars, located in Xiangkhouang Province, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list in July 2019. The site, famous for its more than 2,100 megalithic stone jars believed to have been used in funerary practices, dates back to the Iron Age (500 BCE – 800 CE).
This addition marked Laos’ third World Heritage Site, following the historic town of Luang Prabang and the ancient Vat Phou temple. The announcement was made in July 2019 at the 43rd World Heritage Committee session in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Khaen
In December 2017, the traditional Khaen music of Laos, a crucial part of Lao culture, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Khaen is a traditional instrument integral to Lao music, and its inclusion highlights the importance of safeguarding cultural practices that are in need of urgent protection. This decision was made during the UNESCO 2003 Convention in Jeju, South Korea, with 24 members electing to preserve the practice.
Luang Prabang
UNESCO celebrates the town of Luang Prabang as “an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries.” It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list on 9 December 1995.
Vat Phou
In 2001, UNESCO also added Vat Phou to its list of World Heritage Sites. This ancient temple site is located in southern Laos, Champassak Province, and was a part of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century. . Designed to symbolize the relationship between humankind and nature, the temple’s construction is centered around an axis that reflects the spiritual and architectural harmony of the time.
Ongoing Efforts for Global Recognition
Beyond these recent additions, Laos continues its efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage. In 2023, Laos submitted a proposal for the Baci ceremony, a traditional ritual that involves the “calling of the soul” using white cotton strings tied around the wrists to promote well-being. The Baci ceremony is practiced during important occasions, including weddings, housewarming events, and recoveries from illness.
Additionally, Laos is working to submit the Sao Hin Tang, a group of ancient stone pillars in Houaphanh Province, for consideration as a cultural World Heritage Site. The government has also put forward the Nakai Nam Theun National Park in Khammouan Province as a candidate for inscription as a natural World Heritage Site.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lamvong-dance-is-performed-to-welcome-Lao-New-Year.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Original.blue_.whitetext.jpeg-150x150-1.jpgSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-01-13 16:32:202025-01-10 09:07:56Laos Expands UNESCO Legacy with New Cultural Inscriptions
Creative Economy Revolution: How ASEAN’s Youth are Leading the Charge
On 2 to 5 December, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit 2024 brought together 100 young leaders from across ASEAN and Timor-Leste in the World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, under the theme “Connecting the Creative Economy.”
The event, supported by the US Department of State, the US Embassy in Vientiane, and YSEALI, was implemented by STELLA and Quack, two youth empowerment groups in Laos.
One of the key highlights of the Summit was the opportunity for participants to engage in masterclasses on cutting-edge topics such as “Creative Economy and Strengths of ASEAN’s Creative Industries.”
But what exactly is the creative economy, and why is it important for the ASEAN region, especially for Laos?
For Phetmany Viyadeth, the Founder of UTD Education Centre in Laos, the creative economy holds immense potential for the country.
“I’ve met so many talented and kind individuals from various creative careers who share a creative mindset, and we share a common interest in supporting our community. I’ve learned that collaboration and shared ideas are key to driving change, especially in the creative economy,” she said.
From the perspective of Keopanya Sengsoulivong, Manager of Pakse Youth Power, the creative economy can transform the lives of young people, especially artists.
“Back in my hometown of Pakse, we’re working on a collaboration to create more opportunities for the local community. For me, the creative economy is about increasing the value of creative work, especially since many artists, like painters, often struggle financially. Through our ‘Young Talents’ project, we aim to help these young, talented individuals. Creativity not only empowers youth, but it also helps them earn a living,” Sengsoulivong said.
“With my background in education, I see creativity as a tool for developing programs where young people can teach their skills to others and make a living from it. I’m excited about the future of the creative economy, particularly with young leaders stepping up.”
While Laos is leveraging its rich cultural heritage to develop its creative economy, other ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines are also finding unique ways to grow their creative industries and showcase their cultural identities.
In Thailand, Phitchakan Chuangchai, a Lecturer in Management of Cultural Heritage and Creative Industries at Thammasat University, sees ASEAN’s diverse cultural heritage as a valuable asset.
“The creative industry is actually composed of our culture, our creativity, our skills, all the talents that we have in the ASEAN region, and these things that we can then add value to the economy and also to our culture,” she said. “So, if we understand this, we see the potential that we have in the ASEAN region, that we have all the cultural diversity and also all the gems that we have.”
Singapore’s Ian Chew, Founder and CEO of Greenie Web, shared his perspective on the thriving digital creative economy.
“In ASEAN, the digital creative economy is already thriving, with young people using the internet in innovative ways to amplify their impact globally,” he said. “I also believe that the creative economy can help amplify the voices of the underprivileged, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to live life to the fullest. The intersection of sustainability and the creative economy will be a major trend over the next 10 to 15 years.”
In Vietnam, Nhat (Estella), Project Manager at 4V Vietnam, is using art to promote sustainability.
“My work at 4V Vietnam involves transforming trash, waste, and fabric scraps into art. Our vision is to engage artists in ecological and sustainable art practices, using their creations to raise awareness about sustainability,” she explained.
For Cambodia’s Thy Lineth, an artist and social media manager, the creative economy is deeply rooted in traditional culture. “In Cambodia, the term ‘creative economy’ may be new, but it has always been a part of our culture, especially in traditional crafts and arts. Recently, there has been a growing focus on creative industries, which is encouraging,” she said.
The Philippines’ Osep Reyes, Founder of Culture Shock, highlighted the importance of promoting cultural heritage through creativity.
“In ASEAN, we all face similar challenges, so focusing on the creative economy, especially in promoting our own culture, is important today,” he said. “The summit’s site visits, especially to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre and pottery-making demonstrations, deepened my appreciation for Lao culture. I believe we can adapt modern tools like AI to help. It’s inspiring to see how young people in the Philippines are using cyberspace to reconnect with our roots.”
By empowering young leaders and fostering collaboration, the creative economy is pushing for new opportunities for growth and positive change across the region.
As digital innovation accelerates and traditional arts gain global recognition, creativity is becoming a drive for sustainability and social impact.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/12/19/creative-economy-revolution-how-aseans-youth-are-leading-the-charge/
Seno Grilled Chicken Earns Official Recognition as Savannakhet’s New Symbol
On 12 December, Seno Grilled Chicken was officially recognized by Savannakhet authorities, becoming a new symbol of the central Lao province.
It all started in the early 1990s at a bus stop in Outhoomphone district, where Sing Souliyed and his family set up a small grill to sell their marinated, smoky grilled chicken to weary travelers. Little did they know, their venture would ignite a culinary legacy.
What started as a simple venture, with just a few skewers sizzling over charcoal, gradually grew into a local sensation, attracting customers from across the district and beyond.
By the early 2000s, around 20 shops had joined the trade, and by 2015, that number had more than doubled. Seno Grilled Chicken had become a must-try dish, with its rich, smoky flavor capturing the hearts of all who tasted it.
In 2017, the Pingkaiseno Association, recognizing the product’s growing reputation and rising customer expectations, set out to secure official recognition for the dish. Their efforts paid off when Seno Grilled Chicken was granted the national ODOP trademark, an endorsement of its quality, hygiene, and market standards.
Keodavan Manivong, owner and operator of Pingkaiseno Shop in Vientiane Capital who is a member of the Seno Grilled Chicken Association, shared her thoughts on the recognition and its impact on local businesses.
“Our shop has been open for around 8 years. We use 100 percent fresh hens from Seno. These chickens are naturally raised by villagers, which give them a unique taste. Grilled chicken is the star of our menu,” she said.
“Joining the Seno Grilled Chicken Association has helped us promote our shop. This recognition also offers an opportunity for local parents to build careers and support each other in improving their businesses.”
The certificate was presented at a formal ceremony held at the district’s Association Club. Speaking at the event, Ratsami Souliyo, President of Pingkaiseno Association, highlighted the product’s growth over the decades. What began as a family operation expanded into a community effort, with more families joining the trade.
Ratsami emphasized that the ODOP certification not only boosts customer confidence but also motivates vendors to uphold consistent quality and hygiene practices.
Today, the association boasts 52 member shops, each selling at least 20 grilled chickens daily, with total sales reaching between 1,200 and 1,500 chickens per day.
With official recognition, Seno Grilled Chicken has cemented its status as a symbol of community pride and tradition in Savannakhet, bringing people together one skewer at a time.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/12/19/seno-grilled-chicken-earns-official-recognition-as-savannakhets-new-symbol/
Laos Expands UNESCO Legacy with New Cultural Inscriptions
Laos has earned renewed global recognition with the recent addition of the Fonelamvong dance to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list on 5 December. This honor adds to the growing list of Lao landmarks already recognized by UNESCO.
Among the listed sites are the Plain of Jars, an archaeological wonder in Xiengkhouang Province, and the town of Luang Prabang. However, Laos’ list of intangible heritage extends beyond these landmarks.
Fonelamvong
Laos’ traditional “Fonelamvong” dance was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list on 5 December.
This community dance, involving men and women forming circles and moving counterclockwise in repeated eight-step cycles, was originally a village tradition. Today, it is performed at weddings, cultural events, and taught in schools. The dance symbolizes Lao identity, culture, and unity, strengthening social bonds across generations.
Lao Naga motif
On 6 December 2023, Lao Naga motif Waving was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Lao women weave Naga designs into traditional skirts, symbolizing protection and strength.
The Naga motif tells cultural stories and reflects the identity of the Lao people.
The Plain of Jars
In addition to the cultural inscriptions, Laos’ Plain of Jars, located in Xiangkhouang Province, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list in July 2019. The site, famous for its more than 2,100 megalithic stone jars believed to have been used in funerary practices, dates back to the Iron Age (500 BCE – 800 CE).
This addition marked Laos’ third World Heritage Site, following the historic town of Luang Prabang and the ancient Vat Phou temple. The announcement was made in July 2019 at the 43rd World Heritage Committee session in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Khaen
In December 2017, the traditional Khaen music of Laos, a crucial part of Lao culture, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Khaen is a traditional instrument integral to Lao music, and its inclusion highlights the importance of safeguarding cultural practices that are in need of urgent protection. This decision was made during the UNESCO 2003 Convention in Jeju, South Korea, with 24 members electing to preserve the practice.
Luang Prabang
UNESCO celebrates the town of Luang Prabang as “an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries.” It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list on 9 December 1995.
Vat Phou
In 2001, UNESCO also added Vat Phou to its list of World Heritage Sites. This ancient temple site is located in southern Laos, Champassak Province, and was a part of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century. . Designed to symbolize the relationship between humankind and nature, the temple’s construction is centered around an axis that reflects the spiritual and architectural harmony of the time.
Ongoing Efforts for Global Recognition
Beyond these recent additions, Laos continues its efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage. In 2023, Laos submitted a proposal for the Baci ceremony, a traditional ritual that involves the “calling of the soul” using white cotton strings tied around the wrists to promote well-being. The Baci ceremony is practiced during important occasions, including weddings, housewarming events, and recoveries from illness.
Additionally, Laos is working to submit the Sao Hin Tang, a group of ancient stone pillars in Houaphanh Province, for consideration as a cultural World Heritage Site. The government has also put forward the Nakai Nam Theun National Park in Khammouan Province as a candidate for inscription as a natural World Heritage Site.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/12/16/laos-expands-unesco-legacy-with-new-cultural-inscriptions/