Khao Soi Luang Namtha has become a social media sensation, surging to the forefront of Lao cuisine thanks to a viral TikTok video. This traditional noodle dish, a classic in the northern Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang provinces, has found a new wave of fans across Laos and beyond, all thanks to Khonemany Keosaenmai, the 30-year-old star of the viral video.
Her clip, which showed a unique way to enjoy Khao Soi, has reignited interest in the traditional noodle, making it a trending favorite among both locals and visitors.
Khao Soi, which translates to “cut rice,” is made from rice flour. The process involves steaming the flour in a rectangular mold, then rolling and cutting it into long noodle-like pieces.
Traditionally served with pork or beef broth, Khao Soi is complemented by a sauce made from minced pork, tomatoes, and fermented bean paste, with additional seasoning sauces to enhance its flavor. It’s typically enjoyed as a soup, but Khonemany’s video introduced a new approach: wrapping the noodles around the sauce and chili, creating a handheld roll.
Khonemany explained that her innovative method was born out of practicality.
“I prefer Khao Soi without soup, so I tried to wrap it and it turned out good. I’m surprised that I could make our traditional local food more popular among everybody,” she said.
The woman ‘s passion for Khao Soi is deeply rooted in her upbringing. She proudly described the dish as a symbol of Muang Sing district, her native region, her native region, where it has been a staple in every household and local restaurant since her childhood.
Her adaptation was influenced by a type of dry Khao Soi that is less common but still cherished in local cuisine. By modifying the traditional serving method, Khonemany aimed to make the dish more convenient and accessible.
“I would like the next generation to develop Khao Soi as a product for export so that we can promote Lao food internationally,” she said.
Khao Soi is more than just a dish in Laos—it’s a tradition passed down through generations. This popular noodle dish has deep roots in Lao culture, enjoyed by families for years. It continues to be a favorite meal, found in homes and markets across the country.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/shutterstock_1149932561-1000x640-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-10-17 10:36:002024-09-16 10:38:22Khao Soi Goes Viral: TikTok Sparks New Trend in Traditional Lao Cuisine
World Education and the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with Disabilities, and Older Persons (part of the Secretariat of the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)) at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare hosted two information sessions this week. These sessions highlighted the new Disability Inclusive Internship Program, a key component of the ‘Okard: Capacity Strengthening on Disability Inclusive Development Project’ funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The sessions were designed to announce exciting internship opportunities for persons with disabilities, available through employers in both the public and private sectors in Vientiane.
The goal is to help job seekers with disabilities gain professional experience and enhance their skills and employability through on-the-job training with participating employers. A survey conducted in Vientiane revealed that persons with disabilities prefer on-the-job skills development over formal vocational training.
This program, set to be implemented in Vientiane from 2024 to 2027, will help bridge this gap. The information sessions, attended by around 100 participants, provided both job seekers with disabilities and employers with an opportunity to learn about the program, including the eligibility criteria and the support offered.
For job seekers with disabilities, any individual aged 14 years or older, regardless of disability type, is eligible to apply for the program. Employers from both the public and private sectors interested in participating can apply through an online application system.
The session for employers was attended by Chomyaeng Phengthongsawat, Director General of the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with Disabilities, and Older Persons (Secretariat of the NCPD) of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Michael McCord, USAID Country Representative to Laos, Bernard Franck, and other stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Director General Chomyaeng emphasized the importance of the Disability Inclusive Internship Program.
“This program will equip persons with disabilities with the necessary skills needed in the labor market through on-the-job training offered by employers in both the public and private sectors. This will contribute to increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Laos.”
McCord highlighted the vital role of the public-private partnership in promoting economic empowerment for persons with disabilities in Laos. “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to support persons with disabilities in Lao PDR. By providing them with the opportunity to intern, we are helping them take their first steps towards building skills and gaining professional experience, which are essential for accessing future employment opportunities,” McCord said.
The Disability Inclusive Internship Program under the Okard Project aims to facilitate internships for at least 35 persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors in Vientiane. Interns will receive a monthly stipend, personal accident insurance, reasonable accommodation, and peer-to-peer support during the six-month internship. Additionally, a job coach will conduct follow-up visits to monitor progress in skills development, capacity building, and confidence in the workplace. Employers are expected to designate a buddy for each intern and provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to help the interns grow and succeed in their roles.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/3.jpg10661600Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-10-16 10:34:002024-09-16 10:36:29Okard Launches Inclusive Internship Program for Persons with Disabilities
In the post-COVID era, Chinese investment in Laos has surged dramatically, positioning China to overtake Thailand as Laos’ top trading partner. According to the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment, Chinese companies invested in 17 projects worth USD 986 million in Laos in 2023, a massive increase from the USD 339 million across 30 projects in 2022. This tripling of investments reflects China’s strategic economic ambitions and its long-term plan to deepen ties with Laos under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The most prominent symbol of this partnership is the USD 6 billion China-Laos railway, which became operational in December 2021. This joint venture, set to extend into Thailand, will create a direct link from Kunming, China, to the southernmost parts of mainland Southeast Asia – Malaysia and Singapore – thus enhancing regional connectivity and solidifying China’s influence in the region. The railway is part of China’s broader expansion strategy to establish a seamless trade corridor through Laos to other ASEAN nations.
In addition to China’s investments, Hong Kong has emerged as a vital partner in Laos’ economic development, focusing on digital transformation and financial innovation. A key milestone in this evolving partnership was the recent signing of a strategic investment agreement between Goldford Group and the Lao National Digital Technology Group (LADT). This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, was signed by Johnny Ng, Chairman of the Board of Goldford Group, and Sengaloun Souphanouvong, Director of LADT.
Johnny Ng, who also serves as the Chairman of the Web3 Hub Fund under the Hong Kong government and a legislator in Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, has been at the forefront of promoting Web3 and digital finance innovations. His leadership in this MoU exemplifies Hong Kong’s commitment to supporting ASEAN countries, particularly Laos, in their digital transformation efforts.
Divergent Approaches to Virtual Asset Regulation: Laos vs. Hong Kong
While Laos is making strides in digital finance, it grapples with regulatory and infrastructural limitations that can impact the growth of virtual assets and digital payment systems. In contrast, Hong Kong, with its more developed financial infrastructure, faces the challenge of balancing regulatory oversight with innovation, according to Ng.
“Governments can balance fostering innovation with ensuring financial security by adopting a risk-based regulatory framework that aligns oversight with the risks of various virtual asset activities,” Ng wrote in a recent email exchange. “This approach allows for stringent regulation of high-risk activities while nurturing innovation in safer areas.”
The regulatory landscape for virtual assets like Bitcoin starkly contrasts between developing nations such as Laos and developed regions like Hong Kong. In Laos, the regulatory environment is notably flexible, thanks to the early stages of electronic and cross-border payment systems, Ng remarked.
“This flexibility fuels fintech innovation and is bolstered by government efforts to attract foreign investment with favorable tax and regulatory policies,” he said. Ng further highlighted the 2023 collaboration between the Bank of Laos and Japanese company Soramitsu as a prime example, noting their joint effort to develop a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) using blockchain technology.
“Policies must be flexible and adaptive, evolving with the digital asset landscape,” the Web3 Hub Fund’s Chairman stated.
Hong Kong’s legal framework currently struggles with the complexities of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), suggesting a need for tailored regulations for blockchain foundations and DAOs. Additionally, enhancing financial literacy through education and awareness can help reduce fraud and misuse. By adopting these strategies, Ng believes that governments can foster technological innovation while ensuring financial security and investor protection.
Moreover, the recent MoU between Goldford Group and LADT is poised to significantly advance digital finance and technology between Hong Kong and Laos. This partnership aims to create a new payment model that merges Web2 and Web3 technologies, addressing the demand for a more integrated and efficient payment system.
The emerging payment model that integrates Web2 and Web3 technologies promises to reshape transaction processes by combining the ease of Web2 with the advanced capabilities of Web3. This hybrid approach aims to streamline crypto adoption, merging the user-friendly aspects of traditional payment systems with the decentralized, secure features of blockchain technology. Tools that bridge Web2 and Web3, such as APIs for authentication and cross-chain transactions, could simplify the user experience and foster wider acceptance of decentralized financial systems.
Advancing Financial Integration in Southeast Asia
“The Southeast Asian region, particularly countries like Laos, presents significant opportunities for expanding financial inclusion and integrating advanced digital payment solutions,” Ng said, emphasizing the importance of this collaboration. “The growth of infrastructure, such as the Laos-China Railway, has enhanced connectivity and increased demand for efficient cross-border payments.”
The electronic and cross-border payment market in Laos has shown impressive growth, with electronic payment transactions increasing by over 15 percent annually in recent years, and projections indicate a continued compound annual growth rate of 15.19 percent from 2024 to 2028.
The SWIFT system’s dominance in cross-border payments highlights the need for more efficient and competitive alternatives. While SWIFT is widely used, its reliance on intermediaries results in higher costs and slower transactions. In contrast, cross-border QR payment systems in Southeast Asia, such as those in Vietnam and Thailand, offer a promising solution. These QR systems enable real-time transactions, reduce costs, and improve accessibility, particularly for unbanked populations, thereby enhancing financial inclusion in the region.
The partnership also opens up opportunities for exploring blockchain applications for secure and transparent financial services, aligning with global fintech trends. Additionally, this collaboration can help develop local talent and strengthen digital infrastructure, supporting sustainable economic growth in Laos while benefiting from Hong Kong’s technological expertise and investment acumen.
Hong Kong’s role as a “superconnector” is crucial in this context. By leveraging its position, Hong Kong aims to support Lao Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in areas such as banking, digital finance, logistics, and e-commerce.
“This role builds on the success of previous ASEAN missions and emphasizes Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering regional economic integration,” Ng said.
Trade statistics further underscore the growing relationship between Laos and its regional partners. Between April 2023 and 2024, Chinese exports to Laos rose by 38.6 percent to USD 324 million, while imports from Laos increased by 40.7 percent to USD 408 million. Key Chinese exports include electric locomotives, insulated wire, and plastic pipes, while Laos exports potassic fertilizers, chemical wood pulp, and iron and copper ores.
As Laos establishes itself as a key Southeast Asian hub, its partnerships with China and Hong Kong are set to reshape its economic landscape. A recent memorandum of cooperation between the Lao News Agency and the HKTDC, signed at the Belt and Road Forum, underscores Laos’ commitment to transitioning from a landlocked to a land-linked country. Meanwhile, the collaboration between Goldford Group and LADT aims to integrate advanced digital payment systems, enhancing connectivity and boosting financial inclusion.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-1.webp6751024Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-10-15 10:31:002025-03-28 23:11:33OP-ED: China, Hong Kong’s Strategic Investments in Laos Usher in a New Era of Economic Collaboration
Khao Soi Goes Viral: TikTok Sparks New Trend in Traditional Lao Cuisine
Khao Soi Luang Namtha has become a social media sensation, surging to the forefront of Lao cuisine thanks to a viral TikTok video. This traditional noodle dish, a classic in the northern Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang provinces, has found a new wave of fans across Laos and beyond, all thanks to Khonemany Keosaenmai, the 30-year-old star of the viral video.
Her clip, which showed a unique way to enjoy Khao Soi, has reignited interest in the traditional noodle, making it a trending favorite among both locals and visitors.
Khao Soi, which translates to “cut rice,” is made from rice flour. The process involves steaming the flour in a rectangular mold, then rolling and cutting it into long noodle-like pieces.
Traditionally served with pork or beef broth, Khao Soi is complemented by a sauce made from minced pork, tomatoes, and fermented bean paste, with additional seasoning sauces to enhance its flavor. It’s typically enjoyed as a soup, but Khonemany’s video introduced a new approach: wrapping the noodles around the sauce and chili, creating a handheld roll.
Khonemany explained that her innovative method was born out of practicality.
“I prefer Khao Soi without soup, so I tried to wrap it and it turned out good. I’m surprised that I could make our traditional local food more popular among everybody,” she said.
The woman ‘s passion for Khao Soi is deeply rooted in her upbringing. She proudly described the dish as a symbol of Muang Sing district, her native region, her native region, where it has been a staple in every household and local restaurant since her childhood.
Her adaptation was influenced by a type of dry Khao Soi that is less common but still cherished in local cuisine. By modifying the traditional serving method, Khonemany aimed to make the dish more convenient and accessible.
“I would like the next generation to develop Khao Soi as a product for export so that we can promote Lao food internationally,” she said.
Khao Soi is more than just a dish in Laos—it’s a tradition passed down through generations. This popular noodle dish has deep roots in Lao culture, enjoyed by families for years. It continues to be a favorite meal, found in homes and markets across the country.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/06/khao-soi-goes-viral-tiktok-sparks-new-trend-in-traditional-lao-cuisine/
Okard Launches Inclusive Internship Program for Persons with Disabilities
World Education and the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with Disabilities, and Older Persons (part of the Secretariat of the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)) at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare hosted two information sessions this week. These sessions highlighted the new Disability Inclusive Internship Program, a key component of the ‘Okard: Capacity Strengthening on Disability Inclusive Development Project’ funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The sessions were designed to announce exciting internship opportunities for persons with disabilities, available through employers in both the public and private sectors in Vientiane.
The goal is to help job seekers with disabilities gain professional experience and enhance their skills and employability through on-the-job training with participating employers. A survey conducted in Vientiane revealed that persons with disabilities prefer on-the-job skills development over formal vocational training.
This program, set to be implemented in Vientiane from 2024 to 2027, will help bridge this gap. The information sessions, attended by around 100 participants, provided both job seekers with disabilities and employers with an opportunity to learn about the program, including the eligibility criteria and the support offered.
For job seekers with disabilities, any individual aged 14 years or older, regardless of disability type, is eligible to apply for the program. Employers from both the public and private sectors interested in participating can apply through an online application system.
The session for employers was attended by Chomyaeng Phengthongsawat, Director General of the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with Disabilities, and Older Persons (Secretariat of the NCPD) of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Michael McCord, USAID Country Representative to Laos, Bernard Franck, and other stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Director General Chomyaeng emphasized the importance of the Disability Inclusive Internship Program.
“This program will equip persons with disabilities with the necessary skills needed in the labor market through on-the-job training offered by employers in both the public and private sectors. This will contribute to increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Laos.”
McCord highlighted the vital role of the public-private partnership in promoting economic empowerment for persons with disabilities in Laos. “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to support persons with disabilities in Lao PDR. By providing them with the opportunity to intern, we are helping them take their first steps towards building skills and gaining professional experience, which are essential for accessing future employment opportunities,” McCord said.
The Disability Inclusive Internship Program under the Okard Project aims to facilitate internships for at least 35 persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors in Vientiane. Interns will receive a monthly stipend, personal accident insurance, reasonable accommodation, and peer-to-peer support during the six-month internship. Additionally, a job coach will conduct follow-up visits to monitor progress in skills development, capacity building, and confidence in the workplace. Employers are expected to designate a buddy for each intern and provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to help the interns grow and succeed in their roles.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/06/okard-launches-inclusive-internship-program-for-persons-with-disabilities/
OP-ED: China, Hong Kong’s Strategic Investments in Laos Usher in a New Era of Economic Collaboration
In the post-COVID era, Chinese investment in Laos has surged dramatically, positioning China to overtake Thailand as Laos’ top trading partner. According to the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment, Chinese companies invested in 17 projects worth USD 986 million in Laos in 2023, a massive increase from the USD 339 million across 30 projects in 2022. This tripling of investments reflects China’s strategic economic ambitions and its long-term plan to deepen ties with Laos under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The most prominent symbol of this partnership is the USD 6 billion China-Laos railway, which became operational in December 2021. This joint venture, set to extend into Thailand, will create a direct link from Kunming, China, to the southernmost parts of mainland Southeast Asia – Malaysia and Singapore – thus enhancing regional connectivity and solidifying China’s influence in the region. The railway is part of China’s broader expansion strategy to establish a seamless trade corridor through Laos to other ASEAN nations.
In addition to China’s investments, Hong Kong has emerged as a vital partner in Laos’ economic development, focusing on digital transformation and financial innovation. A key milestone in this evolving partnership was the recent signing of a strategic investment agreement between Goldford Group and the Lao National Digital Technology Group (LADT). This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith, was signed by Johnny Ng, Chairman of the Board of Goldford Group, and Sengaloun Souphanouvong, Director of LADT.
Johnny Ng, who also serves as the Chairman of the Web3 Hub Fund under the Hong Kong government and a legislator in Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, has been at the forefront of promoting Web3 and digital finance innovations. His leadership in this MoU exemplifies Hong Kong’s commitment to supporting ASEAN countries, particularly Laos, in their digital transformation efforts.
Divergent Approaches to Virtual Asset Regulation: Laos vs. Hong Kong
While Laos is making strides in digital finance, it grapples with regulatory and infrastructural limitations that can impact the growth of virtual assets and digital payment systems. In contrast, Hong Kong, with its more developed financial infrastructure, faces the challenge of balancing regulatory oversight with innovation, according to Ng.
“Governments can balance fostering innovation with ensuring financial security by adopting a risk-based regulatory framework that aligns oversight with the risks of various virtual asset activities,” Ng wrote in a recent email exchange. “This approach allows for stringent regulation of high-risk activities while nurturing innovation in safer areas.”
The regulatory landscape for virtual assets like Bitcoin starkly contrasts between developing nations such as Laos and developed regions like Hong Kong. In Laos, the regulatory environment is notably flexible, thanks to the early stages of electronic and cross-border payment systems, Ng remarked.
“This flexibility fuels fintech innovation and is bolstered by government efforts to attract foreign investment with favorable tax and regulatory policies,” he said. Ng further highlighted the 2023 collaboration between the Bank of Laos and Japanese company Soramitsu as a prime example, noting their joint effort to develop a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) using blockchain technology.
“Policies must be flexible and adaptive, evolving with the digital asset landscape,” the Web3 Hub Fund’s Chairman stated.
Hong Kong’s legal framework currently struggles with the complexities of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), suggesting a need for tailored regulations for blockchain foundations and DAOs. Additionally, enhancing financial literacy through education and awareness can help reduce fraud and misuse. By adopting these strategies, Ng believes that governments can foster technological innovation while ensuring financial security and investor protection.
Moreover, the recent MoU between Goldford Group and LADT is poised to significantly advance digital finance and technology between Hong Kong and Laos. This partnership aims to create a new payment model that merges Web2 and Web3 technologies, addressing the demand for a more integrated and efficient payment system.
The emerging payment model that integrates Web2 and Web3 technologies promises to reshape transaction processes by combining the ease of Web2 with the advanced capabilities of Web3. This hybrid approach aims to streamline crypto adoption, merging the user-friendly aspects of traditional payment systems with the decentralized, secure features of blockchain technology. Tools that bridge Web2 and Web3, such as APIs for authentication and cross-chain transactions, could simplify the user experience and foster wider acceptance of decentralized financial systems.
Advancing Financial Integration in Southeast Asia
“The Southeast Asian region, particularly countries like Laos, presents significant opportunities for expanding financial inclusion and integrating advanced digital payment solutions,” Ng said, emphasizing the importance of this collaboration. “The growth of infrastructure, such as the Laos-China Railway, has enhanced connectivity and increased demand for efficient cross-border payments.”
The electronic and cross-border payment market in Laos has shown impressive growth, with electronic payment transactions increasing by over 15 percent annually in recent years, and projections indicate a continued compound annual growth rate of 15.19 percent from 2024 to 2028.
The SWIFT system’s dominance in cross-border payments highlights the need for more efficient and competitive alternatives. While SWIFT is widely used, its reliance on intermediaries results in higher costs and slower transactions. In contrast, cross-border QR payment systems in Southeast Asia, such as those in Vietnam and Thailand, offer a promising solution. These QR systems enable real-time transactions, reduce costs, and improve accessibility, particularly for unbanked populations, thereby enhancing financial inclusion in the region.
The partnership also opens up opportunities for exploring blockchain applications for secure and transparent financial services, aligning with global fintech trends. Additionally, this collaboration can help develop local talent and strengthen digital infrastructure, supporting sustainable economic growth in Laos while benefiting from Hong Kong’s technological expertise and investment acumen.
Hong Kong’s role as a “superconnector” is crucial in this context. By leveraging its position, Hong Kong aims to support Lao Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in areas such as banking, digital finance, logistics, and e-commerce.
“This role builds on the success of previous ASEAN missions and emphasizes Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering regional economic integration,” Ng said.
Trade statistics further underscore the growing relationship between Laos and its regional partners. Between April 2023 and 2024, Chinese exports to Laos rose by 38.6 percent to USD 324 million, while imports from Laos increased by 40.7 percent to USD 408 million. Key Chinese exports include electric locomotives, insulated wire, and plastic pipes, while Laos exports potassic fertilizers, chemical wood pulp, and iron and copper ores.
As Laos establishes itself as a key Southeast Asian hub, its partnerships with China and Hong Kong are set to reshape its economic landscape. A recent memorandum of cooperation between the Lao News Agency and the HKTDC, signed at the Belt and Road Forum, underscores Laos’ commitment to transitioning from a landlocked to a land-linked country. Meanwhile, the collaboration between Goldford Group and LADT aims to integrate advanced digital payment systems, enhancing connectivity and boosting financial inclusion.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/05/op-ed-china-hong-kongs-strategic-investments-in-laos-usher-in-a-new-era-of-economic-collaboration/