For the first time, Lao students have made history by winning thirteen medals at the Singapore International Math Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC). Competing against 2,231 students from 35 countries and territories across grades 1 to 12, the Lao team won one Gold medal, six Silver medals, and six Bronze medals, along with three Honorable Mentions.
The students were supported by BrightPath Education, a local organization that offers scholarships and aids students in excelling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The Lao team comprised students from various international and local schools, including Vientiane Pattana School International, Panyathip British International School, and Hakkeo Secondary School.
Among the sixteen participants, the youngest was Souliyavong Sirimanotham, a grade 1 student from Vientiane Pattana School International. He shared that the experience was not only about competing but also about exploring Singapore and making new friends.
“I was a bit nervous at the start, but I believed in myself and was just there to experience everything,” he said.
Another student, Romina Phoutharaksa Douangmala, a grade 9 student from Panyathip British International School, spoke about her preparation and determination to “make her country proud.”
“I practiced as hard as I could, attending preparation classes for four days. I knew it would be challenging, but I was determined to win a medal,” she said.
Alounny Keosouvanh, Director of BrightPath, praised the students’ efforts and resilience.
“The event was tough, demanding discipline, patience, and an open-minded approach. We’re proud of all our students, regardless of whether they won medals, as they were brave enough to embrace this experience. That’s the key takeaway we wanted for them,” she said.
President of BrightPath, Rakesh Origanti also emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing opportunities for students interested in mathematics and STEM subjects.
“Our goal is to offer training not only to students but also to educators, supporting the digital economy platform,” he stated.
SIMOC is an annual international mathematics competition that invites math enthusiasts from around the world to showcase their talent and skills. The event includes three main categories: Math Olympiad (Individual Round), where students solve problems individually; Math Warriors (Team Round), a team competition with participants from different countries; and Mind Sports (Team Round), which focuses on strategic thinking.
This year’s performance of Lao students at SIMOC marks a significant achievement in the country’s educational journey for its young mathematicians.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/888888.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-08-27 04:47:002024-08-09 16:49:13Lao Students Bag 13 Medals at Singapore Math Olympiad
In an effort to reduce plastic and foam usage, first-year students from the National University of Laos (NOUL) have created eco-friendly plates made from banana and teak leaves. The initiative, guided by professors of the Department of Forest Economics and Wood Technology aims to promote environmental conservation, particularly within Laos’ tourism sector.
The project was inspired by Douangta Bouaphavong, the department’s deputy, who developed the concept during his PhD studies in Thailand. Upon returning to Laos, Douangta collaborated with the department’s head, Oudone Silaleune, and four NUOL students. Their work received support from the Lao embassy in Thailand, highlighting the cross-border cooperation.
Douangta emphasized the project’s meaning in Laos and the region, noting the prevalent use of foam containers in rural Laos, which are often discarded improperly and take centuries to decompose.
“Using the leaf as a plate can decompose in five days, compared to plastic that takes more than five hundred years,” he explained. “As a forest researcher, it pains me to see humans destroying our forests and environment.”
The students involved in the initiative expressed their optimism about the project’s impact. Khammun Mounthaveekhoun pointed out that foam containers, often imported, can pose health risks such as cancer.
“This initiative will encourage Lao people to support local products, as these plates are made right here in our country,” Vathsana Khounpaserd added.
The production process involves soaking banana and teak leaves in saltwater to remove any surface chemicals, drying them, and then layering them with glue made from a boiled mixture of water and flour. The leaves are then pressed at over 180 degrees Celsius for more than 50 seconds with the machine. Finally, the plates are trimmed to perfection.
Douangta also hinted at future plans for the project, including the development of reusable leaf plates.
“We want to share this knowledge with local communities in rural areas, empowering them to preserve their forests by utilizing local resources,” he said.
The leaf plates will debut at an upcoming meeting at NOUL on 9 August, where 100 plates will be used for the first time.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) of Laos, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has launched an enhanced Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) Issuing System.
The launch event featured over 100 participants from government and private sectors attending both in-person and online.
The e-CO system allows businesses to easily obtain Certificates of Origin for their exports, helping them comply with regulations in Laos and internationally. These certificates, which can be accessed at the EcoLao website, are essential for proving where a product comes from and qualifying for reduced tariffs in international trade.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Manothong Vongsay highlighted the importance of this new system, saying it simplifies export processes and helps Lao businesses reach new markets. Ambassador Variava praised the collaboration between Laos and the United States, noting that the system will enhance the country’s market integration.
The new e-CO system offers significant benefits, such as reducing tariffs for eligible exports and streamlining customs procedures. This helps businesses save time and money, encourages smoother trade, and opens up new opportunities for growth, investment, and job creation in Laos.
The launch of this system is part of a broader effort by USAID and MOIC to improve the business environment in Laos, making it easier for companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to compete in the global market.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/us.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-08-23 04:42:002024-08-09 16:44:11Laos Unveils Electronic Certificate of Origin Issuing System to Boost Trade
Lao Students Bag 13 Medals at Singapore Math Olympiad
For the first time, Lao students have made history by winning thirteen medals at the Singapore International Math Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC). Competing against 2,231 students from 35 countries and territories across grades 1 to 12, the Lao team won one Gold medal, six Silver medals, and six Bronze medals, along with three Honorable Mentions.
The students were supported by BrightPath Education, a local organization that offers scholarships and aids students in excelling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The Lao team comprised students from various international and local schools, including Vientiane Pattana School International, Panyathip British International School, and Hakkeo Secondary School.
Among the sixteen participants, the youngest was Souliyavong Sirimanotham, a grade 1 student from Vientiane Pattana School International. He shared that the experience was not only about competing but also about exploring Singapore and making new friends.
“I was a bit nervous at the start, but I believed in myself and was just there to experience everything,” he said.
Another student, Romina Phoutharaksa Douangmala, a grade 9 student from Panyathip British International School, spoke about her preparation and determination to “make her country proud.”
“I practiced as hard as I could, attending preparation classes for four days. I knew it would be challenging, but I was determined to win a medal,” she said.
Alounny Keosouvanh, Director of BrightPath, praised the students’ efforts and resilience.
“The event was tough, demanding discipline, patience, and an open-minded approach. We’re proud of all our students, regardless of whether they won medals, as they were brave enough to embrace this experience. That’s the key takeaway we wanted for them,” she said.
President of BrightPath, Rakesh Origanti also emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing opportunities for students interested in mathematics and STEM subjects.
“Our goal is to offer training not only to students but also to educators, supporting the digital economy platform,” he stated.
SIMOC is an annual international mathematics competition that invites math enthusiasts from around the world to showcase their talent and skills. The event includes three main categories: Math Olympiad (Individual Round), where students solve problems individually; Math Warriors (Team Round), a team competition with participants from different countries; and Mind Sports (Team Round), which focuses on strategic thinking.
This year’s performance of Lao students at SIMOC marks a significant achievement in the country’s educational journey for its young mathematicians.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/02/lao-students-bag-13-medals-at-singapore-math-olympiad/
Lao Students Create Eco-Friendly Plates from Banana, Teak Leaves to Combat Plastic Waste
In an effort to reduce plastic and foam usage, first-year students from the National University of Laos (NOUL) have created eco-friendly plates made from banana and teak leaves. The initiative, guided by professors of the Department of Forest Economics and Wood Technology aims to promote environmental conservation, particularly within Laos’ tourism sector.
The project was inspired by Douangta Bouaphavong, the department’s deputy, who developed the concept during his PhD studies in Thailand. Upon returning to Laos, Douangta collaborated with the department’s head, Oudone Silaleune, and four NUOL students. Their work received support from the Lao embassy in Thailand, highlighting the cross-border cooperation.
Douangta emphasized the project’s meaning in Laos and the region, noting the prevalent use of foam containers in rural Laos, which are often discarded improperly and take centuries to decompose.
“Using the leaf as a plate can decompose in five days, compared to plastic that takes more than five hundred years,” he explained. “As a forest researcher, it pains me to see humans destroying our forests and environment.”
The students involved in the initiative expressed their optimism about the project’s impact. Khammun Mounthaveekhoun pointed out that foam containers, often imported, can pose health risks such as cancer.
“This initiative will encourage Lao people to support local products, as these plates are made right here in our country,” Vathsana Khounpaserd added.
The production process involves soaking banana and teak leaves in saltwater to remove any surface chemicals, drying them, and then layering them with glue made from a boiled mixture of water and flour. The leaves are then pressed at over 180 degrees Celsius for more than 50 seconds with the machine. Finally, the plates are trimmed to perfection.
Douangta also hinted at future plans for the project, including the development of reusable leaf plates.
“We want to share this knowledge with local communities in rural areas, empowering them to preserve their forests by utilizing local resources,” he said.
The leaf plates will debut at an upcoming meeting at NOUL on 9 August, where 100 plates will be used for the first time.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/02/lao-students-create-eco-friendly-plates-from-banana-teak-leaves-to-combat-plastic-waste/
Laos Unveils Electronic Certificate of Origin Issuing System to Boost Trade
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) of Laos, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has launched an enhanced Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) Issuing System.
The launch event featured over 100 participants from government and private sectors attending both in-person and online.
The e-CO system allows businesses to easily obtain Certificates of Origin for their exports, helping them comply with regulations in Laos and internationally. These certificates, which can be accessed at the EcoLao website, are essential for proving where a product comes from and qualifying for reduced tariffs in international trade.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Manothong Vongsay highlighted the importance of this new system, saying it simplifies export processes and helps Lao businesses reach new markets. Ambassador Variava praised the collaboration between Laos and the United States, noting that the system will enhance the country’s market integration.
The new e-CO system offers significant benefits, such as reducing tariffs for eligible exports and streamlining customs procedures. This helps businesses save time and money, encourages smoother trade, and opens up new opportunities for growth, investment, and job creation in Laos.
The launch of this system is part of a broader effort by USAID and MOIC to improve the business environment in Laos, making it easier for companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to compete in the global market.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/01/laos-unveils-electronic-certificate-of-origin-issuing-system-to-boost-trade/