New Phase Boosts Laos-China Clean Energy Project

To advance regional clean energy collaboration, Laos and CGI Energy Technology Co., Ltd. have signed an agreement to launch Phase II of the Northern Clean Energy Connection Project. 

The ceremony, held in Vientiane on 8 August aimed to highlight both parties’ commitment to the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and to enhance their strategic energy partnership.

Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and the Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Fang Hong, witnessed the signing. 

The agreement marks a significant step in expanding Laos’ clean energy infrastructure, with a focus on integrating wind, solar, and water storage energy solutions across three northern provinces: Oudomxay, Phongsaly, and Luang Namtha.

Phase II builds on the initial phase of the project, which saw the deployment of solar energy capacity. Under the new agreement, CGI Energy will advance solar energy development with a target of 580 MW in Luang Namtha and 420 MW in Oudomxay.

Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Energy and Mine, Thongphat Inthavong, highlighted the project’s importance in strengthening the relationship between northern Laos and southern China. He further stressed the role of the initiative in promoting sustainable, green energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions in the region.

Phase II is set to strengthen the Laos-China energy partnership and advance regional clean energy efforts.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/13/new-phase-boosts-laos-china-clean-energy-project/

Laos to Establish Tug-of-War as National Sport Under New Leadership

Laos’ Tug-of-War Federation is set to revive the sport under new leadership, with plans to elevate it nationally and increase its regional presence in the coming year.

At a press conference on 6 August, the federation unveiled its new management team, led by former Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Alounkeo Kittikhoun, with backing from the Ministry of Education and Sports.

The newly appointed team will oversee key aspects of the sport, including fundraising, organizing competitions, marketing, and building international relations. Alounkeo also mentioned plans to develop a comprehensive manual on tug-of-war rules and competition procedures. This guide will be distributed in schools to promote the sport in schools, to increase student participation.

The immediate priority for the team is to prepare a group of strong competitors for a tug-of-war contest in Thailand next month. Additionally, they plan to organize a national-level tug-of-war event in Laos later this year.

Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Kingmano Phommahaxay expressed confidence in the new leadership. He emphasized the importance of working with international and regional organizations to boost the sport’s popularity.

Looking ahead, the federation aims to include tug-of-war in the National Games in Vientiane Capital in 2025 and participate in the Southeast Asia Games hosted by Thailand.

Tug-of-war was once part of the Olympic Games but has since been removed. Established in 2016, the Lao Tug-of-War Federation has seen previous success in regional competitions, including a third-place finish at the ASEAN Tug-of-War Championship in Pattaya, Thailand.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/09/laos-to-establish-tug-of-war-as-national-sport-under-new-leadership/

Laos Welcomes Over 2 Million Visitors in First Half of 2024

Laos has seen a surge in tourism during the first six months of Visit Laos Year 2024, with over 2.1 million tourists visiting the country, marking a 26 percent increase in visitors compared to the same period in 2023.

The latest figures from the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) show the primary source markets for Lao tourism remain consistent with previous years. 

Thailand leads the way, contributing 680,153 visitors, or 32.25 percent of the total. Vietnam follows with 512,042 visitors, making up 24.28 percent, and China is close behind with 510,083 tourists, accounting for 24.18 percent of all arrivals. South Korea also made a significant contribution, with 134,246 visitors representing 6.36 percent of the total. These four countries together comprise an overwhelming 87 percent of all tourists to Laos.

On the Western front, the United States sent 37,752 tourists, accounting for 1.79 percent of the total, while France contributed 28,814 tourists (1.37 percent), and the United Kingdom sent 24,430 visitors (1.11 percent). 

Other notable sources include Russia, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, and Australia, each contributing less than 1 percent of the total. Collectively, these eight nationalities make up just 7.53 percent of all tourist arrivals.

To support continued growth in tourism for the second half of the year, MICT organized an intensive two-month training course, from 6 May to 19 July, to raise the standards of Lao tour guides to meet ASEAN benchmarks. The course combined theoretical and practical sessions to enhance their qualifications, insights, and skills, with a focus on multilingualism and professionalism to better serve tourists.

In July, the UK-based travel guide website Lonely Planet named Luang Prabang Province as one of the seven best places to visit in Southeast Asia for 2024. The recognition came due to the city’s dedication to preserving its ancient temples and spiritual heritage.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/08/laos-welcomes-over-2-million-visitors-in-first-half-of-2024/

Savannakhet Museum to Undergo Major Renovation

To boost tourism,  Savannakhet Province’s Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism (DICT) has partnered with APA Incorporate, a multidisciplinary architectural and engineering consultancy firm in Laos,  to launch a major museum survey and design project to revitalize the provincial museum.

This was formalized during a signing ceremony on 1 August at the DICT office in Savannakhet Province. Mongkhounephet Vongpachan, Deputy Head of the DICT of Savannakhet, signed the agreement with Vongxay Bounmany, Director of APA Incorporate, expanding the current museum renovation project, which originally focused only on the main building.

The survey and design project aims to establish a large, fully-equipped museum that incorporates the surrounding areas of the current museum. The new museum is expected to become a major tourist attraction, highlighting the beauty and historical significance of the colonial-era architecture in Savannakhet Province.

According to Mongkounephet, the project will proceed in two distinct phases. The first phase, estimated to take between 8 to 12 months, will involve a detailed survey and design process. This phase will culminate in the selection of a construction company. The second phase, which is expected to last 24 months, will oversee and inspect the construction process, with a total budget of USD 215,000 allocated to the entire project.

This collaboration is anticipated to result in a museum that not only preserves the cultural heritage of the region but also boosts tourism in the old town area of Savannakhet Province.

The Savannakhet Museum currently offers visitors a rich experience through its diverse collection of indigenous artifacts, including ancient finds, traditional crafts, and religious items. It provides insights into the area’s historical struggles and triumphs, offering a unique glimpse into Laos’ cultural heritage.

Beyond the museum, Savannakhet is known for its unique travel experiences, including ancient temples, home staying with host families to learn more about local culture and history, as well as trekking through the district’s scenic outskirts.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/07/savannakhet-museum-to-undergo-major-renovation/

Laos, Vietnam to Enhance Disaster Preparedness with Digital Innovation

Laos and Vietnam have formalized agreements to enhance disaster management capabilities by establishing data and communication centers.

This initiative was solidified during a meeting on 5 August between the Lao Minister of Technology and Communications (MTC) and the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). 

During the meeting, both sides reviewed proposals for setting up a data and communication center aimed at monitoring natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, and establishing a national center for data storage and cloud computing in Laos.

To fast-track these initiatives, a joint laboratory specializing in earthquake data and communication has been set up by the Institute of Geophysics under VAST and the Research Institute for Smart Technology (ARIST) under MTC. VAST has also provided essential equipment and training to 15 ARIST officers in data analysis.

Additionally, the two agencies have pledged to continue their cooperation in human resource development, capacity building in technology and innovation, and sharing expertise in digital technology.

According to Vietnamese media, this collaboration is intended to strengthen the technological capabilities of both nations, ensuring they are better prepared to manage and mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/06/laos-vietnam-to-enhance-disaster-preparedness-with-digital-innovation/

First Lao Nationals Certified as Train Drivers by Lao-China Railway

On 5 August, the Lao-China Railway awarded driver certificates to 14 Lao nationals who successfully completed a self-driven test. This certification ceremony marks the first time Lao citizens have received this recognition.

The journey to certification began in June 2022, with an initial cohort of 66 participants undergoing extensive theoretical and practical training to become certified railway staff. 

By late 2023, a selection process narrowed the group to 30 drivers, who were tasked with operating trains over a combined distance exceeding 100,000 kilometers.

Ultimately, only 14 drivers demonstrated exceptional performance, earning them the official certificates jointly issued by the Lao-China Railway and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. 

To celebrate the occasion, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Xaysongkham Manothin, praised the newly certified drivers, noting that their achievement reflects the successful partnership between Laos and China in training skilled railway professionals. 

Looking ahead, Liu Hong, Director General of the Laos-China Railway, outlined plans to develop more Lao experts in railway operations, enhance the railway system’s quality, and improve people’s lives.

To do so, Liu Hong explained that the railway will hold more workshops and training programs for Lao workers, focusing on key job roles, developing specialized skills, and refining the training system to create the first generation of Lao executives and technicians in railway operations.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/06/first-lao-nationals-certified-as-train-drivers-by-lao-china-railway/

Laos to Digitize Citizenship Records, Prime Minister Says

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has announced plans to establish a new digital national database for citizen registration and identity card issuance, to enhance national security, governance, and administrative efficiency by streamlining the registration process.

During a meeting on 2 August, PM Sonexay emphasized the importance of the civil registration process and urged relevant authorities to take full responsibility for its implementation.

Under the PM’s instruction, The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, must ensure that the digitization of citizenship records is legally compliant and technically robust.

The Ministry of Public Security has been directed to refine relevant legislation, train personnel, develop software, and fully prepare for the digitalized registration of citizens. The ministry will also lead the efforts to build the necessary infrastructure, support the sectors involved at both central and provincial levels, and closely monitor the progress.

Furthermore, PM Sonexay instructed the authorities to write reports, collect statistics, and record the progress in citizen registration on a daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annual, and annual basis. This data will be compiled and reported to the government by the Ministry of Public Security.

Both ministries are also responsible for overseeing the registration of Lao citizens, foreigners, and stateless individuals authorized to reside in Laos, with strict measures to be enforced against those who do not comply with the registration process.

According to the prime minister, the project serves as a top government priority, highlighting the necessity for ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to ensure its success.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/05/laos-to-digitize-citizenship-records-prime-minister-says/

Japanese Ambassador Celebrates Lao Scholars Heading to Japan

On 1 August, the Ambassador of Japan, Tsutomu Koizumi hosted a reception at his residence in Vientiane Capital for students and senior fellows of the “Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS)” and the “Young Leaders Program (YLP).”

The reception aimed to congratulate and encourage the students traveling to Japan, wishing them success in their academic and career development. The Japanese government funds these students through the JDS and YLP programs.

Open to Lao government officials engaged in socio-economic development, the JDS program grants scholarships for two-year master’s degrees and three-year doctoral degrees in Japan. Since its inception in 1999, more than 500 Lao officials have received JDS scholarships.

The YLP program, which began in 2001, aims to foster junior government officials into future national leaders. It offers one-year scholarships for master’s degrees in five fields: government, local governance, business administration, law, and healthcare administration. Around 70 Lao government officials have benefited from the YLP program.

At the reception, Ambassador Koizumi congratulated the departing students and encouraged them to seize the opportunity to develop themselves while studying in Japan. 

“This year, Laos plays an essential role as the ASEAN chair. Next year, 2025, will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Japan and Laos. At such an important juncture, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kamikawa Yoko, and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saleumsay Kommasith, agreed last week to elevate this partnership to new heights,” Ambassador Koizumi said. 

“I hope you will share with the Lao people the charms of Japan after completing your study program, and make the best use of the knowledge and experience acquired in Japan to serve as a bridge between our two countries in your future careers,” he continued.

On behalf of the departing students, Bounsy Sizanone, an official from the Ministry of Public Security who will study drug trafficking prevention at Kyushu University, and Sengdavy Xaypadith, an official from the Ministry of Health who will study at Nagoya University, expressed their appreciation to the Government of Japan and reaffirmed their strong commitment to academic achievement.

The reception was attended by numerous Lao government officials, including Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association, and Bounfeng Phounmmalaysith, Minister of Health. Also present were Vice Ministers, Director Generals, Deputy Director Generals, senior fellows, and other successful graduates from Japanese universities under these programs.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/05/japanese-ambassador-celebrates-lao-scholars-heading-to-japan/

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/