Today, Sujiro Seam, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to ASEAN officially inaugurates 11 youth representatives from ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste as the first ever cohort of the Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN (YSBEA).

Among the 11 inaugural members is Chilanhouth Nitvongkhay, a 22-year-old Lao digital skills advocate.

Chilanhouth’s inclusion in the YSBEA highlights his commitment to addressing the digital divide in Laos and promoting digital literacy. He has been active in equipping Lao youth with digital tools to advocate for climate action and environmental sustainability. His previous efforts include training 100 participants on using digital platforms for climate advocacy, leading to new community projects aimed at raising climate change awareness.

YSBEA will provide Chilanhouth and his peers a platform to influence EU policies on key issues such as digital infrastructure and sustainable development. This is particularly relevant as Laos, under its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2024, prioritizes digital transition to boost regional connectivity and economic growth. The YSBEA’s focus on empowering youth aligns with Laos’ efforts to close the digital gap and build a more inclusive, tech-savvy future.

The establishment of YSBEA is an initiative aimed to boost young people’s engagement in EU-ASEAN cooperation to act as a youth advisory group to the EU Delegation.

“The selection of YSBEA members is an acknowledgement of their outstanding leadership qualities and impressive achievements. YSBEA will provide a consultative space and platform for young people to strengthen the European Union’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. YSBEA participation will make the actions of the European Union more relevant and effective for young people,” Seam said.

“Young people are change-makers and essential partners in ensuring the success of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. Youth have an important role to play in deciding the future of this region: to build a better future that is greener, more inclusive, and digital. YSBEA members’ participation reflects their testament and commitment to make a difference,” he added. 

YSBEA members had the opportunity to pay a courtesy call to Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs of ASEAN. 

DSG Nararya highlighted the pivotal role of the youth in contributing to the achievement of key development goals within the region, noting that the ASEAN youth population accounted for around 34 percent of the overall population in 2020 and is projected to peak in 2038. 

He emphasized that ASEAN recognizes the crucial role of youth as key drivers of growth, as reflected in the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Development of the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision. This statement, adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in May 2023, underscores the importance of empowering youth to actively participate in shaping the future of the region. 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the Youth Sounding Board for EU in ASEAN (YSBEA),” said representative from Cambodia, Vichny Chanchem. “I look forward to collaborating with like-minded fellow YSBEA members to strengthen EU-ASEAN cooperation on sustainable development that upholds the rights of the people in ASEAN.”

These 11 individuals are young activists who are passionate in the fields of the environment and climate change, education, science and technology, human rights, gender, entrepreneurship and health. The inauguration of YSBEA is part of a 3-day on boarding phase consisting of an induction and mentorship program on environment and energy; digital and infrastructure; gender equality; human development; migration and forced displacement; human rights, peace and governance; as well as sustainable growth and jobs.

YSBEA is among 30 Youth Sounding Board groups established by other EU Delegations worldwide as part of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) for EU external action. The YAP serves as the EU’s guiding framework to promote meaningful youth participation and empowerment globally for sustainable development, equality and peace. Focusing on three core areas of action: Engage, Connect and Empower, the YAP is a timely endeavor to engage young people in EU external actions.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/28/european-union-inaugurates-first-youth-sounding-board-for-eu-in-asean/

China has introduced its first refrigerated freight train service from Yunnan Province to Laos via the Lao-China Railway, marking a significant step in enhancing the efficiency of transporting perishable goods across the region.

This service began on 23 August, carrying 400 tons of fresh vegetables. The train departed from China’s Yuxi City in Yunnan Province traveled to Vientiane, Laos, and continued by road to Bangkok, Thailand. The service features modern refrigerated containers designed to maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables throughout the journey.

According Zhang Guilan, Deputy Director of the Yuxi Municipal Trade Office, Yunnan Province aims to transport over 50,000 tons of high-quality fruits and vegetables annually to various countries in the Indochina Peninsula through this railway.

Moreover, Xu Jiefeng, Department director of the Kunming logistic center, China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co Ltd, highlighted that this efficient transportation channel not only meets customer needs for maintaining the temperature of frozen goods but also underscores the Lao-China Railway’s contribution to China’s international trade and economic expansion.

Since its inception in December 2021, the Lao-China Railway has transported over 10 million tons of goods. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/27/first-cold-chain-train-connects-yunnan-with-vientiane/

The Lao Ministry of Health has introduced a set of measures aimed at improving the management of both modern and traditional medicines in a bid to improve public health safety. These steps are designed to address emerging challenges and ensure the highest standards in the healthcare sector across the country.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various sectors, has developed strategies to combat issues related to addictive substances and ensure the safety of food, medicine, and medical products.

Key among these initiatives is the Food and Drug Administration’s active campaign to raise awareness about the risks associated with unregulated cosmetics, food supplements, and collagen products, particularly those sold through unregistered online platforms.

Enhancing Traditional Medicine 

A major focus this year has been on improving the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies. The Ministry has established a systematic monitoring system to oversee the procurement and distribution of medicines, medical supplies, and chemicals to central hospitals, medical centers, and provincial facilities.

Additionally, a nationwide meeting was held to coordinate these efforts, and data collection on antibiotic use in private pharmacies has been intensified. The Ministry has also trained 89 technicians from central and provincial hospitals in the maintenance and repair of medical equipment.

In parallel, the government has made strides in promoting and developing traditional medicine. Research into various traditional Lao medicines has led to the creation of new products, including medicinal teas, capsules, and massage oils. Efforts have also been made to document medicinal biodiversity, with a comprehensive list of 270 medicinal plant species compiled and educational textbooks developed to preserve and teach traditional Lao and Hmong medicine.

Beefing Up Quality

Quality control was also a key focus of the discussion. The Ministry has reportedly conducted extensive research on the quality of food, drugs, and medical products. The research laboratory received international certification for studying food microorganisms in drinking water. In the first half of 2024 alone, the laboratory analyzed 1,162 samples, primarily focusing on drinking water and drug samples.

The Ministry has also been active in inspecting food and medicine markets in Vientiane Capital, targeting outlets selling unregistered cosmetic products and counterfeit items. These inspections led to a meeting to address the issue of medicine sales in minimarkets, and monitoring was conducted at 23 pharmacies in the capital.

To further streamline the healthcare sector, the Ministry has worked on improving trade processes and explored ways to speed up the issuing of import-export licenses, including online licenses for controlled chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, traditional medicines, and health supplements.

These ongoing efforts are set to bring substantial improvements in healthcare quality and accessibility across the nation.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/26/laos-boosts-modern-traditional-medicine-management-to-improve-public-health/

The Lao Tawan Taekwondo Club is set to continue its winning streak at the upcoming Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Cup in Luang Prabang province this September.

The anticipation follows a successful performance at the 7th Heroes Taekwondo International Championship in Bangkok, Thailand from 10 to 12 August, where the club’s junior members won several medals.

Vinarinthone Ngonvorarath clinched a gold medal in the boys’ 18 kg U-6 category, while Natxanon Santivilakone achieved gold in the boys’ 49 kg U-14 category, alongside securing two silver and two bronze medals. The event saw 3,069 fighters from 30 countries, with 15 young athletes from the Tawan Taekwondo Club competing.

“The fact that they won gold medals certainly exceeded my expectation, and I’d like to consider that a jackpot,” said the club president, Soutthida Phommavong.

According to Soutthida, her students underwent a five-day-a-week training over two months before the competition.

Looking ahead, the Tawan Taekwondo Club plans to enter 45 fighters in the Korean Ambassador’s Cup, supported by six trainers and the club’s president. With high hopes and a goal of securing 25 gold medals, the club aims to replicate their success from two years ago.

“I would always reassure my students to do their best despite the results. Because, in the end, winning or losing doesn’t matter; it’s all about gaining new experience,” she added.

Apart from their recent victory in Bangkok, the club also triumphed at the Governor of Vientiane’s Cup in June.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/23/tawan-taekwondo-shine-with-gold-at-international-championship/

On 20 August, Vientiane Capital’s Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism (DICT) issued a notice banning the importation of Buddha images and Buddhist relics in an attempt to promote locally made artifacts.

The notice emphasized the importance of supporting local artists and artisans by encouraging the use of locally produced Buddha images.

Individuals or legal entities wishing to import items must obtain permission from the Department of Information and Culture (DICT) in Vientiane at least two weeks before the importation. Only relics originally discovered or created in Laos, or those exported from Laos for modifications, are eligible for import. Artifacts featuring languages or symbols that do not comply with Lao law and culture are strictly prohibited.

For first-time violators, a fine of LAK 3 to 5 million (USD 136 – 226.9) will be imposed. A second violation will result in an increased fine of LAK 5 to 10 million (USD 226.9 – 453.98). For a third offense, the fine could range from LAK 10 to 15 million (USD 453.98 – 680.97), and the violator may also face arrest. Additionally, violators will be responsible for managing the return of the illegally imported items, including any associated costs and documentation.

The government’s move has garnered praise from social media users, particularly on Facebook. 

One user commented, “This is definitely a good move considering the fact that there are many opportunists trying to traffic religious relics into some temples without the awareness of the Lao government.” 

Another user added, “This law should be applied to other provinces as well, not just the capital.”

Despite the support, some individuals view this move as insignificant and are urging the government to address what they consider more pressing issues.

“Maybe they should release a notice on how they are going to fix the roads instead. This is a more concerning aspect of the country that many are suffering from,” remarked another Facebook user.

As the new regulation takes effect, its impact on the preservation of Lao culture and the protection of religious artifacts will be closely watched, as will the public response to its enforcement.

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