AustCham Lao

Lao PDR Snapshot On 3 November, the Government of Japan announced recipients of the 2024 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on foreign nationals, among which the decoration of Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association, was announced Phout was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in recognition of his contribution to strengthening relations between Japan and Laos in the fields of education and sports. When Phout was Dean and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the National University of Laos, he dedicated himself to supporting Japanese researchers in the faculty, including advice on their surveys and research. He also made significant contributions to the development of Japanese researchers for Lao studies and academic exchange between Japan and Laos. From 2019 to 2021, Phout served as Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, and through close cooperation with JICA, improved the quality of teachers through grant aid, ‘the Project for Improving Teacher Training Colleges’ and revised mathematics textbooks for primary education through technical cooperation, ‘the project for Improving Teaching and Learning Mathematics for Primary Education.’  In addition, he has made efforts to dispatch Lao government officials to Japan through the grant aid including ‘the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).’ During his tenure and up to the present, 128 master’s students and 33 doctoral students have been dispatched to Japan.  He has also made efforts to strengthen Japanese language education in Laos. As of 2021, the number of Japanese language learners had tripled (from 1,046 to 3,118) compared to the beginning of the program in 2015. Since 2021, as the Minister of Education and Sports, Phout has been actively implementing policies to recover the learning opportunities lost due to the pandemic, including building a supplementary learning system by introducing digital learning in cooperation with the Government of Japan and international organizations, and has also attended many events to publicize the outcomes from Japan’s assistance. In addition, he contributed to the realization of ‘the Project for the Reconstruction of the Chao Anouvong Stadium,’ which he had continuously urged the Government of Japan since 2019 when he was Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, and which will be a token of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, as Chairman of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association, Phout was warmly received a series of visits by Japanese dignitaries and held meaningful discussions with them. Source: Laotian Times

AustCham Lao is proud to introduce one of our Event Prize Sponsors, Sa Sa Sunset Cruise & Bar Sa Sa Sunset Cruise is supporting our Annual Charity Golf Day, coming-up on Saturday, 30th November 2024, held at Luang Prabang Golf Club. With the support of Sa Sa Sunset Cruise, we will be able to run a great Golf Day for our members and the wider community and raise money for one of AustCham’s CSR partners, Vientiane Rescue. Sa Sa Sunset Cruise is a slow-boat cruise along the Mekong River. While onboard, you will enjoy chilled-out music, have a bite to eat and grab a beer or cocktail. This two-hour cruise is perfect for those who wish to admire the warm light of the beautiful Mekong sunset. Please find below the links to Sa Sa Sunset Cruise’s website and social media pages: https://lnkd.in/gng7xurA https://lnkd.in/ggrGPY82 To register for this fun and rewarding annual charity event, please register via the link below: https://lnkd.in/gYty4zju We look forward to you joining us on the day!

More details and registration, please follow this link: https://lnkd.in/gNWfGT5X

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! This Joint Chamber Networking Night is happening this evening. Don't miss out. Register now as numbers are limited. https://lnkd.in/dDaTarpf

Lao PDR Snapshot The Lao government has announced plans to address and improve tourism in Luang Prabang, focusing on creating a more efficient and inclusive experience for visitors. Despite exceeding its tourism target, with over 1.7 million visitors in the first ten months—almost double the initial goal of 900,000—challenges still hinder Luang Prabang’s tourism industry from reaching its full potential, according to the provincial authorities. In a recent meeting, officials discussed key issues affecting the popular destination, including inadequate infrastructure, unregulated tourism services, and congestion due to narrow and damaged streets. These factors impact the overall visitor experience and have drawn attention to the need for strategic improvements. Among the concerns raised were unregulated guiding services and tourism-related businesses, which are essential for creating a cohesive and well-managed tourism industry. Insufficient infrastructure for visitor convenience, including accessible public facilities and improved transport routes, was also highlighted as a priority for government action. As a result, the Lao government has committed to promoting and supporting tourism development in Luang Prabang, with plans to enhance key areas such as events, activities, and essential infrastructure. This initiative aims to improve the quality and variety of experiences available to tourists, ensuring that Luang Prabang continues to thrive as a major cultural and historical destination. Siphonephay Shitthixay, Deputy Director of the Tourism Business Management Department at the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, emphasized the importance of regulation within the guiding sector. Shitthixay noted that officers should ensure that all guides operating in the area hold valid guiding documents, which would help standardize the quality of visitor interactions and support local tourism integrity. Source: Laotian Times

AustCham Lao is proud to introduce one of our Event Prize Sponsors, Grasshopper Café Lounge Restaurant & Yoga Studio. Grasshopper Café is supporting our Annual Charity Golf Day, coming-up on Saturday, 30th November 2024, held at Luang Prabang Golf Club. With the support of Grasshopper Café, we will be able to run a great Golf Day for our members and the wider community and raise money for one of AustCham’s CSR partners, Vientiane Rescue. Grasshopper Café, is a cozy cafe lounge restaurant, located in the heart of Luang Prabang, serving a variety of western, Lao, vegetarian and vegan food. Perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a large choice of coffee, fresh juice, beer, cocktails and a selection of organic wines. Next door, Grasshopper Yoga Studio is a beautiful space, filled with positive energy offering a variety of classes and workshops. Please find below the links to Grasshopper Café’s social media pages: https://lnkd.in/gWamVXUy https://lnkd.in/gg-8czMT... To register for this fun and rewarding annual event, please register via the link below: https://lnkd.in/gYty4zju We look forward to you joining us on the day!

Bumrungrad International Hospital, would like to offer all AustCham Lao members and non-members to a two-day exclusive event featuring top specialists from the Hospital. This event will include a Health Talk Session and a Complimentary One-On-One Doctor Consultation, to provide invaluable insights and personalized guidance on your health concerns. Event Details: 1) Health Talk Session: - Date: 13 November 2024 - Topic: Insights into Spine Health and Urological Well-Being - Specialists: Urologist & Spine Surgeon - Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel - Language: Thai - RSVP is required 2) Complimentary One-on-One Doctor Consultation: This exclusive consultation session allows you to meet one-on-one with the specialists to discuss your health questions in detail. - Date: 14 November 2024 - Specialists: Urologist & Spine Surgeon - Location: Alliance International Medical Center - Language: Thai/English - Appointments are required To reserve your appointment or confirm your attendance at the Health Talk session, please contact us at please contact us at bouphamany@aimclao.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with renowned specialists from Bumrungrad International Hospital, gain expert insights, and explore personalized health solutions. We look forward to welcoming all AustCham Lao Members and Contacts to this unique event.

AustCham Lao is proud to introduce one of our Event Prize Sponsors, Carpe Diem Restaurant. Carpe Diem Restaurant is supporting our Annual Charity Golf Day, coming-up on Saturday, 30th November 2024, held at Luang Prabang Golf Club. With the support of Carpe Diem Restaurant, we will be able to run a great Golf Day for our members and the wider community and raise money for one of AustCham’s CSR partners, Vientiane Rescue. Enjoy the delights of Carpe Diem's cooking or simply sip a cocktail while relaxing in a green setting in the middle of the magnificent Kuang Si waterfalls. The restaurant serves local and western food. When you come to Carpe Diem, you also do a good deed, as 5% of the benefits are given to ASAS Association, which has been working in Laos for people in need since 2014. Please find below the links to Carpe Diem’s Facebook page: https://lnkd.in/g2kfMFJ6 To register for this fun and rewarding annual event, please register via the link below: https://lnkd.in/gYty4zju We look forward to you joining us on the day!

Lao PDR Snapshot According to data from the National Statistics Bureau, the Consumer Price Index also surged, rising from 245,8 in September to 249,6 in October, highlighting the escalating cost of living in the country. In October, healthcare and medicine costs decreased by 30.8 percent but still remain among the highest categories. Accommodation, water, electricity, and cooking gas costs rose by 29.8 percent, while prices in the restaurant and hotel category increased by 27.5 percent. Household appliances went up by 27.3 percent, education costs by 26.3 percent, and food and non-alcoholic beverages—which are the most consumed items by Lao people—increased by 22.1 percent. According to the report, some of the main reasons behind this month’s decrease of inflation rate were lower exchange rate pressure, together with changes in world oil prices and the domestic market struggling to adjust. Source: Laotian Times

REMINDER: Our next Joint Networking Night at Industek's Training Center, will be held this Wednesday evening with Industek Co., Ltd Please register via the link below today or tomorrow to make sure you don't miss out! This event is FREE for all AustCham Lao and ECCIL members and non-members. See you there for another great evening of food, drinks, fun, valuable information and networking.