Day: June 23, 2023

Posted on

France helps Lao youth develop professional opportunities through French teaching

As part of its continuous support to French-speaking education, the French Embassy in Laos has organised, together with the Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos, professional workshops for students in bilingual classes across the Lao PDR.

From May 19 to 30, more than 400 secondary and high school students throughout Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champassak were able to discover career opportunities offered by French-speaking skills.

These events allowed students to better understand the way bilingualism can multiply opportunities in the job market, in sectors such as tourism, law, digital marketing, journalism, teaching or finance thanks to presentations by 18 francophone professionals.

Following up with the First Career Forum for French-Speaking Young Graduates held in February 2023, this project funded by the French government matches the aims of the Lao education system reform at university level which, among other things, provides for the development of a better balance between academic training and the professional world.

The aim is to show students and their parents that French is a language of economic empowerment through mobility and employability.

France aims at strengthening support to French teaching throughout the Lao education system, from primary school to university, in accordance with the ministry of Education and Sports’ Five-Year Education Sector Development Plan (2021-2025).

Offering long term economic potential, learning French can help Lao youth build professional networks and enrich their career opportunities.

Promoting empowering education is a key part of France’s action in Laos, helping professional development of Lao youth and contributing to intercultural dialogue through French teaching.

Source: Lao News Agency

Posted on

Vice President receives outgoing Singaporean Ambassador

Vice President Pany Yathotou received here in Vientiane on Thursday outgoing Singaporean Ambassador Leow Siu Lin as the latter is concluding her diplomatic mission in the Lao PDR.

Ambassador Leow Siu Lin has served her diplomatic duty in the Lao PDR since September 2019.

At amicable talks, the Vice President spoke highly of the ambassador’s efforts in strengthening the cooperation between Laos and Singapore in various areas including politics, trade, investment and energy.

The ambassador has also played an important role in mobilising the Singaporean government’s support for SMEs, tourism, education and health in the Lao PDR.

Vice President Pany Yathotou also appreciated Ambassador Leow Siu Lin for her contributions to strengthening the friendly relations and cooperation between Laos and Singapore.

In reply, the Singapore Ambassador expressed her gratitude to the government and people of the Lao PDR as well as relevant authorities in the country for their cooperation and support that has helped her fulfil her diplomatic mission in the Lao PDR.

Laos and Singapore established diplomatic relations on December 2, 1974. In 2022, Singapore’s investment in the Lao PDR were estimated at 362 million USD in 83 projects, ranking Singapore the 10th largest investor in Laos.

Laos-Singapore bilateral trade between 2018 and 2022 was valued at over 450 million USD, with imports from Singapore estimated at 178.8 million USD, mainly tobacco products, machinery, perfumes, cosmetics, car parts, and diesel.

Laos’ exports to Singapore were valued at 274.6 million USD, making Singapore the 5th largest export market for the Lao PDR. Meanwhile Laos’ exports to the ASEAN neighbour were dominated by glass wares, liquors, electrical appliances, and coffee.

Over 5,000 Singapore tourists visited the Lao PDR last year.

Singapore is also a key provider of scholarships, short and long-term training opportunities for the Lao PDR.

Between 1993-2022, more than 16,500 Lao nationals were granted opportunities to study and have training in Singapore.

Source: Lao News Agency