Sisomboun Ounavong (right) and Miyako Kobayashi display signed agreements on a scholarship grant provided by Japan. – Vientiane Times
VIENTIANE: More Lao government officials are set to undertake graduate studies in Japan thanks to a grant from the Japanese government valued at over US$2 million (353 million Japanese yen).
The grant agreement on “Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) 2025” was signed in Vientiane on Monday (July 29) by the Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Sisomboun Ounavong, and JICA Laos Office Chief Representative, Miyako Kobayashi.
The scholarship scheme gives opportunities for qualified Lao nationals to study for master’s and PhD degrees in Japan, in response to the Lao government’s strong desire to improve the efficiency of its personnel as the foundation for the country’s social and economic development.
Sisomboun said “The government of Japan has provided financial support to the government of Laos to enable its officials to pursue advanced degrees and contribute lessons learned in Japan to further implement Laos’ social and economic development plans upon their return.”
“Laos’ particular development needs lie in the areas of public administration and improvement of the legal system, economic infrastructure, agriculture and rural development, environmental conservation and disaster risk reduction, and improvement of health policies.”
“These scholarships will certainly help to enhance the already remarkable Laos-Japan relations and friendship.”
Some 62 students are currently studying in Japan via the JDS programme.
Another 22 students have been admitted to the 2024 programme and will be leaving for Japan next month.
With the addition of 446 graduates, the total number of JDS scholarship recipients since the year 2000 now stands at 530.
The scholarship programme for 2025 officially begins following the signing of the agreement by JICA and the Ministry of Education and Sports and will provide scholarships to about 21 government officials for master’s and PhD courses at universities in Japan.
Kobayashi outlined the findings of a survey on the career progression of returning JDS fellows, noting that a significant number of returning graduates were promoted to senior positions, with some being elevated to the rank of deputy minister or higher.
She expressed appreciation and gratitude for the cooperative efforts of all the organisations involved in every aspect of the scheme, which has progressed smoothly and attained the significant milestone of 25 years of Laos-Japan collaboration.
She hoped that all JDS fellows would use their experiences in Japan to drive development in their respective fields of work and improve the quality of life for Lao citizens, as well as fostering the nation’s growth and increasing the number of JDS fellows set to assume leadership positions in the future.
“The 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos will be celebrated in 2025,” Kobayashi said.
“It is expected that Japan and Laos will be able to expand their relationship through more people-to-people links,” she added.
To serve as a foundation for further socio-economic development in Laos, JICA has committed to continuing to work closely with the Lao government through the Human Resource Development Scholarship programme in addition to other short and long-term training programmes that contribute to human resource development. – Vientiane Times/ANN
