Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Japanese government recently provided Laos with 420 million yen (approximately US$2.85 million) in funding to support the Human Resource Development Scholarship Program (JDS). Under this program, 21 eligible Lao government officials will receive scholarships to pursue master's or doctoral degrees at top Japanese universities.
This program aims to cultivate future leaders for Laos, enabling them to contribute to national development upon their return. Since its inception in Laos in 2000, the JDS program has become a flagship project in local education and capacity building, with over 531 Lao officials receiving scholarships to date.
On July 25th, Dr. Vongkhamheng Vongthachaek, Director General of the Department of International Finance and Cooperation at the Lao Ministry of Finance, and Ms. Miyako Kobayashi, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Laos, jointly signed the funding agreement at the Ministry of Finance. The signing of the agreement further demonstrates the shared commitment of both countries to human resource development as a cornerstone of long-term bilateral cooperation.
Representatives from various Lao departments attended the signing ceremony, including the Ministry of Student Affairs, the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of International Cooperation, the Cabinet Office of the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Department of Asia-Pacific and Africa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant departments and agencies of the Ministry of Finance. The project will be jointly implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports.
It is worth noting that many graduates who obtained Japanese degrees through this project now hold important leadership positions in various ministries and national institutions in Laos. This year's donation from Japan is particularly significant—it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan, a milestone that witnesses the deepening friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.
This scholarship program not only reflects Japan's continued commitment to supporting Laos' socio-economic development through investment in human capital but also demonstrates the role of the Japanese government (through JICA) as an important development partner of Laos. Cooperation between the two sides in education, infrastructure, agriculture, and public administration continues to advance, all of which are highly aligned with Laos' development priorities and its goal of escaping least developed country status.
