Developed in partnership with the Faculty of Economics and Business Management (FEB) at the National University of Laos (NUOL), SUSS students embarked on a mission to learn about the economic and social challenges of Laos. Their main goal was to investigate equitable growth in Laos, better understand the locals’ livelihoods and explore how business and entrepreneurship can be vehicles for change.
Students mingling and networking with Laotians in Vang Vieng, Laos.
Through this engaging programme, students interviewed people who have difficulty accessing quality jobs, met with businesses and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) that contribute towards human capital development in Laos, and engaged NUOL students in group discussions on potential business ideas that promoted economic progress while ensuring dignified work conditions. In addition, students also networked with Singaporeans based in Vientiane to hear about their experiences working and living in a foreign country.
Students visiting Secret Island in Vang Vieng and making their own papaya salad.
One of the programme highlights included their first visit to Secret Island in Vang Vieng, Laos, where students had the opportunity to make their own papaya salad for lunch. A non-profit organisation set up to provide jobs to local rice growers during the off-season, villagers engage in localised economic activities such as knife forging and the making of rice wine. Its founder, Ms Mai Chanthabouly, also shared about her challenging journey in setting up this organisation.
Students interacting with the human development team and the general manager of the World Bank Laos.
Following that, SUSS students toured the World Bank Laos office to gain insights into the bank's operations and to comprehend the country through the lenses of international development and economics. Engaging with the human development team and the general manager of World Bank Laos, they received valuable information about their roles. These interactions provided students with exposure to the experiences and challenges encountered in the field of international development.
Utlapally Dheeraj Sai Praneeth, SUSS Year 2 Business Analytics student, reflected, “Global issues are multi-layered and often require multiple complex solutions. It might not be in the hands of policymakers but rather the citizens themselves.”
SUSS and NUOL students engaging in meaningful conversations about the challenges the Laos face at the Kaysone Phouvihane musuem.
Students were then assigned to visit the Kaysone Phouvihane museum and the COPE visitor centre to learn about historical events and religious practices that shaped Laotian society. In a heartwarming collaboration, NUOL students generously assisted by addressing any inquiries SUSS students had regarding Lao’s history and culture. This enhanced comprehension of societal foundations empowered SUSS students to pinpoint root issues linked to the challenges faced by Laos and actively contribute to addressing them.
Foo Wen Yu, SUSS Year 2 Marketing student, recalled, “I have gained an increased understanding of the Laos culture and way of life, as well as cross-cultural communication skills from interaction with the students and a heightened understanding of the economic situation in Laos.”
HE Sudesh Maniar (front row, fourth from left), the Singapore Ambassador of Laos, hosting SUSS students by sharing insights to broaden the students’ perspectives.
In addition, students received hospitality at the Singapore Embassy. HE Sudesh Maniar, the Singapore Ambassador to Laos, highlighted the programmes and initiatives Singapore has undertaken in Laos. One noteworthy programme is the Embassy’s Singapore Cooperation programme, which focuses on enhancing human resources in the Laos public service. His sharing and insights broadened the students’ perspectives, garnering positive feedback from them.
Shafiqah Nurul Ain Bte Ramani, SUSS Year 1 Sociology student, concluded, "One impactful takeaway from our talk with the Embassy was that there isn't a lack of people in Laos, there's a lack of skilled people. This was very different in Singapore where so much emphasis is placed on education and we are privileged enough to have a world-renowned education system."
Capitalising on the unique opportunity, SUSS students connect with Singaporeans who are residing in Laos.
Finally, the students had the opportunity to connect with Philip, Vice President of the Laos Singapore Business Association, and Shui Meng, the founder of Taibaan – both Singaporeans residing in Laos. Through their respective endeavours, they contribute to local employment. During a lunch dialogue, Philip shared insights into the opportunities and challenges of living in Laos. On the other hand, Shui Meng, with nearly half a century of experience in Laos, operates a social enterprise that generates economic opportunities for rural villagers. She employs locals to craft handmade items, which are then sold both domestically and internationally.
All in all, the trip had been an eye-opening and enriching experience for the students. All these would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the following individuals and partners:
• Ms Vadsana Somphon and Mr Toulany from the FEB NUOL for tirelessly putting this programme together and ensuring that the students were well taken care of.
• NUOL students Khouanapha Sengdara, Phonemixay Phommachan, Phouphakham Boulom, Chavaleuth Chompupant, Anan Phommaseng and Vanida Inthichack for taking the time out of their busy schedules to participate in the programme alongside the students.
• Ms Mai Chanthabouly for warmly hosting the visit to Secret Island and arranging the immersive village tour. Her efforts in providing meaningful jobs to the villagers is inspiring!
• HE Sudesh Maniar, Mr Chew Zhen Hao, and Ms Joanna Pee for hosting the visit at the Singapore Embassy as well as the ambassador who stayed behind to engage the students despite his busy schedule for that day.
• Mdm Ng Shui Meng from Taibaan, Mr Philip Tay from the Lao Singapore Business Association, the Lao SME Association, Maisavanh and Makerbox for generously spending time with the students and helping them understand the work that enabled better job prospects for people in Laos.
Read more about SUSS’ global programmes!