| It has been another busy month for AustCham behind the scenes. This month the new Board of Directors held a strategy day to redefine AustCham’s vision and goals for the future. We look forward to sharing our renewed vision with our members shortly. The key takeaway from the event was that AustCham will be increasing our advocacy work and improving the ease of doing business in Lao. This work has already begun as AustCham has met with several stakeholders over the last month to discuss how Lao can attract foreign investors and reducing some of the barriers to entry in to this market, as well as opening up new markets for exports.
Finally, AustCham would like to thank Phongsavanh group for hosting an excellent Sundowner event this week. It was fantastic to see such a great turnout and some new faces. We look forward to seeing you all at the next Sundowner.
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| Training: Time Management Skills |
| On 15th March AustCham and LMS hosted the Training: Time Management Skills! The attendees have learned the process of organizing and planning how to divide the time between different activities. They also have learned about building a weekly and monthly agenda and scheduling time for a task. It was very informative training and our attendees really enjoyed it.
We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming training in the future! |
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| March Sundowner - Sponsored by Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) And Phongsavanh Bank |
| On 15th March AustCham hosted its monthly event March Sundowner sponsored by Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) and Phongsavanh Bank. Austham was so happy to see such a high turnout event attended by our members and sponsors team as well as AustCham non-members. It was so much fun! |
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| AustCham presents: Phu Bia Mining Charity Golf Day | | Raising money for Vientiane Rescue | 
| Apr 28, 2023
(6:30 AM - 1:00 PM)
(GMT+7) |
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| Lao Country Club
Vientiane Prefecture, Laos |
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| The 4thAustCham Lao Charity Golf Day will take place at the Lao Country Club onFriday the 28th of April, 2023. The event is a valuable opportunity to expand your networks over a round of golf and at the same time raise funds for a good cause. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund Vientiane Rescue 1623, a non-profit organisation that offers free ambulance and rescue services in Laos.
This year we are promoting an inclusive tournament, suitable for all players from beginners to PROs! To ensure a good quality of play we will be using a Single Stableford method of scoring, with individual players playing acquiring points according to their score. For more information on the Single Stableford method of scoring, please click HERE.
Join us on the 28th of April for a great day of golf and fun! | |
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| AustCham is pleased to welcome our newest Alumni member Bounsanith |
| Inthiphab Bounsanith was raised in the Khammouane Province. He has graduated with a Master of Education in Leadership and Management from Flinders University at Adelaide, South Australia in December 2019. He has worked for more than 15 years in Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) in various sectors such as mining, hydropower, energy, construction, trading, and insurance. Currently, Bounsanith works as HRMD Consultant for a state enterprise in Vientiane while also running his own business as the CEO and Founder of B Sole Company. B Sole Company focuses on HRMD Consulting, Training and Development and Industry Professional Works Services. He is very pleased to join AustCham Lao and looks forward to meeting more of our members. |
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| Phu Bia Mining marks its Ban Houayxai Operation’s 10-year anniversary in Vientiane |
| To mark the 10th anniversary of the Ban Houayxai Gold-Silver Operation, Phu Bia Mining was honoured to receive senior Government leaders of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) and distinguished guests at a cocktail function on Friday 24 February at the Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane. The Prime Minister of the Lao PDR and Politburo member, His Excellency Dr Sonexay Siphandone provided the keynote address, congratulating PanAust, Phu Bia Mining’s management and its employees for contributing to the Government’s goals for national socio-economic development. Phu Bia Mining’s parent company, PanAust Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Daling Zheng welcomed the Prime Minister, the Ministers, Vice Ministers, and distinguished guests from the embassies, international organisations and private sector in Laos. |
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| Coalition Greenwich Results 2023: |
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Congratulation to Gold Sponsor, ANZ, again ranked #1 position for overall relationship quality in Asia for six years running. ANZ’s Institutional business has maintained its No. 1 position for overall quality in relationships across Asia for the sixth consecutive year, according to the latest Coalition Greenwich Associates Large Asian Corporate Banking study 2022. ANZ Managing Director, International, Simon Ireland said: “These results show the investment in our people, our platforms and product capability has been well received by our customers and continues to strengthen our position in the market. “Our strategy in Asia is to support trade and capital flows around the region and as the most outward looking Australian bank it’s pleasing to see it’s valued by the market and continues to differentiate our proposition,” Mr. Ireland said. In the 2022 Coalition Greenwich Asian Large Corporate Banking study, corporate executives rate relationship quality of a bank using a range of qualities, of which ANZ was awarded distinctive quality for 8 of the 12 Greenwich Excellence Awards including Ease of Doing Business, Effective Senior Management, Proactive Provision of Advice and Timely Follow Up. |
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| On 3 March 2023, Gold Sponsor ANZ, represented by Mukdalay Xayarath, Head of Talent and Culture participated in the panel discussion on “Career Path” at Job Fest by 108.Jobs, UNDP in Lao PDR and Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. The objective of this event is to reimagine the job fair experience to provide job seekers with a unique opportunity to explore a variety of job opportunities, provide access to information on the future of work and essential skills developments through workshops and guest speaker sessions. ANZ was recognized as the #1 leading organization in Laos for the best employee workplace experience in 2022 by the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Their Initiatives included: building an inclusive workplace, developing a “Speak Up Culture”, employee recognition and a learning and development program designed to empower employees and build capabilities. |
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| Gold Sponsor ANZ, celebrated the International Women’s Day 2023 under the theme “Embrace Equity” to raise awareness and support women in their community and across the world on Friday, 10 March 2023. Chief Operating Officer and one of the female leaders at ANZ Laos, Souphachanh Khansyla said: “The meaning behind #EmbraceEquity is that we give everyone equitable action and true inclusion. as everyone has different circumstances, and the right to receive resources and opportunities in order to be successful” |
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| Escape your daily routine and reward yourself with a sensual stay right here in the city at Crowne Plaza Vientiane with our exclusive Dinner, Bed and Breakfast rate. Experience a pampering retreat with an all-inclusive breakfast at Mosaic, access to our panoramic infinity pool, sauna, jacuzzi and unwind through the night with an already included dinner experience at our iconic 3 Merchants restaurant. |
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Explore our distinctive new lunch set menu created through innovative use of ingredients breaking the boundaries of traditional recipes at 3 Merchants. This flavourful experience is ready for you to explore from today onwards.
Entrée and Main Course or Main Course and Dessert - 150,000 LAK Entrée, Main Course and Dessert - 190,000
Location: 3 Merchants | Crowne Plaza Vientiane | Ground Floor |
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| Vientiane International School Expands Learning Opportunities in Laos with the Campus Gateway Project. |
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Vientiane International School (VIS) campus improvement project, including an auditorium, a gymnasium, and new social areas have been officially opened to serve VIS and local communities. Vientiane, 25 February 2023 – VIS celebrated their campus’ new buildings with a Grand Opening event on February 25 at their school campus. They welcomed their friends and partners as well as Lao PDR government representatives, local community leaders, the diplomatic community, and international organizations to a momentous ceremony where the student performances, speeches, and art work were at the center. Her Excelency Dr. Sisouk Vongvichit, Vice Minister of Education and Sports, His Excelency Dr. Peter Haymond, US Ambassador to Lao PDR, and Ms. Elsa Donohue, VIS Head of School, addressed in their speeches the importance of enabling learning spaces for the students’ social, emotional, and academic development, and highlighted the opportunities that these new building offer for creating partnerships and strong relationships with extended communities in Laos. They all celebrated the role of VIS in integrating Lao culture into their diverse and inclusive community of learners. |
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| THE NEW DEFENDER 130 Launched in Laos
The First time in Laos! with an 8-seater SUV of the New Defender 130. On February 18, Jaguar Land Rover Lao, the sole authorize distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover in Laos, launched the new DEFENDER 130, which adds a new dimension to the SUV family by accommodating up to 8 passengers. The car was launched at an event last week which was inaugurated by Mr. Wayne McIntosh, Automotive Managing Director, and Mr. Biju Narayanan, General Manager of Jaguar Land Rover Laos.
The new DEFENDER 130 is the first 8-seater SUV in Laos and is suitable for adventures across all terrains in the country. The interiors of the car are also luxurious and extremely comfortable for driving and taking road trips with family or friends. |
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| Toyota Dream Car Art Contest (DCAC) |
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Vientiane, March 4th, 2023. Toyota Laos Co, Ltd., the 1st leader in automobile car manufacturing, held DCAC Award Ceremony where the winners of the 16th global annual Toyota Dream Car Art Contest were announced at Toyota Square, Parkson Mall hosted by Toyota Laos (TLAO). Dream Car Art Contest is one of Toyota's global CSR projects which was first held in 2004, that aims to cultivate the creative world of learning, develop children's creativity, and express problem solving skills through arts. Their work will be publicly display on international scale as representative of Lao youth. In November 2022, TLAO had invited children up to the age of 15 years to submit drawings of their imagined mobility solutions of the future providing children across the world with a tangible understanding of the value and joy of having dreams. The competition had three age categories, namely: Under 8, 8 to 11 years and 12 to 15 years. The competition, which attracted more than 3700 entries, also recognized three runners-up in each category and ensured that they didn’t walk away empty-handed. Each category winner and three runners up received iPad mini, iPad Gen 10, Acer Laptop, Samsung tablet. Toyota Laos thanks everyone who participated in the 16th annual Dream Car Art Contest and wishes to congratulate all the winners on their achievements. For those that missed the 16th DCAC can participate on DCAC 17th which will be announced later this year on Toyota Laos Facebook page. |
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| Toyota Laos has launched activities to support the grassroots football movement |
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Vientiane, March 1st, 2023. Toyota Laos Co, Ltd., the 1st leader in automobile car manufacturing, launched activities to support the grassroots football movement. Toyota has started working with “Football-For-Everyone Pte, Ltd.,” (FFE, based in Singapore) to develop his new CSR project through football activity. The concept of this CSR activity is "Football Clinic". Together with FFE's experienced coaches, who have many achievements in grassroots projects promoting football to teenage boys and girls in Southeast Asia, we will provide children with a great soccer experience. The purpose of this project is not just to specialize in running football programs, but to have a positive impact on children's mental health and share life skills for the purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals. This CSR project will be a monthly activity during the first year in Vientiane, with plans to expand to other areas in the future. As a first kickoff, on February 28, 2023, Toyota and FFE started the first school activities at Pakton Secondary School. Totally 30 students under the age of 14 participated in this event. The FFE coaches taught them how to enjoy soccer, how to master soccer skills, and finally practiced in a game format divided into groups. Toyota Laos also donated sports equipment to the school, such as volleyballs, sepak takraw balls and goal nets, etc. The teachers of the school expressed the great appreciation of the concept and for visiting the school. Toyota Laos plans to continue and expand this project in the future. |
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BSP Leasing Lao is pleased to offer special campaign in March 23 as follows: |
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BSP Leasing Lao offers personal car loan for expats who work in Laos with local interest rate.
Exclusive for Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover and Mahindra - $0 documentation for Austcham members
- Free GPS (Vehicle loss projection)
- Fast approval
- Min 20% Down Payment
- Tenor up to 84 months
- Loan in Lao Kip
BSP and Jaguar Land Rover Lao are delighted to announce our exclusive campaign offering 12 months interest-free. * Valid from today until 30 April 2023. |
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* For more information, please contact: Manilay Sales & Marketing Manager (Tel/WhatsApp: 020 54 1616 35) MVanphavong@bspfinance.la |
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Job Opportunity with Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) Due to our business is growing, so we’re looking for passionate and energetic people to join the team to help shape the future of Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) in the following position: - Personal Assistant to CEO
- Digital Sales Staff
- Bancassurance Support Staff
- Assistant Finance and Accounting Manager
- Corporate Sales Staff (Luangprabang Province)
- Corporate Sales Staff Champasak province (Pakse District)
If you're interested, please send your CV to career@apa.com.la Closing date for applications: 31th March 2022. |
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| Pay the insurance premium up to LAK 500,000 on the Hi App application from Phongsavanh Bank |
| Good News! Pay the insurance premium up to LAK 500,000 on the Hi App application from Phongsavanh Bank, starting today and get immediate discount of LAK 25,000.
Download now! |
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| 10% Discount on “Happy” health insurance |
| Special Promotion!!! Buy “Happy” health insurance and get a 10% discount starting today till the 31st March 2022.
“Happy" health insurance from Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) will cover and provide quality treatment at clinics / hospitals in our network throughout Laos and Thailand. Get free daily allowance during hospitalization up to LAK 350,000 / day Cashless treatment. You can buy it for yourself or for the family you love with no health check-up requirement. |
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Do you know that “Phongsavanh Insurance (APA)” has another channel, where you can keep track of our latest updates and products? That is our Instagram profile! For customers who use or have an Instagram account, just write “Phongsavanh Insurance” on the search box or click this link “ https://www.instagram.com/phongsavanhinsurance/ ”. Click the “Follow” button so you can follow our news immediately. |
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| Blood Donation in Vientiane |
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On February 14, 2023. Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) Co., Ltd (“Phongsavanh Insurance”) and National Blood Transfusion Institute signed a memorandum of cooperation to provide free Personal Accident Insurance with a lump sump coverage of LAK 5,000,000,000 to voluntary blood donors who donate blood with the Share Blood Share Love Campaign at National Blood Transfusion Institute. Our main objective for this assistance is caused by the shortage of blood and significant necessities of many people that require in blood as emergency. Therefore, Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) Co., Ltd purposes to continually contribute and support the society as well as provides the free Personal Accident Insurance for those who voluntarily donate blood to National Blood Transfusion Institute just like the previous year. The Memorandum of Cooperation was honorably signed by Dean Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) Co., Ltd and Dr. Chanthala Souksakhone, Director of National Blood Transfusion Institute. for encouraging and promoting the younger generation donate blood more, Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) expands this activity nationwide and organizes the special activities in the event, for Facebook instance clicking like and sharing the post of this event. After signing the Memorandum of Cooperation, members of Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) Co., Ltd. also contributed to donate their blood as well . |
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| Blood Donation in Luang Prabang |
| Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) Co., Ltd (“Phongsavanh Insurance”) with National Blood Transfusion Institute and Lao Friends Hospital for Children have expanded the ShareBlood-ShareLove campaign to Luang Prabang province. We would like to invite you to Join our ShareBlood-ShareLove activity Donate blood at National Blood Transfusion Center-Lao Red Cross in Luang Prabang on 22th March 2023, start from 8:30. For voluntary donors, they will receive free “Personal Accident Insurance” which has total coverage of LAK5,000,000,000 from Phongsavanh Insurance (APA) Special! For donors in the event, you can join our like and share this post activity with add hash tag #ShareBlood#ShareLove and you will get 1 more free “Personal Accident Insurance” for their loved ones. “Personal Accident Insurance” which is ready to cover individuals 24/7 and reimburse medical costs caused by accidents, for a 01-year period. Please come and join us with ShareBlood-ShareLove campaign |
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The most wonderful time of the year has begun, to enjoy the happiness, Sofitel & 3 Nagas Luangprabang is offering early bird promotion.
Plan your trip: 45 days prior or more in advance and get 30% off from our best flexible rate Remark: - This offer cannot combine with any other special room rate or promotio
- The full amount will be charge at the time of the booki
- The booking can modify one time free of cha
- The booking is Non-Refund
- The booking confirmation is subject to room availab
- Sofitel & 3 Nagas reserve full right of final decision of all activities, including the charge of terms and conditions and other arrangement, not subject to prior
Backout Date:
10 - 20 April 2023 25 - 31 October 2023 20 Dec 23 - 24 Jan 24 This Advance reservation offer is only applicable for booking via below detail: Sofitel h9669-re@sofitel.com 3 Nagas h9641-re@accor.com +856 71 260777
For more info: please contact us at: Email: Phetsara.DALASENG@sofitel.com Tel: 020 22350984 Ms. Ping Pong E mail : h9669-sm@sofitel.com T: 020 22350986 Mr. Toui |
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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Monsoon Wind Power Company Limited (Monsoon) signed a $ 692.55 million nonrecourse project financing package to build a 600-megawatt wind power plant in Sekong and Attapeu provinces in the southern region of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to export and sell power to neighboring Viet Nam. Comprising 133 wind turbines, the project will be the largest wind power plant in Southeast Asia and the first in the Lao PDR.
As sole mandated lead arranger and bookrunner, ADB has, arranged, structured, and syndicated the entire financing package—the largest syndicated renewable project financing transaction among ASEAN countries to date. The package comprises a $100 million A loan from ADB’s ordinary capital resources, a $150 million syndicated B loan, $50 million in concessional financing, $382.55 million in parallel loans, and a $10 million grant. Cutting edge use of concessional blended finance was critical in overcoming the project’s bankability hurdles to crowd in commercial capital. |
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| This report explains the complex challenges facing the six countries in the renewables-rich Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) as they work to implement a comprehensive framework to enable regional electricity power trading. Against the backdrop of energy market volatility, it details how ADB is helping high-voltage electricity network operators reach a deal on interconnections which could unlock extensive economic benefits for each GMS country.
Acknowledging a transparent power-sharing regime is still some way off, it provides a road map to help countries overcome infrastructural challenges and political concerns to build a fully synchronized GMS transmission network. |
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| A new Country Partnership Framework for 2023-26 describes how the World Bank Group will work with #LaoPDR to improve the lives of Lao people. Three priorities are: • Stabilising the economy so that ordinary people’s standards of living can increase. • Improving equity through better private employment, education, health and social protection. • Protecting natural resources and the environment, on which 80% of Lao people depend for their livelihood. |
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| Please join us for our Mate to Mate Interview in Lao language. We were talking with Mr. Sounivong Panya, Director of Operations at HAL Logistics ຮຸ່ງອາລຸນ ຂົນສົ່ງດ່ວນ. We heard from him about what strategies Houng Ah Loun is putting in place for their ‘Capacity building for employees’. Join us live on Facebook and LinkedIn and ask your questions during the LIVE Q&A! |
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