VIENTIANE – The Faculty of Engineering at Khon Kaen University (KKU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Phongsavanh Group, a leading conglomerate in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, to enhance human resources and foster innovation between the two nations.
The signing ceremony took place on April 1 at the Phongsavanh Group headquarters in Vientiane. The agreement was signed by Associate Professor Dr. Ratchapol Santiwaranont, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Somboun Phongsavanh, a senior executive of the Phongsavanh Group, with executives from both organizations in attendance.
This partnership marks a significant step in connecting Thailand’s academic sector with a major business enterprise in Laos. The primary objective is to develop a skilled workforce in engineering and technology that meets current market demands. The collaboration also aims to promote the exchange of knowledge, joint research, and shared innovation development.
The five-year agreement outlines several key areas of academic cooperation, including:
- Reskilling and upskilling programs, particularly in Information Technology (IT).
- Student internship opportunities.
- Joint training programs.
- Collaborative research projects.
- Talent mobility and personnel exchange.
The MOU also covers cooperation in investment and strategic development.
Phongsavanh Group is one of Laos’ largest private conglomerates, with a diverse portfolio spanning finance, banking, energy, construction, logistics, telecommunications, and insurance. It operates over 20 subsidiary companies and employs more than 2,000 people.
This collaboration is seen as a mechanism to elevate the region’s workforce capabilities, strengthen competitive advantages, and contribute to the sustainable economic and social development of the ASEAN region.
