Australia supports higher education in the Lao PDR
(KPL) The Australian Government recently awarded five young Lao students scholarships to study in Australia in 2008.
Four scholarships were awarded under the prestigious Australian Leadership Awards which aims to develop leadership, build partnerships and links, and address priority issues in the Asia-Pacific region. One recipient will study under an Endeavour Award which brings leading researchers, executives and students to Australia to undertake short or long term study, research and professional development in a broad range of disciplines. The scholarships are in the fields of international trade, health and climate change.
“Supporting education in Lao PDR is a priority for the Australian Government because it contributes to broad-based economic and social growth,” said Michael Hassett, First Secretary, Australian Embassy. “These scholarships are an investment in the future of the Asia-Pacific region, training leaders who will advance reform, development and governance in the Asia-Pacific region.”
The Australia Embassy hosted a function to farewell the scholarship winners. Guests from international organisations, the private sector and the government of Laos including Vice Minister for Education, H.E. Lytou Bouapao attended the function to congratulate the scholars for their awards.
In total, over 100 exceptional Lao students will be studying in Australia with Australian scholarships during 2008. Scholarships are an important element of the Australian Government’s education development program in Lao PDR which also supports basic education and education system improvements.
The Australian Government also supports scholarships at the National University of Lao. Sixty-four provincial students were presented scholarships to study at the National University of Laos at an award ceremony held on campus at the University. The scholarships target provincial students with skills and training from rural and remote areas to contribute to on-going development in Lao PDR. Australian Ambassador, Dr Michele Forster, congratulated the recipients for this year at an award ceremony at the National University of Lao late last year. The President of NUOL, Associate Professor Soukkongseng Sayaleuth also addressed the recipients.
Caption to attached photo: Presentation of Provincial Scholarship Awards at National University of Laos presenting ceremony. From left: First Secretary, Mr Michael Hassett, Australian Ambassador to Laos, Dr Michele Forster, and the President of NUOL, Associate Professor Soukkongseng Sayaleuth.
As a Lao Aussie, I would like to say Congratulations to all of the successful students, I wish you all the best with your study. I am pleased to know that our tax money is being used in a proper manner by the Australian government. As all Australians would say; Welcome to Australia mate!
To come to Australia, you need to learn some of the AUSSIE slangs as follow: Top 10 ranking:
1. G'day = hello 2. arvo = afternoon 3. Aussie = Australia 4. Mate = Buddy 5. Yabber = people who talk a lot 6. Fruit loop = fool 7. Bob's your uncle = It will be alright 8. Loo = toilet 9. Coldie = a beer 10. Rage = party
