Mr Phalideth Malavong, 21, was announced as the winner of arecent Japan Overseas Cooperative Association (JOCA) for Lao Project Idea Contest.
The winners of the contest were announced at a ceremony held on Saturday night in Vientiane attended by Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Mr. Masaaki Miya****a, Deputy Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU), Mr Vanna Duangphachan; President of JOCA, MrYoko Kaneko and Deputy Minister of Education, Ms Sengduane Lachanthaboun.
The contest was organized by the LPRYU and JOCA, and supported by the Japanese Embassy to Laos and Japanese International Cooperation Agency. Mr Vanna said the contest was part of activities for the Mekong-Japan Exchange Year 2009 and aimed to boost the creative talents of Lao youngsters and allow them to contribute to the nation’s development.
“It was a good opportunity for young people to research and gain understanding of the challenges facing our country in education, public health, agriculture, and environmental issues” he said. Entries that were not selected for prizes will be used in future activities and projects.
“We encourage all of those who submitted entries to continue to improve their writing skills and enter future contests,” said Mr Vanna. Mr Phalideth received 8.5 million kip(US$1,000) and a certificate. Second prize went to Mr Viengsavanh Phetdaoheuang, whose piece on agricultural and educational issues earned him6.8 million kip (US$800) and a certificate. Mr Vilaysak Sengphouthai took home third prize, 4.2 million kip (US$500) and a certificate.
Consolation prizes went to Ms Nathy Chandavong, who wrote about public heath issues, Ms Vonsy Outhachuk, who wrote a piece on public heath and the environment, and Mr Phouvone Phanthavong, who submitted an article on educational,agricultural, and environmental issues. Each received 2.5 million kip (US$300)and a certificate.
Mr Phalideth said the contest not only highlighted challenges facing the nation but also allowed young people to showcase their abilities. “Currently, environmental issues are a challenge for many countries around the world. So I decided to write a piece on environmental issue for the contest,” he said.
Mr Phalideth said he was delighted to win the contest and urged other young people to do the same and contribute to the nation’s development.
