Mrs Sisomboun Ounavong and Mr Toshio Nagase display signed agreements on the continuation of Japan’s human resource development scholarship programme.

Japan grants US$2.5 million for human resource development scholarships

The Japanese government is providing more than US$2.5 million to finance Human Resource Development Scholarships through grant aid to Laos.
An agreement on the JDS scholarship programme was signed in Vientiane on Monday between the Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Mrs Sisomboun Ounavong, and the Chief Representative of the JICA Laos Office, Mr Toshio Nagase, witnessed by officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports and other ministries.
The scholarships will be made available by JICA and the Ministry of Education and Sports up until December 31, 2030.
The main objective of the scheme is to strengthen the knowledge and competency of state officials through the provision of scholarships for master’s and doctorate degrees.
Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Mrs Sisomboun said that since 1999 Laos had received 474 scholarships under the Japanese programme, equalling about 20 scholarships a year, for officials at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and other ministries.
Mr Nagase said the Japan Human Resource Development Scholarship programme continues to play a crucial role in supporting the development of human resources in Laos, especially young and capable government officials.
These officials are expected to use the skills and knowledge gained in Japan to help Laos formulate and implement its social and economic development plans, while building their own capacities and improving the quality of leadership for the benefit of Laos.
“This year will see a review of the framework of JDS scholarship cooperation, which takes place once every four years. The preparatory survey is expected to be conducted in October and I would really appreciate it if you can cooperate in the survey, such as through interviews,” Mr Nagase said.
Last year, the Japanese government provided about US$3 million in grant aid to finance scholarships for Lao government officials.
The scheme targets highly capable young officials who are expected to take part in shaping socio-economic development plans as future leaders of Laos, according to the website https://jds-scholarship.org/
Individuals applying for scholarships must have a good command of both written and spoken English (a TOEFL score of 500 or higher is preferable), possess a bachelor degree from a university authorised by the government of Laos or another country, and have good mental and physical health.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 13, 2023)