Lao officials join company representatives for a photo at the ceremony in Savannakhet province on Saturday.

Handover ceremony of the Savannakhet University Construction project holds on June 24

Faculty of IT, Tech Cluster, and student dormitory, built by the Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd. at the Nongpheu campus of Savannakhet University, was officially handed over on Saturday.
With construction costs of over US$8.5 million, the new facilities will be of huge benefit to all students on the campus.
Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong; Savannakhet Governor Mr Bounchom Ubonpaseuth; Acting-president of Savannakhet University, Dr Soulinhong Xaykosy; Director General of Department of Higher Education Associate,  Prof. Dr Saykhong Saynasine; representatives of the Shanghai Construction Group; associated officials and other invited guests attended the handover ceremony.
Speaking at the event, a representative of the Shanghai Construction Group, Mr Zhang Liang, said the Savannakhet University construction project (Nongpheu Campus , CW4) is being funded by the Asian Development Bank under the SSHEP project.
The company’s contract included a new Faculty of IT, Tech Cluster, and student dormitory, as well as the installation of miscellaneous facilities and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure.  The contract covers a construction site of 12,300 square metres.
“Construction faced many challenges, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when it was difficult to get enough equipment due to entry restrictions in Laos, and other problems, but we finished the work three months ahead of schedule,” Mr Zhang Liang said. The company will build further infrastructure at Lao educational institutions to contribute to the country’s social and economic development.

Bird’s-eye view of the Savannakhet University construction project (Nongpheu Campus, CW4).

Dr Soulinhong Xaykosy said the new facilities will enable students to learn about and use new forms of technology and will increase enthusiasm of both students and teachers to study and discover new things through their research.
Associate Prof. Dr Saykhong Saynasine agreed that construction had been challenging for many reasons, especially the difficulties around importing construction materials such as bricks, as well as sourcing labour while travel restrictions were in place during lockdowns. In addition, the company provided more items to Savannakhet University than were listed in the contract.
Mr Bounchom urged teachers, local authorities and people living in and around the campus to take good care of the new buildings and restore the environment around the university. “The university should produce skilled workers to participate in the country’s social and economic development. The Savannakhet Administration Office will encourage more private companies to invest in and cooperate with Savannakhet University,” he said. Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong  said  that the university should use the school buildings that have been handed over this time to the most benefit, while developing the existing learning courses and increasing cooperation with entrepreneurs  and companies in the special economic zone.
He also offered good wishes to the Shanghai Construction Group on the company’s upcoming 70th anniversary. The Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd. was originally established in 1953. The Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd. was originally established in 1953.
Today the company is ranked the 7th largest construction company out of 250 worldwide, based on figures assessed by the Engineering News Record (ENR) and was ranked 321 in the world’s Top 500 by Fortune Global in 2022.
Since 1960, the group has carried out construction projects in 42 countries, including Laos and other Asean countries, funded by grants from the Chinese government, the World Bank, ADB and other entities.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update June 26, 2023)