A total of 139 graduates from the 14th cohort of Phu Bia Mining’s Supervisory Skills Development Programme 2024 at the graduation ceremony held at the Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane on  February 14.

Graduation ceremony marks success of future Lao leaders at Phu Bia Mining

Phu Bia Mining (PBM) recently recognised 139 graduates, including 118 Lao employees of PBM and 21 contractors, for successfully completing the company’s Supervisory Skills Development Programme.
The achievements of the graduates were celebrated at a graduation ceremony held at the Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane on February 14. This is the 14th cohort to complete the programme since its inception in 2011.
Delivered in-house at Phu Bia Mining’s operations, the programme is designed to empower Lao national employees to advance into more senior roles. It provides team leaders, supervisors and high-potential employees with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective frontline leadership.
Participants engage in 10 comprehensive training modules, delivered in English and Lao and covering critical areas such as leading work teams, performance counselling, problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, and delegation techniques. To successfully complete the programme, participants must undergo 80 hours of structured training, including case studies and practical exercises, followed by a rigorous assessment.
Speaking at the ceremony, the PanAust Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Daling Zheng, highlighted how the Supervisory Skills Development Programme aligns with PanAust’s localisation objectives in Laos.
“PanAust is deeply committed to developing and upskilling our Lao national workforce through this programme and other in-house training initiatives,” said Mr Zheng.
“Our focus is on localising expatriate positions, strengthening our internal talent pipeline and supporting Lao national employees who show the potential to take on more senior roles.”
The Phu Bia Mining Chairman, Mr Chanpheng Bounnaphol, added: “Each year, we aim to provide in-house training opportunities to our Lao national employees, who make up 93 percent of our workforce, as well as more than 1,000 contractors at our operations.
“This programme equips them with the skills and competencies needed to transition into leadership positions and contribute to the sustainable growth of our organisation.”
The Supervisory Skills Development Programme is a cornerstone of Phu Bia Mining’s commitment to fostering local talent and supporting the professional development of its workforce. By investing in the skills and capabilities of its employees, Phu Bia Mining continues to strengthen its operations and contribute to the broader socio-economic development of Laos.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update February 25, 2025)