Officials from Laos and Japan gather for a group photograph following the signing of a Grant Agreement in Vientiane on July 15.

Japan grants US$ 2.3million for JDS scholarship programme

A Grant Agreement for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) was signed on July 15 at the Ministry of Finance, with a grant amount of JPY 378 million (approximately US$2.3 million).
The signing of the Grant Agreement marks the start of the JDS scholarship programme and reaffirms the shared commitment of Laos and Japan to strengthening human resource development as a cornerstone of their long-term bilateral cooperation.
The agreement was signed by Director General of the International Finance and Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Vongkhamheng Vongthachack, on behalf of the Government of Laos, and Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Laos Office, Ms Kobayashi Miyako.

Dr Vongkhamheng Vongthachack and Ms Kobayashi Miyako formalise the agreement by signing the documents during the ceremony.

The ceremony was witnessed by representatives and officials from relevant ministries and agencies.
Under the agreement, the Government of Japan will provide grant assistance to support the development of highly qualified human resources in Laos.
Through this scholarship programme, selected Lao government officials and young leaders are provided with opportunities to pursue master’s and doctorate degrees in Japan.
Since 2000, 551 Lao public officials have enrolled in leading universities and higher education institutions in Japan. Among them, 18 have pursued PhD degrees and 533 have completed master’s degrees. Furthermore, 21 fellows from the 2025 fiscal year will depart for Japan in early August to begin their studies.
Ms Kobayashi outlined the findings from a survey on the career progression of returning JDS fellows. She noted that a significant number of graduates have been promoted to senior positions, with some elevated to the rank of deputy minister or higher.
She said “nation-building begins with human resource development”, adding that investing in people is the foundation of the country’s future. She reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting the Lao government through long-term investment in people and partnerships built on mutual trust and respect, describing this as the essence of “people-to-people cooperation”.
The JDS programme has contributed significantly to developing a network of skilled professionals serving in key government institutions.
It continues to play an important role in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening bilateral relations between Laos and Japan, particularly under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 16, 2026)