Director General of the International Finance and Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Vongkhamheng Vongthachak, and Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Laos, Ms Miyako Kobayashi.

Japan provides US$2.85m in scholarship awards for govt officials

The Japanese government has granted JPY420 million (US$2.85 million) for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) to Laos.
Under the grant, 21 scholarships will be awarded to qualified Lao government officials to pursue master’s and PhD degree courses at leading universities in Japan.
The programme aims to develop future leaders who will contribute significantly to the country’s development upon their return to Laos.
The JDS programme has been a flagship initiative in the field of education and capacity development since its introduction in Laos in 2000, with more than 531 Lao officials having received scholarships to date.
An agreement on the provision of funds by Japan for this purpose was signed on July 25 at the Ministry of Finance, between the Director General of the ministry’s International Finance and Cooperation Department, Dr Vongkhamheng Vongthachak, and Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Laos, Ms Miyako Kobayashi.
The funding agreement reaffirms the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening human resource development as a cornerstone of long-term bilateral cooperation.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were representatives from various departments and ministries, including the Department of Student Affairs, Department of Planning, Department of International Cooperation, the Cabinet Office of the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Department of Asia-Pacific and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other departments and agencies from the Ministry of Finance.
The project will be implemented by JICA and the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Many alumni of Japanese degree programmes have gone on to serve in key leadership positions at ministries and state agencies.
This year’s contribution from Japan is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of Laos-Japan diplomatic relations, a milestone that reflects the deepening friendship and trust between the two nations.
The scholarship programme represents Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Laos’ socio-economic development through investment in human capital.
The Japanese government, through JICA, remains a key development partner of Laos, with ongoing cooperation in areas such as education, infrastructure, agriculture, and public administration, all of which align with the country’s development priorities and Least Developed Country graduation goals.

by Siladda Suliyong
 (Latest Update July 28, 2025)