The Minister of National Defence, Lieutenant General Khamlieng Outhakaisone (left), is promoted to the rank of General at a ceremony held at the ministry on Friday. A certificate bestowing the ranking was presented by member of the Party Central Committee Politburo, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and Standing Member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat, General Vilay Lakhamfong (right). The new ranking was conferred under a presidential decree. In addition, the Prime Minister issued a decree appointing Major General Kongthong Soukhavong as Deputy Minister of National Defence. Laos has had five generals, beginning with the former Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President, General Khamtay Siphandone, in 1980. The second general to be appointed was former Prime Minister, Sisavath Keobounphanh, on November 29 in 1980. The third to be named a general was Deputy Prime Minister Chansamone Chanyalath, who was assigned the ranking on December 10, 2018. The fourth was Police General Vilay Lakhamfong, with Khamlieng Outhakaisone now becoming the fifth Lao general.    --Photo Lao People's Army News

Chinese Ambassador to Laos Ms Fang Hong, Director General of the National University of Laos, Prof. Dr Dexanourath Seneduangdeth, officials, teachers and 54 students from eight faculties at the university gather to receive scholarships worth US54,000, presented by Ambassador Fang on behalf of the Chinese government. The scholarships will support the students’ tuition and living costs during the 2025-2026 academic year. The Chinese government has provided scholarships to 587 students at the university since the academic year 2014-2015, of whom 434 students have graduated.  --Photo Kadankao

A group of 59 farmers display their certificates after completing a three-day intensive training course aimed at strengthening agricultural techniques and rural development. The workshop, which ended on January 28, was held at the Lao-Korea Agricultural Technical Service and Rural Development Centre. The training focused on crop cultivation to help participants increase yields and optimise resource use. Head of the Centre, Mr Lienxay Bounmanivanh, praised the dedication of the instructors and the active participation of the trainees. He urged all participants to apply the lessons learned to their daily agricultural activities to ensure continuous improvement and sustainable growth.

A delegation from the Ministry of Finance, led by Mr Phaithoun Thienglamai (first left), visits Thailand to learn about advanced insurance management. The visit focused on electric vehicle insurance and the insurance regulatory sandbox for innovation. Officials also observed claims settlements at leading firms. Mr Phaithoun said the experience would strengthen Laos’ compulsory motor insurance, introduced in October 2025. This cooperation is part of a broader strategy to upgrade the ministry's insurance department into a national regulatory office between 2026 and 2030.