Associate Professor Dr Phout Simmalavong (centre) participates in a group photo during his visit to Japan.

Minister of Education and Sports visits Japan

The Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Professor Dr Phout Simmalavong, visited Japan from June 2-6 under an invitation programme extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Dr Phout’s visit commemorated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Japan. He paid visits to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the JICA headquarters in Tokyo, Naruto University of Education in Tokushima, and the ASICS Satoyama Stadium in Ehime in the west of Japan.

At Naruto University of Education, two officials from Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports are taking courses under JICA’s long-term training (master’s degree) programme.
The pair discussed their studies with Dr Phout, saying “Through our experience in Japan, we have been able to deepen our understanding of curriculum development. We hope to build on this experience back in Laos following graduation.”
JICA is also funding a project in support of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in mathematics, promoting improvement in learning outcomes for children, named “Strengthening Teacher Capacity to Improve Primary Mathematics Lessons”.
At the ASICS Satoyama Stadium, the minister observed the practices used in collaborative operational and management work by public-private partnerships, which also promotes inclusive usage of the stadium by all.
Dr Phout said “Chao Anouvong Stadium [in Vientiane] is currently undergoing reconstruction through a JICA grant project. We hope that the Chao Anouvong Stadium will also become an inclusive stadium that can be enjoyed by all.”
Members of the Ministry of Education and Sports as well as partners from relevant sports federations are currently attending a JICA training course titled “Stadium Operation and Management” taking place in Japan from June 2-14.
Lao participants are learning about operation and management practices in Japan and ways to implement positive practices at the Chao Anouvong Stadium upon the completion of the renovation in October 2026.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update June 10, 2025)