The Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union will soon invite applications for the 35 th Ship for South East Asian Youth Programme from students and government and NGO officials, according to a top official.

The programme aims to give young people with knowledge and talent the chance to demonstrate their traditions and culture to their Asean peers on the Asian stage.

The union's General Secretary, Mr Khamphanh Sitthidampha, made the announcement on Thursday at a meeting to evaluate the 34 th programme. He said the Youth Union and its provincial branches would advertise through the media and posters...more >>

The major objective of this programme is to promote friendship and understanding among youths from the Asean countries and Japan , he said.

Mr Khamphanh said the annual event was sponsored by the Japanese government and supported by Asean countries. Candidates should possess a track record of active youth, community or public service and be outstanding youths capable of assuming an ambassadorial role for Laos . They should be between 18 and 30 years old.

“All participants are required to undergo a two-month orientation programme, which includes weekend and two weekday evening training sessions each week. The orientation programme is tentatively scheduled from the middle of July to mid-September,” he said.

Mr Khamphanh said Laos had sent 29 youths to participate in last year's programme, which took place from October 22 to December 12.

He said participants had visited Japan , Singapore , Indonesia , Malaysia , Thailand , Laos and Vietnam to share their cultures and promote friendship.

“Participants are encouraged to raise funds of around 5 million kip or approach their nominating organisations to subsidise their contributions to the contingent fund,” he added.

A student from the Lao-American College , Ms Siriphone Thongbonh, who was one of 29 young people participating in the programme last year, told Vientiane Times that she and her friends ran various activities such as discussion groups on the environment, information, international relations, education, volunteer activities and youth development.

These involved representatives from six other countries during the 52-day programme.

“We learned how to live together, work as a group and how to help each other. This was one of the best experiences I've ever had,” she said.

Ms Siriphone advised anyone considering taking part in the programme to prepare themselves well before applying.

Another participant, Ms Phaipany Choummaly, said she had learned a great deal from the experience. One of the aspects she enjoyed the most was the chance to teach others about Lao culture and traditions.

“This programme enables young people from Laos to play a greater role on the Asian stage,” she said.

Laos became a member of the Ship for South East Asian Youth Programme in 1997 and first sent participants a year later. Since then some 300 young people have benefited from the programme.

By PHAISYTHONG CHANDARA
Vientianetimes

The 2009 SEA Games in Vientiane was officially announced to thousands of athletes and officials from Asean nations on Saturday night during the closing ceremony of the 24th SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand .

The closing ceremony took place in front of 20,000 spectators in the main stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima.

All Lao athletes and officials who attended the closing ceremony of this year's SEA Games were delighted to be present, as the occasion marked not only the medals they had won but also the day when Laos took possession of the SEA Games flag ahead of the 25 th SEA Games in Vientiane in 2009....more info

The Lao delegation receiving the SEA Games flag was led by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Executive Board of the 2009 SEA Games, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad; the Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, President of the Lao National Sports Committee and Lao National Olympic Committee, Dr Phouthong Seng-akhom; the Vice President of the Lao National Sports Committee and National Olympic Committee, Mr Somphou Phongsa; and the Vice President and Secretary General of the Lao National Olympic Committee, Mr Souvannarath Sayavong.

After this year's SEA Games host Thailand presented the SEA Games flag to Laos , a performance by more than 400 Lao artists in five programmes followed.

The first item was a traditional dance and the song Sieng Khaen Lao , featuring the cultural traditions of Lao ethnic groups and the khaen – the country's traditional musical instrument.

The second item was the Sunrise Dance, a traditional dance modified from the Ramayana. This was first performed in Luang Prabang province and depicts the tradition of kindness, friendliness and hospitality of Lao women.

The third item portrayed the Hmong New Year, and by a dance to celebrate the harvest season.

The troupe then performed a song to welcome the 25 th SEA Games in 2009, which will take place in Vientiane .

The song told of the honour and pride the Lao people feel at hosting the SEA Games, and expressed a welcome to all Asean athletes, officials and distinguished guests.

The fifth item on the programme was a song expressing how the games will serve to strengthen relationships, friendship, solidarity and unity.

It is hoped the SEA Games will help to push Asean sports closer to world levels in the near future. In the meantime, Laos is delighted to be hosting the event and warmly welcomes all Asean members to the games in 2009.

Saturday night was an occasion not only for Lao athletes and people around the country to celebrate the passing of the SEA Games flag to Laos but also the fact that Laos had its first ever major victory at the SEA Games this year, winning 5 gold, 7 silver and 32 bronze medals.

By Sisay Vilaysack
Vientianetimes,

More photos: http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=14622235

Royal Lao life in this laidback paradise

LUANG Prabang was once home to the nation's royal family. The socialist state no longer supports royalty but some 5.6 million Lao people call home this country that is one of the region's poorest.

Like many poor nations, Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic happily welcomes tourist who inject much needed foreign exchange into the economy.

Luang Prabang is the jewel in the nation's tourism crown and attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year. They come to appreciate the laid-back lifestyle, the former vestiges of royalty, many ancient Buddhist temples, a collection of stylish boutique hotels and some ultra chic restaurants...more

Since Laos relaxed it's tourism policies and opened its doors to more tourists over the past few years, it has become one of Indochina's hottest destinations. Perhaps it is the mystique of this small-landlocked nation situated between Thailand and China, maybe it's the history or possibly it's just that more travellers these days are interested in getting off the well-trodden travel trails of Asia.

While the development in Luang Prabang has made noticeable modifications, very little has changed in the urban fabric since I was last there some 12 years ago. This is mostly due to Luang Prabang obtaining World Heritage status in 1995, and the rigid adherence to a masterplan that protects the town from rampant and irresponsible development. While chic boutique hotels offer some very smart designer accommodation, the facades of most historic buildings remain intact.

Laos has experienced a turbulent history and the Luang Prabang monarchy became so weak and ineffective that it was forced to pay tribute to various foreign forces, from the Thais, Burmese to the Vietnamese. After being attacked in 1887 the kingdom accepted the protection of the French. The last king died in 1959 and the subsequent communist uprising in the country meant that the royal family would never rule again.

These days, princely travellers have several choices for accommodation in the royal town including Maison Souvannaphoum, once the royal residence of Prince Souvanna Phouna, and the stylish and chic The Aspara.

When you arrive at both properties you know they are out of the ordinary. Maison Souvannaphoum is managed by Angsana Hotels and Resorts (part of the Banyan Group) so guests should expect the unexpected in a country that is full of pleasant surprises. While retaining the residence's architectural integrity there are splashes of colour to arouse the senses. Bright orange is the colour of choice and the stunning orange perspex wall in each bathroom introduces contemporary style to the building's heritage qualities.

A short distance across town (nothing is more than 10 minutes away in Luang Prabang), overlooking the Khan river, The Apsara has been described as the most chic place in town. There's only one problem for design-conscious travellers they may check in and never want to leave.

The streetside restaurant at The Apsara features both western and eastern cuisine including four-course set meals from an astonishing US$12 ($18).

Each room in the house has been decorated with four-poster beds, antique teak furniture and luxurious teak-lined bathtubs, while air conditioning and hot water keep guests in touch with the comforts of contemporary travel.

There is also an abundance of budget accommodation for backpackers who flock here in droves as part of their Indochinese tour of duty. Simple, clean accommodation is available in any number of 20 or so guesthouses established in converted homes. The good news is that rates start from just US$5 a night.

Not only is Luang Prabang a stylish retreat where life moves at a very simple pace (heavy vehicles are not allowed in the historic precinct) but its compact size makes it easily negotiable either on foot or bicycle, which can be rented for just US$1 per day.

Visitors should take time out to enjoy a little sightseeing along the historic streets with rests in between to partake of some delicious Lao coffee, soothing fruit shakes, shopping for intricate hill tribe embroided products and to relax beside the mighty Mekong river at sunset to enjoy some spicy Lao cuisine.

While moving around Luang Prabang is uncomplicated, getting there is not so easy and that's what makes it so appealing only the truly dedicated make the effort. This is the place for independent travellers armed with the last copy of the Lonely Planet. Tour bus groups are not part of the Luang Prabang scene yet and hopefully won't ever be thanks to well-established Unesco development procedures.

The quickest, easiest and most expensive way to arrive is by Lao Aviation on one of several daily 40-minute flights from capital Vientiane. There are also international flights from Bangkok and Hanoi.

The overland alternatives from the capital include buses, mini vans or private vehicle with a driver. Such journeys take from eight to 11 hours and while much cheaper, take a very circuitous but scenic route.

Adventurous travellers can take the two-day boat journey from northeast Thailand along the Mekong river. There are several options from luxurious travel, tourist boats and local public boats.

Like much of Laos, travellers arriving by boat have to endure a little hardship. However, travelling here is well worth the effort as there are few places in Asia where life moves at such a relaxed pace. The Brunei Times

by David Bowden

KUALA LUMPUR


Source: The Brunei Times

13 awarded scholarship from Indonesia

(KPL) 13 Lao officials will further their study in Indonesia after being awarded the scholarship from Indonesia’s government this week.

A farewell reception ceremony was held on 27 August by the Embassy of Indonesia to Laos for the government scholars, attended by Indonesian Ambassador Mr Sutjiptohardjo Donokusumo and other officials concerned.

“The grant is to help the Lao officials develop their skills and gain valued experiences and culture from Indonesian people. The scholarship is also to promote the friendship relations and co-operation between Laos and Indonesia,” said the ambassador.

The scholars will further their study at master degree at Indonesia’s universities in fields of Soil Science, Public Administration, Applied Physics, Educational Management and Physics Material.

Three of them will participate in a short-term training on Art and Dance, Art and Music and Language of Indonesia. “Indonesian government has started providing scholarships to Lao officials since 2001 and its provision has been increasing annually,” the ambassador added.

The scholars will fly to the Republic of Indonesia on September 1 and 14 this year.

Source: kpl

The Lao National Tourism Administration will host an Asean tourism forum next month, with the aim of promoting eco-tourism in Laos and in other Asean member countries.

The 2007 Lao Ecotourism Forum will bring together and display the highest quality and most innovative ecotourism products and services on offer in the Mekong Region.

Lao Ecotourism Forum, which comes alive from 26 to 29 July in Laos will be one of the biggest Ecotourism based travel Mart in Asia. ‘Laos is one of the leading Asian countries that practises Eco Tourism in to its true colours... more info>>

2007 Lao Ecotourism Forum will come alive under the theme 'Bridging the Mekong Region'. The main stake holders of the Forum would be tour operators, travel agents, accommodation providers, development agencies, government authorities and indigenous communities from throughout the Asia Region. They will gather under the same roof to network and expand ecotourism opportunities in their respective countries. This event is a must for anyone interested in shaping the course of ecotourism development.

Objectives of the Forum

*To promote high quality ecotourism-related products and services that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of Laos and the Mekong Region

*Increase business opportunities and networking between ecotourism providers and consumers, with an aim to increase knowledge of the Mekong Region around the world

*To facilitate discussions and an exchange of ideas about the successes and potential for developing ecotourism programs that support poverty alleviation and the protection of natural and cultural heritage in the Mekong Region

*To build the links with the Asian Eco Tourism operators and buyers.

A Singaporean student who believes that Asean schools should offer safe sex education as part of their teaching curriculum has won first place in the Young Speakers Contest in Vientiane .

According to an announcement of the judging committee of the contest, released on Tuesday at the Farewell Dinner for the Participants of the 9 th Educational Forum and Young Speakers Contest at the Cosmo Hotel in Vientiane , Ms Crystella Prathap, a Singaporean university student, took first place in the competition, receiving a cash prize of US$ 1,000.

Ms Prathap is a young student who strongly expressed her opinion that safe sex education would be the best way to reduce numbers of people in the region infected with HIV/AIDS.

She explained that when people know the way to prevent the disease, they apply that knowledge and avoid becoming infected with incurable diseases, according to a member of judging committee, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Letters, Associate Prof. Dr Buasavanh Keovilay, one of the judges.

The judge said the first winner argued that Asian students should never be shy about talk about HIV/AIDS prevention....read more >>

“I asked the winner to talk about the fact that some people in Asean nations consider HIV/AIDS prevention a taboo issue in society. Does she think the introduction of such curriculum would encourage young people to have more love affairs?” she recalled.

The winner responded well, saying that since it was impossible to prevent young people from engaging in love affairs, the only way to is to tell them how to protect themselves, according to Dr Buasavanh.

“She answered that the curriculum will not encourage students to have love affairs but will tell them how to protect themselves from infection with HIV/AIDS,” she added, quoting the winner's answer.

The second and third places in the annual contest went to Filipino university student Mr Kikko Angelo Ramos, who received an award of US$500 and Singaporean university student Ms Ling Pei Shan, who received US$250.

The topic of the contest was “One Asean at the Heart of Dynamic Asia”. In the second round, contestants were given a different topic. Each had some time to prepare their presentation before they spoke in front of the judging committee.

Dr Buasavanh said that the Singaporean and Philippine contestants were advantaged among the students from other Asean nations because as they speak English as their official language, while students from other nations speak English as a foreign language.

“These students do not only speak English well but they also come up with critical thinking and vision,” she said.

Dr Buasavanh said that the Lao contestant was selected from among the best students in the English Department of the Faculty of Letters, but was shy about presenting her ideas in public and did not have a str ong vision.

She said Lao students needed to learn a lot about how to speak in public and how to present logical reasons to convince the public about what they believed in.

A member of the contest's organising committee, Dr Alongkone Saignaleuth said the National University of Laos had been a competitor in the contest since it began in 1997. A Lao student took second place in the contest two years ago in the Philippines , he said.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy