6 December 2011
Lao Scholars Prepare to Depart for Australia
The Australian Ambassador to Laos, HE Lynda Worthaisong farewelled 53 Lao Australia Awards recipients at a dinner held on Tuesday 6 December 2011. Of the 53 awardees, 45 have received Australian Development Scholarships; four have been granted prestigious Australian Leadership Awards and four have received Endeavour Awards.
Speaking at the dinner, Ambassador Worthaisong said “The Australian Scholarships are a very important part of Australia’s development cooperation, not only in Laos but across the Asia Pacific region and around the world.”
“Australia is pleased to be funding these scholarships that will help the Lao scholars gathered here tonight to further develop their leadership and academic skills, and their professional linkages in their chosen fields. I hope that the Awardees will return to Laos and contribute positively to the ongoing development of the country” Ambassador Worthaisong said.
These scholarships are part of the Australia Awards initiative. The scholarships aim to provide successful applicants with the skills and knowledge to influence economic and social development.
The awardees will undertake studies in vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate levels at Australian universities, in priority sectors under the Lao-Australian development cooperation program, including education, trade, rural development and natural resource management.
The Australian Leadership Awards recipients will participate in a tailored leadership development program during their studies in Australia to strengthen their leadership skills, establish regional networks and enhance their understanding of regional development challenges.
Since the inception of the Australia Awards more than 1,000 awardees have successfully gained tertiary qualifications in Australia and returned to apply their new skills in Lao PDR.
Further information about Australia Awards can be found at www.australiaawards.gov.au.
Media contacts: Mr. Kongthanou Khanthavixay
Public Diplomacy Officer
AusAID, Australian Embassy
Tel: 353800 Ext. 105