The National University of Laos recently hosted an important event, the 2025 CAMPUS Asia Plus Annual Symposium, which brought together educators and students from various institutions to discuss critical issues in education and risk management.

CAMPUS Asia Plus Annual Symposium at National University of Laos

On August 21, 2025, the National University of Laos (NUOL) hosted the 2025 CAMPUS Asia Plus Annual Symposium in partnership with Kobe University from Japan. The event was attended by NUOL’s President Dexanourath Seneduangdeth, Vice President Phouphet Kyophilavong, and faculty from the Faculty of Economics and Business Management. Representation from the Lao PDR included Ms. Silinthone Sacklokham, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, and Mr. Anoupheng Keovongsa, Deputy Director General of the Department of Planning.

Kobe University was represented by Dean Yuichiro Uchida, Professor Keiichi Ogawa, and Professor Mika Hayashi from the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS), along with other faculty and students. Participants from partner institutions such as Fudan University (China), Korea University (South Korea), and Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) contributed to the discussions.

CAMPUS Asia Plus Program Overview

The CAMPUS Asia Plus Program, a trilateral initiative involving Japan, China, and Korea, focuses on developing joint educational programs in risk management through interdisciplinary collaboration. Since its establishment in 2021, the program has expanded to include partners from ASEAN, with NUOL and Chulalongkorn University taking significant roles.

Keynote Lecture by Professor Emeritus Toshihisa Toyoda

During the symposium, Professor Emeritus Toshihisa Toyoda delivered a keynote lecture emphasizing the need for improved risk management systems to prepare for and recover from climate change and complex disasters. He highlighted the importance of increased academic collaboration among universities in China, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN countries.

Acknowledgment of Contributions

In recognition of his contributions to establishing the Faculty of Economics and Business Management at NUOL, President Dexanourath presented Professor Toyoda with the title of Honorary Professor during the event.

Graduate Student Presentations

The program featured presentations by graduate students from the five partner universities, facilitating an engaging academic exchange supplemented by feedback from participating faculty members. The symposium reaffirmed the achievements of the CAMPUS Asia Plus Program in developing skilled professionals in risk management and underscored ongoing collaborative efforts among the partner institutions. In the future, NUOL aims to actively contribute to the consortium and the continued advancement of the program.

Source: National University of Laos