VIENTIANE, May 20 : The Japanese government is providing about US$3 million to the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) through grant aid to Laos.

An agreement on the project was signed in Vientiane between the Director General of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ms Sisomboun Ounavong, and the Chief Representative of the JICA Laos Office, Mr Toshio Nagase, witnessed by officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports and other ministries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms Sisomboun said the main objective of the project was to strengthen the knowledge of state officials through the scholarships, with the project operating from this month until April 2029.

There are 20 scholarships per year for the study of master’s and doctorate degrees at institutions and universities in Japan.

The project will be implemented by JICA and the Ministry of Education and Sports.

The scheme targets highly capable young officials (mainly government) who are expected to engage in implementing socio-economic development plans as future leaders.

Applicants must have a good command of both written and spoken English (a TOEFL score of 500 or higher is preferable), possess a bachelor degree from a university authorised by the government of Laos or other countries, and have good mental and physical health.

In March, the Japanese government agreed to provide 2,105 million yen (over US$17 million and over 200 billion kip) to fund the improvement of facilities and laboratories at the Faculty of Engineering, National University of Laos.

The agreement was signed by Nagase Toshio and Sisomboun Ounavong.

The aim of the project is to improve the education and research environment at the Faculty, which has the most graduates of the four National University Faculties of Engineering in Laos, by upgrading facilities and equipment for education and research.

 - ANN