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Senior officials from the Lao PDR's foreign affairs, finance, education, health, agriculture, banking, youth, and public security sectors have participated in a leadership training programme in Australia. The "Masterclass on Leadership for Responsible Public Administration" ran from May 18 to 31, 2026.
Representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, and the Commission for Information and Education also participated alongside counterparts from Vietnam.
The intensive programme combined academic expertise, real-world public sector insights, and applied learning activities across major Australian cities, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Canberra, and Sydney.
Derek Carson, executive dean of the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University, said the participation of Mekong leaders reflects a shared commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and promoting ethical and inclusive public administration throughout the region.
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Delivered by Bond University on behalf of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the training was funded under the Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP). It offered participants opportunities to exchange experiences, learn from peers, and apply new insights to their local leadership contexts through tailored, work-based projects.
Throughout the masterclass, participants explored how government reforms are planned and executed, and how leaders navigate challenges during periods of institutional transformation. The curriculum combined interactive sessions, expert presentations, and site visits to link theory with practical Australian public sector experiences. The programme also features virtual and in-person exchanges within Laos and Vietnam.
Key themes of the masterclass included modern leadership approaches, change management, and public sector risk management. Sessions also examined inclusive and ethical leadership, governance, and strategies for strengthening team capabilities during organizational reforms.
Launched in November 2020, MAP was established to strengthen the Mekong subregion’s resilience and support inclusive, sustainable growth.
At the ASEAN–Australia Special Summit in March 2024, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs announced a second phase for the partnership valued at AUD222.5 million, spanning from 2024 to 2029.
KPL
