(KPL) Mr. Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Laos-Japan Friendship Association of the Lao PDR, has been awarded one of Japan’s highest civilian honors, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.

The award, conferred by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, was officially presented by Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR, during a ceremony held on December 18, 2024, at the Ambassador’s Residence in Vientiane Capital.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including deputy ministers, former ministers, other high-ranking Lao officials, Mr. Phout’s family, and representatives from the Japanese community in Laos. Ambassador Koizumi congratulated Mr. Phout and expressed appreciation for his outstanding contributions to strengthening relations between Japan and Laos, particularly in the fields of education and sports.

During his tenure as Deputy Dean and later Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the National University of Laos, Mr. Phout actively supported Japanese researchers, providing guidance for their surveys and research. His efforts significantly advanced Japanese studies on Laos and facilitated academic exchange between the two nations.

From 2019 to 2021, as Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Mr. Phout collaborated with JICA to improve teacher training under the grant-aided “Project for Improving Teacher Training Colleges” and revised mathematics textbooks for primary education through the technical cooperation project “Improving Teaching and Learning Mathematics for Primary Education.” He also championed initiatives like the “Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS),” facilitating the education of 156 master’s and 39 doctoral students in Japan. Under his leadership, Japanese language education in Laos has thrived, with the number of learners tripling from 1,046 in 2015 to 3,118 in 2021.

As Minister of Education and Sports since 2021, Mr. Phout has introduced policies to recover learning opportunities lost during the pandemic, including the implementation of digital learning systems in collaboration with Japan and international organizations. He also played a key role in securing Japanese support for the reconstruction of the Chao Anouvong Stadium, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.

As Chairman of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association, Mr. Phout has hosted numerous visits from Japanese dignitaries and engaged in meaningful discussions to further bilateral cooperation. His academic background includes studying at Tohoku University from 1997 to 1999 on a Japanese government scholarship, where he earned a master’s degree in history.

Mr. Phout frequently participates in events for Lao students preparing to study in Japan under scholarship programs, offering words of encouragement and inspiring the next generation of Japanophiles. His dedication and achievements have significantly deepened the ties between Japan and Laos, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

KPL