Ms. Chanphet Khamphong, Director  General of the Literature and Publishing Department (R) and Mr. Nam Chan woo, Director of General of Asia Culture Center at the handover ceremony held in Vientiane on December 19.

The system was handed over by Mr. Nam Chan woo, Director of General of Asia Culture Center (ACC), the Republic of Korea and received by Ms. Chanphet Khamphong, Director  General of the Literature and Publishing Department, the Ministry Culture and Tourism (MCT).

The ceremony was graced by Mr. Vansy Kouammoua, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Lao PDR, and Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Korea  (ROK) in the Lao PDR, along with senior officials from both sides and a delegation from the Republic of Korea.

In his remarks, Vice Minister Vansy Kouammoua said the project stands as a meaningful symbol of sincere cooperation between the two countries in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Lao PDR and the Republic of Korea.

“This project is not only about technology, but about safeguarding the soul of our nation for future generations,” he said.

Valued at 3 billion won and implemented over four years from 2022 to 2025, the project provides modern equipment and, more importantly, builds the capacity of Lao personnel to manage cultural resources in line with global digital standards. The LCRMS was developed based on the internationally recognized Dublin Core metadata standard, enabling Lao cultural data to be systematically linked with regional and global cultural databases through application programming interfaces (APIs).

Vice Minister Vansy emphasized that data security and ownership remain firmly with the Lao side. Although the ACC holds the copyright for system development, all Lao cultural data belong exclusively to the Lao PDR, represented by MCT. A dual-backup system hosted on ACC servers will further ensure data recovery in case of emergencies.

He also underlined the importance of sustainability following the handover. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), operational and maintenance responsibilities will now be assumed by the Lao side. The Department of Literature and Publishing, in coordination with the Department of Planning and International Cooperation, will seek regular budget mechanisms to ensure the system’s long-term and effective operation.

Ms. Chanphet Khamphong reported that the project, officially titled “Establishment of a Cultural Information Management System and Capacity Building for Cultural Sector Personnel in the Lao PDR,” has been jointly implemented by the ACC and MCT since 2022, with a total budget of 3 billion won — including 400 million won in 2022, 800 million won each in 2023 and 2024, and 1 billion won in 2025.

Key achievements include the development of the LCRMS database; installation of equipment at the Ministry’s data center, the National Library, the National Museum, and the Luang Prabang National Museum; production of cultural programs on the “12 Traditions”; data entry into the KDAC system; organization of training programs; and provision of photography equipment and computers.

Over the past four years, the project has significantly strengthened Lao capacities in collecting, managing, and preserving cultural data using modern digital technologies. Continuous training programs and study visits have also enhanced the skills of staff at libraries and museums nationwide.

A central focus of the initiative has been the preservation of Lao palm-leaf manuscripts — an invaluable intellectual heritage containing knowledge on history, literature, linguistics, traditional medicine, Buddhist teachings, and sacred scriptures. More than 800,000 bundles, currently kept in temples and libraries across the country, remain at risk due to deterioration, insects, rodents, poor storage conditions, and natural disasters such as fires and floods.

“The digitization of these manuscripts is an urgent task,” Ms. Chanphet said, adding that converting them into digital formats will help ensure their survival and accessibility for future generations.

With the handover of the LCRMS, the Lao PDR now possesses a powerful tool to safeguard its cultural legacy, connect with global heritage networks, and pass on centuries of wisdom in the language of the digital age. The success of the project is expected to be expanded nationwide in the years ahead, reinforcing the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity while embracing modern technology.

KPL