(KPL) The 23rd Japanese Speech Contest was held on March 7 at the Lao-Japan Budo Center in Vientiane Capital, bringing together Japanese-language learners from across the Lao PDR to demonstrate their language skills before a large audience.

Participants delivered their speeches with confidence and enthusiasm, receiving strong encouragement from teachers, friends and family members who attended the event.

Among the distinguished guests were Mr. Phout Simmalavong, former Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association; Mr. Sengsaden Bounlavong, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Education and Sports; and Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao PDR.

The Japanese Speech Contest has been organized annually since 2004 to provide Japanese-language learners with an opportunity to present their abilities in public, while strengthening communication and public speaking skills and encouraging continued study of the Japanese language.

This year’s contest featured 24 participants in the reading section, 16 in the one-minute speech section, and eight in the three-minute speech section. The contestants were selected from 180 applicants through a preliminary screening conducted by the organizing committee, which includes representatives from the Embassy of Japan and Japanese-language institutes in the Lao PDR.

In his remarks, Ambassador Koizumi encouraged the participants and expressed appreciation to those who have contributed to the development of Japanese-language education in the Lao PDR.

“I sincerely hope that all of you who participated in today's contest will continue to engage in exchanges between Japan and Laos for many years to come, and that through your efforts our two countries will become even closer,” he said.

The winners were announced as follows:

Three-minute Speech Section

First place: Mr. Somkhid Pommadee — “Memorable Place”

Second place: Mr. Khampadid Thammavong — “Just a Word of Encouragement”

Third place: Ms. Kunlaya Bialounglath — “Sister’s Bond”

One-minute Speech Section

First place: Ms. Chittaphone Ounakhone — “My Dream”

Second place: Ms. Southida Souliyavong — “My Dream for My Work”

Third place: Ms. Chansouda Souvanna — “My Big Dream”

Over the years, the Japanese Speech Contest has played an important role in nurturing human resources who serve as a bridge between Japan and the Lao PDR. Many participants have continued their studies in Japan or pursued careers with Japanese companies.

The contest continues to promote interest in the Japanese language while strengthening people-to-people ties and mutual understanding between the two countries.

KPL