The reception also marks the 25th anniversary of Singapore’s first Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) course conducted in the Lao PDR in May 2001, highlighting the continued cooperation between the two countries in capacity building and human resource development.

Singapore’s development cooperation with Lao PDR is carried out through the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), which was established in 1992 to share Singapore’s development experience and technical expertise with partner countries. To date, more than 17,500 Lao government officials have participated in SCP programmes, making Lao PDR Singapore’s fourth-largest development partner.

The partnership expanded further during Singapore’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2000, when the IAI was launched to reduce the development gap among ASEAN members and strengthen regional integration for new ASEAN Member States. Under this initiative, the Laos-Singapore Training Centre (LSTC) was established in November 2001.

Over the years, Singapore and the Lao PDR have continued to broaden their cooperation through training programmes covering public policy and administration, economic development, trade facilitation, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and language and communication skills.

Singapore has also hosted the English Language Training programme for senior Lao officials since 1999. In October 2024, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a Leadership and Governance Training Programme tailored for Lao officials, with the first edition held in June 2025.

Earlier, the Singapore-Laos Enhanced Cooperation Package was launched in September 2022 to support the Lao PDR’s preparations for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 through human capital development and enhanced institutional capacity.

The reception serves as a reflection of the strong ties between Singapore and the Lao PDR and their shared commitment to continued cooperation and sustainable development.

KPL