(KPL) The National University of Laos (NUOL) has honored six distinguished individuals with non-regular academic titles and honorary doctorates in recognition of their significant contributions to national development, education, public administration, environmental management and social development.

The conferment ceremony for the 2026 academic titles and honorary doctorates was held on September 4 at the Confucius Institute Hall of NUOL, with the participation of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Thongsalit Mangnomek, Minister of Agriculture and Environment and President of the NUOL Council Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, former high-ranking leaders, NUOL officials, academics, researchers and other relevant representatives.

The awards recognize individuals whose experience, knowledge and contributions have supported national development and helped advance education and other areas of importance to society. They also highlight the importance of linking academic knowledge with practical experience to support the country’s future development.

Associate Professor Ounla Sivanhpheng, Vice President and Secretary General of the NUOL Council, reported on the assessment and selection process for the 2026 awards. The process was conducted systematically, transparently and openly in accordance with relevant regulations and guidelines, with candidates evaluated by technical committees from the faculty level through the university level before final approval by the first ordinary session of the NUOL Council in 2026.

The six recipients were:

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone — Honorary Professor in Public Administration and Development, in recognition of his contributions to national development, education and NUOL.

Sommad Pholsena — Honorary Professor in Sustainable Natural Resources and Environmental Management, in recognition of his contributions to national development, education and NUOL.

Khamphad Sourinpoumi — Special Professor in Irrigation Engineering, in recognition of contributions to national development, education and NUOL.

Vanthong Sirivanh — Special Professor, in recognition of contributions to national development, education and NUOL.

Viengthavisone Thephachan — Honorary Doctorate, in recognition of outstanding achievements in state policy planning.

Oh Myung Hwan — Honorary Doctorate, in recognition of outstanding achievements in social welfare and development.

The Honorary Professor and Special Professor titles were presented by Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, while the honorary doctorates were presented by Sinthavone Dalavong, President of NUOL.

The ceremony underscored NUOL’s role in recognizing outstanding knowledge, expertise and service, while encouraging greater contributions to education, research and national development for the benefit of future generations.

KPL