Seventeen staff from across the Lao Government have been selected to participate in the Australia-Laos ASEAN Interpretation and Translation Program.
Upon completion of this program, participants will obtain a Graduate Diploma in Translation and Interpreting from the University of New South Wales in Australia. The Australia-Laos ASEAN Interpretation and Translation Program is designed to prepare the Lao PDR for its role in chairing ASEAN in 2024.
The Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR, Mr. Paul Kelly, recently attended a farewell ceremony for the seventeen participants before their departure to Australia for the 7-month intensive course.
“2024 will be a big year for Laos as it chairs ASEAN for the first time since 2016. I know that the Lao Government and all its development partners are focused on making sure that 2024 will be very successful.” said Ambassador Kelly.
“Australia is responding to the Lao Government’s priority areas of need in the lead-up to the 2024 ASEAN year. One very practical example is equipping officials with high-quality translation and interpretation skills.” Ambassador Kelly added.
The Australia-Laos ASEAN Interpretation and Translation Program is an important component of Australia’s support to ASEAN and to Laos. The awards aim to contribute to preparing the Lao PDR to Chair ASEAN in 2024, as well as future translation and interpretation needs, by providing opportunities for individuals to attend specialized translation training and obtain a qualification at an Australian tertiary institution.
In addition to the interpretation and translation program, Australia has supported 24 government officials to undertake four-month placements at the Laos Permanent Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, to increase their skills and understanding of ASEAN affairs and processes, with the support of The Asia Foundation.
Mr. Chatoulong Bouasisavath, Director General of the ASEAN Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that “Australia’s support for this Translator/Interpreter Training Program as well as the Attachment Program in the Permanent Mission of the Lao PDR to ASEAN is a testimony to Australia’s continued commitment to improving human resources development in Lao PDR.”
