In Laos, as the job market grows more challenging, people are questioning the true value of academic accolades, particularly the “red certificate,” a mark of academic distinction. But is it truly a key to success, or does it merely add more pressure? As graduates celebrate this accolade, many are left wondering about its actual value in today’s job market and how it shapes their future.
This First Honour certificate is an important award in Laos for students who do exceptionally well in their studies with a consistent GPA above 3.50 and maintain grades not lower than a grade B.
However, this celebration of academic success is not without its challenges. Some argue that the red certificate could foster unrealistic expectations and increase stress for graduates facing an intensely competitive job market.
Social media discussions have further highlighted these mixed feelings, especially following a post about the NUOL awarding red certificates to qualifying students during its recent graduation ceremony on 30 October. The move has sparked a lively debate, with users divided over its potential impact on student life including seeking job opportunities.
While some users offered congratulations to the First Honour recipients, hoping the certificate would open doors to scholarships and advanced educational pathways, others voiced concerns. They worried that the distinction might inadvertently place undue pressure on young graduates navigating an already challenging job environment.
Vatthana Inthalucksa who graduated from the National University of Laos (NUOL) with an outstanding GPA of 3.99, shared his thoughts on this honor
“This accolade may hold varying significance for others, but for me, as a leader of the young [Lao] generation, it stands as a powerful sign of our progress through education. Imagine if all young people in Laos committed deeply to learning, valued education, and engaged actively in social movements together, we could drive Laos forward through empowered human resource development,” he said.
“True value emerges when we choose to create it, and for me, achieving this honor marks just the beginning. I hope it inspires future leaders to pursue their paths with confidence, knowledge, and a strong commitment to lead.”
Despite the pride associated with the red certificate, some graduates express a mix of pride and concern. For instance, one International Relations student at NUOL, who requested to remain anonymous, said, “After receiving my First Honour certificate, I feel a mix of pride and anxiety. While I’m excited about my achievement, it also brought several worries, especially about seeking a job in Laos and whether I can meet the high expectations that come with my achievement. The pressure to find a position that aligns with my academic success feels overwhelming.”
While this first honor certificate represents hard work, discipline, and dedication, it also brings with it high expectations and pressures as graduates step into a competitive job market. For some, it may indeed be a valuable asset that opens doors to new opportunities; for others, it may highlight the need for a broader understanding of success beyond academic accolades.
