The Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) Lao marked International Women’s Day 2026 with a panel and networking event in Vientiane, bringing together Australian-educated Lao entrepreneurs and business leaders with thirty representatives from AustCham member companies under the theme “Invest in Her. Invest in Laos.”
AustCham Lao, the oldest foreign chamber in Laos, drew over 65 people to the 12 March event, a gathering supported by the Australian Embassy in Laos. “Today is a tangible demonstration of Australia’s long-term investment in human resource development in the country – a showcase of a high-yield investment,” said Sam Pike, AustCham Executive Director, in her opening remarks.
The panel featured prominent Alumni entrepreneurs, Anna Viravong of Wine Haus and Daily Ritual Co., Than Chaleunsouk of Yoosay, Gift Panyathip of Panyathip British International School and St Hugh’s College, and Touk Xaixana of New Link Lao and Maicome. Filmmaker Anysay Keola of Lao New Wave Cinema joined as a male ally, underscoring that gender inclusion is a shared responsibility.
That spirit of shared responsibility carried through the discussion.
Drawing on the 2026 global IWD theme “When We Give, We Gain,” panellists discussed how their Australian education translated into business leadership and success back home, and how they actively work to support, engage and celebrate other women in their sectors.
The Alumni and AustCham member influence extended beyond the stage.August Living Haus and Once Upon a Time Café catered the morning tea, Costa Berry Laos flew in fresh blueberries from its Paksong farm, and alumni-owned businesses including Khao Lao, Annabelle Cafe, Revlon, Wine Haus and Made with Love by Kino donated prizes for the lucky draw.
The event responded directly to Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’s call for stronger alumni-business connections, with new partnerships forming across the room which will hopefully lead to an ongoing exchange of ideas, connections and mutual gains.


