The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Lao PDR (AustCham Lao) hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and networking Sundowner event on September 23, bringing together business leaders, diplomatic representatives, and community partners to elect its new leadership and review key achievements at S.N. Residences in Vientiane.
Outgoing AustCham President Dean Collett congratulated the Chamber on a clear 2026 strategic workplan shaped directly by member feedback, adding value for members, maintaining a healthy financial position, and deepening engagement with the Australian Alumni community over the year.
“As Laos pursues economic reform and sustainable growth, I am confident AustCham will continue to play a vital role in strengthening the partnerships that contribute to shared prosperity for both Laos and Australia,” said Patron of AustCham Lao Megan Jones, Ambassador to the Lao PDR.
The event also marked a transition for the Chamber with the official announcement of the incoming Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term.
Newly Announced AustCham Lao Leadership
The newly appointed Board of Directors brings together fresh perspectives and seasoned experience from Lao and Australian businesses.
Samira Fares of ANZ will serve as President, with Alex Cameron of AgCoTech as Vice President and Michael Phin of Valentis as Treasurer.
The new Board Directors are Ben Tucker of Phu Bia Mining, Oliver Purvis-Smith of DDD Career Connect, and Simon Porter of Western Australian International School.
Continuing Board Directors are Somvang Keomahavong of MMG, Aekananh Keosouvath of ANZ, Chris Smithies of Earth Systems, and Samantha Pike, Executive Director.
AustCham Lao thanks outgoing Board members Dean Collett of Phu Bia Mining, Jane Harvey of Rio Tinto, Brendon Bangma, and Martin Glenister for their service and dedication to AustCham Lao over the past two years.
Networking and Connecting for Growth
The Sundowner was sponsored by Phu Bia Mining (PBM).
In his address, PBM Managing Director David Reid highlighted the company’s long-term commitment to the Lao PDR through sustainable, high-quality mining practices, community development, workforce capability building and investment in local infrastructure.
David reaffirmed PBM’s ongoing partnership with AustCham Lao and emphasized the company’s focus on maintaining high safety standards and creating employment, skills development and local business opportunities through its existing operations and future planned mines. As a significant long-term investor in the Lao PDR, PBM continues to contribute to the country’s economic development while delivering substantial financial and broader economic benefits to the Government and people of the Lao PDR.
The official proceedings concluded with a vibrant Sundowner networking session, where attendees connected over refreshments and connected over shared opportunities and potential collaboration.
Driving Community Support for Free Paediatric Healthcare
Demonstrating the Chamber’s focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR), the event featured a special presentation by Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC), AustCham Lao’s official 2026 CSR Charity Partner. Pierre Boismard, LFHC Director of Development, shared insights into the organization’s work providing free, high-quality healthcare to children in northern Laos.
Building on this partnership, AustCham Lao announced that its upcoming Annual Charity Golf Day will take place on 6 November in Vang Vieng. All proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit LFHC to support its paediatric healthcare services and outreach programs. Sponsorship opportunities and ticket information are available through the event registration page.
Here: https://app.glueup.com/event/austcham-lao-annual-charity-golf-day-2026-195337/
The evening concluded with a Sundowner networking session, where attendees enjoyed refreshments by Sticky Fingers Restaurant and connected over shared opportunities and potential collaboration.
About AustCham Lao
The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Lao PDR (AustCham Lao) aims to strengthen business connections between Australia and Lao PDR and support members in contributing to the national agenda and achieving sustainable growth. It serves as the voice of Australian business in Laos, promoting bilateral trade, foreign investment, and commercial connections between Australia and Lao PDR. www.austchamlao.org
