On 18 December, Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association, received Japan’s prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.
The Emperor of Japan conferred this high honour, which Koizumi Tsutomu, Ambassador of Japan to Laos, officially presented at the Residence of the Japanese Ambassador in Vientiane Capital.
The ceremony drew dignitaries, including Deputy Ministers, former Ministers, senior Lao officials, Phout’s family, and representatives from the Japanese community in Laos.
Ambassador Koizumi congratulated Phout and expressed gratitude for his significant contributions to strengthening Japan-Laos relations, particularly in education and sports.
From 2019 to 2021, Phout, as Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, worked closely with JICA to improve teacher quality in Laos through initiatives like the ‘Project for Improving Teacher Training Colleges’ and revised primary school math textbooks. He also facilitated the dispatch of Lao government officials to Japan through the ‘Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS),’ sending 156 master’s students and 39 doctoral students. Additionally, he played a key role in expanding Japanese language education in Laos, increasing the number of learners from 1,046 in 2015 to 3,118 by 2021.
Since becoming Minister of Education and Sports in 2021, Phout has focused on recovering learning opportunities lost during the pandemic by introducing digital learning in partnership with Japan and international organizations. He also contributed to the successful completion of the ‘Project for the Reconstruction of the Chao Anouvong Stadium,’ strengthening ties between Laos and Japan. As Chairman of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association, Phout has hosted Japanese dignitaries and supported Lao students studying in Japan, inspiring future generations of Japanophiles.
