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OPPO Renews Partnership with UEFA for the Next Three Seasons


MADRID, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 September 2024 – OPPO has announced that it has renewed its partnership with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for the next three seasons, covering multiple UEFA competitions including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Futsal Champions League finals and the UEFA Youth League finals. Building on the partnership of the previous two seasons, OPPO will continue to leverage its cutting-edge technologies across smartphones, headphones and smartwatches to connect fans closer to the football match and deliver exceptional viewing experiences in collaboration with UEFA.

Group Photo of OPPO and UEFA Representatives
Group Photo of OPPO and UEFA Representatives

OPPO and UEFA celebrate partnership renewal

OPPO made the announcement of the partnership renewal as Official Smartphone Product Partner together with UEFA at a dedicated event attended by Billy Zhang, President of Overseas MKT, Sales and Service at OPPO, and Guy-Laurent Epstein, Marketing Director at UEFA. Football legend Iker Casillas Fernández also made a surprise appearance at the event, where he met with fans and demonstrated the latest OPPO products and AI technology.

Billy Zhang, President of Overseas MKT, Sales and Service at OPPO, said “Our collaboration with UEFA over the past two years has highlighted our shared values in connecting and inspiring fans of all generations. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership over the next three years, connecting fans closer to the match through OPPO’s innovations in imaging and AI technologies, and dedicating more resources to helping young players and the broader global football community experience the magic of football.”

Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA marketing director, said: “Over the past two seasons, OPPO smartphones and technologies have uplifted the UEFA Champions League experience for fans worldwide with their advanced imaging and AI capabilities. We now look forward to building further on our collaboration to ensure that more people can feel the passion of football and be inspired by the UEFA Champions League.”

Empowering the UEFA Champions League with mobile imaging and AI technologies

With over a decade of expertise in mobile imaging technology, OPPO has created the Matchday Phone for football fans. Combining outstanding telephoto and nighttime photography, OPPO smartphones help fans capture exciting moments in the stadium, delivering clear shots from high up in the stands and capturing vivid colors and details during evening matches.

To bring fans closer to the excitement of football, OPPO also invited football legend Iker Casillas Fernández to demonstrate the latest OPPO AI Studio feature during the partnership renewal event. Over the next three seasons, OPPO will also continue to enhance fan interaction across multiple football touchpoints through ongoing innovation in AI technology and generative AI features such as AI Studio and AI Eraser.

Iker Casillas Fernández Experiences the AI Studio Feature
Iker Casillas Fernández Experiences the AI Studio Feature

OPPO’s ongoing commitment to sports philanthropy

In the coming seasons, OPPO will extend its commitment to football globally by launching a number of youth football development programs worldwide, including in Spain, Mexico, Egypt, and China. Through these initiatives, OPPO and UEFA will provide resources and support to young footballers and community football clubs, inspiring them to chase their football dreams.

During the past two years of collaboration, OPPO has captured and celebrated countless epic moments from the UEFA Champions League using its powerful imaging technology. Under the renewed partnership, OPPO will continue to work closely with UEFA over the next three seasons to provide more fans with opportunities to enjoy football matches and experience how OPPO technology enhances the excitement of UEFA competitions.
Hashtag: #OPPO

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has footprints in more than 60 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Reinforces Commitment to Digital India, Invests US$3.2 billion to add 550MW Data Centre Capacity


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 September 2024 – ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), one of the world’s fastest-growing data centre colocation services provider headquartered in Singapore, today announced a significant investment of US$3.2 billion (INR 26,000 crores) to expand its data centre capacity in India by a substantial 550MW, nearly tripling the company’s IT load capacity to meet the demands of India’s thriving digital economy, over the next 5-6 years.

This strategic investment reflects STT GDC’s confidence in India and the growth of its digital economy, as well as aligning with the burgeoning demand for digital infrastructure, driven by the surge in data consumption, cloud computing, digital transformation, and growing adoption of AI applications. This investment also further solidifies our market leadership in India, where we already command about 28% of market share by revenue.

STT GDC India is majority-owned by STT GDC in partnership with Tata Communications Ltd, which holds a minority stake in the company. STT GDC India’s portfolio consists of 28 data centres across 10 cities throughout India. Today, its data centre portfolio has a total combined capacity of over 318MW of IT load, with a well-diversified portfolio of about 1,000 enterprise customers that include many Fortune 500 companies. More recently, STT GDC India was recognised as a Great Place to Work for the fifth consecutive year, as well as one of the Best Places to Work in Asia.

“As we celebrate STT GDC’s 10th anniversary this year, embarking on this ambitious expansion is a sign of our confidence in Digital India and the future of one of STT GDC’s strategic and fastest growing markets globally. Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Digital India has paved the way for opportunity; today the India digital economy’s growth rate of almost three times overall GDP growth is putting the country on pace to achieve a US$1 trillion digital economy by 2027-20281. At STT GDC, we want to play an active role in co-investing and contributing to India’s long-term success by investing in the foundational digital infrastructure that will help further accelerate Digital India. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and are confident in our ability to contribute significantly to India’s digital transformation,” said Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.

STT GDC, along with several other Singapore business leaders, participated in a Business Roundtable with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted by the Singapore Business Federation on 5 September 2024.

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1 India digital economy: India to be $1 trillion digital economy by FY28: IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar – The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)
Hashtag: #STTelemediaGlobalDataCentres #STTGDC #EnablingOurDigitalFuture

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) is one of the fastest-growing data centre providers with a global platform serving as a cornerstone of the digital ecosystem that helps the world to connect. Powering a sustainable digital future, STT GDC operates across Singapore, the UK, Germany, India, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, providing businesses an exceptional foundation that is built for their growth anywhere. For more information, visit .

Vingroup and the Global Ambitions of Vietnamese Brands

Vietnam’s economic landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, led by ambitious Vietnamese brands ready to take on the world. Vingroup, a trailblazing conglomerate, exemplifies this trend, inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to “think big.”


HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 September 2024 – Visitors to Vietnam in recent decades will likely notice the ubiquity of Vingroup’s “Vin” brands. From real estate (Vinhome) to hospitality (Vinpearl), healthcare (Vinmec), and education (Vinschool), Vingroup’s presence is deeply woven into the fabric of life in the Southeast Asian country, a testament to the power of visionary leadership and the potential of Vietnamese businesses.

Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 urban area, part of the Vingroup ecosystem
Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 urban area, part of the Vingroup ecosystem

With real estate as its foundation, Vingroup has strategically expanded into new sectors. Notably, in 2018, the largest private conglomerate in Vietnam announced a 10-year plan to become a leading global technology-industry-service conglomerate, with technology at its core.

Vingroup’s Chairman, Pham Nhat Vuong, once revealed his vision to leverage technology to uplift the lives of his fellow citizens. “When technology and industry have developed, we can contribute to changing the lives of many people,” Vuong stated in 2019. “For example, the income of those less fortunate is now negligible, but it could be significantly higher if they become even just ordinary technology workers.”

Vingroup’s remarkable growth trajectory mirrors Vietnam’s own journey from a war-torn nation to a burgeoning economic power in less than four decades. It is a symbol of the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people, and it is also an inspiration.

The conglomerate’s recent moves also signify a broader shift in the mindset of Vietnamese entrepreneurs. They are increasingly shedding their inhibitions, embracing bold ambitions, and setting their sights on global markets. Experts believe Vietnam has the potential to produce more companies like Vingroup, especially given the global technology boom.

One of Vingroup’s most audacious international ventures is VinFast, its automotive arm. The establishment of VinFast is a historic moment for Vietnam, marking the birth of its first homegrown car brand. Before VinFast, the Vietnamese auto sector was heavily reliant on imports, with limited local assembly and underdeveloped supporting industries.

Despite the challenges and setbacks inherent in the electric vehicle industry, Vuong remains unwavering in his commitment to VinFast. His determination to invest in the company “until his money runs out” reflects a broader ambition to achieve national pride through innovation.

Recognizing the untapped potential of the Middle East market, VinFast is making another bold move. After establishing a presence in North America and Europe, the company is now actively engaging with potential partners and distributors in the Middle East. This strategic expansion underscores VinFast’s global aspirations and highlights the growing economic ties between Vietnam and the region.

VinFast’s foray into international markets serves as a powerful reminder that Vingroup, and Vietnam as a whole, are capable of surprising the world. They possess the courage and the capability to explore new frontiers, challenge established players, and carve out a niche for themselves in the global marketplace.

As Vietnamese brands continue to innovate and expand their reach, they are not only shaping the country’s economic future but also inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to dream big and contribute to Vietnam’s ongoing transformation. The world is watching with anticipation as these ambitious brands write the next chapter in Vietnam’s remarkable story.

Hashtag: #VinFast #Vingroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Elevating Cancer Care: Thomson Hospital and OncoCare Medical Malaysia Announce Strategic Alliance for Excellence in Oncology


KOTA DAMANSARA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 September 2024 – Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (Thomson Hospital) is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with OncoCare Medical Malaysia Sdn Bhd (OncoCare), a move which stands to elevate the standards of cancer care in Malaysia and the region.

Caption: (From left) Dr Siva Kumaran Jayaraman, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, Dr Melvin Heng Jun Li Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of TMC Life Sciences, Dr John Low, Chief Executive Officer of OncoCare Medical Malaysia and Dr. Tay Miah Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of OncoCare Medical Pte Ltd (Singapore) commemorate the partnership of Thomson Hopital Kota Damansara and OncoCare Medical Malaysia at the agreement signing ceremony.
Caption: (From left) Dr Siva Kumaran Jayaraman, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, Dr Melvin Heng Jun Li Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of TMC Life Sciences, Dr John Low, Chief Executive Officer of OncoCare Medical Malaysia and Dr. Tay Miah Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of OncoCare Medical Pte Ltd (Singapore) commemorate the partnership of Thomson Hopital Kota Damansara and OncoCare Medical Malaysia at the agreement signing ceremony.

Under this partnership, the strength of both entities will be combined, bringing together leading Oncologists and Supportive Care Specialists under one state-of-the-art cancer care facility. This collaborative approach ensures that each patient receives personalised treatment plans tailored to their unique needs, supported by the latest research and clinical trials.

Sharing on the natural fit of the partnership, given the shared values and vision between Thomson Hospital and OncoCare, Dr Melvin Heng Jun Li, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of TMC Life Sciences, highlighted that, “Thomson Hospital and OncoCare both prioritise excellence in patient care, innovation, and the continuous pursuit of medical advancements. Our shared values in delivering positive healthcare outcomes make this partnership a powerful alliance that will significantly benefit our patients. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this collaboration presents and firmly believe it will establish a new standard in oncology care.”

Thomson is the first hospital in Malaysia to receive accreditation for its Core and Ambulatory – Cancer Services under the Evaluation & Quality Improvement Programme (EQuIP7) from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) International, demonstrating the tertiary care centre’s commitment to providing quality care.

Dr. John Low, Chief Executive Officer of OncoCare Medical Malaysia, also shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising both parties’ commitment to cancer care, “Our partnership is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer, offering hope and a path forward for all those affected by this challenging disease. Helmed by highly trained oncologists and supported by a team dedicated to providing personalised care with a human touch, this affiliation is a testament to our shared commitment to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing cancer treatment while upholding the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”

Through this partnership, Thomson OncoCare will provide comprehensive, patient-centered treatment options through a tumour site-specific approach based on the specialty and clinical interests of the oncologists. This includes innovative oncology clinical trials, that grant patients access to the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment, along with alternative therapies aimed at significantly enhancing their outcome and quality of life. Regular international tumour board comprised of leading oncology experts and healthcare specialist from across Asia will be held to discuss new and complex cases. This collaborative model aims to improve patient outcomes by leveraging the expertise of various specialists to provide a comprehensive and personalised treatment plan.

Thomson’s Oncology and Nuclear Medicine facility houses advanced technology to cater to a range of cancer treatments, including systemic therapy, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and surgical services. Thomson houses the first Tri-modality nuclear medicine imaging equipment in the Asia Pacific region, Mediso AnyScan SPECT/CT/PET imaging system and is equipped with the state-of-the-art linear accelerator (LINAC) that has a surface image guided system (SIGRT) to treat various cancers. The facility has performed over 5,500 diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with oncology patients in areas such as cervix, breast, lung, rectum, head, neck, and brain.

Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara is the flagship comprehensive tertiary care centre of the TMC Life Sciences Group and has been internationally recognised for its commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services. OncoCare Medical Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a leading specialised cancer care centre in Malaysia, offering comprehensive services including advanced oncology treatments, clinical trials, and a multidisciplinary approach to personalised patient care. The Thomson OncoCare partnership exemplifies the power of strategic collaboration, with the new cancer center emerging as a beacon of hope and innovation in the field of oncology.

For more information, visit www.thomsonhospitals.com.

Hashtag: #ThomsonHospital

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara

Established in 2008, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (THKD) is the flagship hospital of TMC Life Sciences Berhad (TMCLS) located in a prime alcove of Kota Damansara, Selangor. THKD is expected to grow to a 559-bedded hospital with additional specialist centres and operating theatres as part of the Group’s expansion plan. THKD sets new standards in healthcare through comprehensive facilities and excellent service for both our local and international patients. The Hospital offers medical and surgical services from over 150 reputable specialist consultants covering more than 50 medical and surgical sub-specialties.

For more information, please visit or follow THKD on social media platforms @thomsonhospitalKD.

About OncoCare Medical Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Inaugurated with a shared vision with OncoCare Cancer Centre Singapore, OncoCare Cancer Centre Malaysia is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer, offering hope, healing, and a path forward for all those affected by this challenging disease. Bringing together leading Oncologists and Supportive Care Specialists under on roof, this collaborative approach ensures that each patients receives personalised treatment plans tailored to their unique needs, supported by the latest research and clinical trials.

The new cancer centre offers comprehensive services such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy and supportive care aimed at managing cancer and improving patient outcomes.

Khao Soi Goes Viral: TikTok Sparks New Trend in Traditional Lao Cuisine

Khao Soi (Photo: Local Resident)

Khao Soi Luang Namtha has become a social media sensation, surging to the forefront of Lao cuisine thanks to a viral TikTok video. This traditional noodle dish, a classic in the northern Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang provinces, has found a new wave of fans across Laos and beyond, all thanks to Khonemany Keosaenmai, the 30-year-old star of the viral video.

Strong employee culture earns DHL Express the top Great Place to Work spot in Asia Pacific

  • The accolade is for the sixth year running with 24 countries and territories certified a Great Place to Work® this year
  • This is also the eighth time DHL Express has achieved this honor

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 September 2024 – DHL Express is proud to be once again named the number 1 Great Place to Work® in the Asia Pacific region for 2024. It is also the eighth time the world’s leading international express service provider has been recognized for its unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic, supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. DHL Express Macau is also the latest office to receive the Great Place To Work® Certification™ this year, bringing the total number of Certified DHL workplaces to 24.

DHL Express is number 1 Great Place to Work in Asia Pacific
DHL Express is number 1 Great Place to Work in Asia Pacific

“This achievement is not won by chance. It reflects the dedication, passion and innovation of our employees who contribute to our success every day,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “Our people are the center of everything we do. We firmly believe in building a workplace culture of mutual respect and openness, in which everyone feels empowered and supported to display their strengths and bring their true self to work. By providing our team with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, employees can deliver to our customers with excellence.”

The Great Place to Work ranking attests to DHL Express’s dedication to creating an environment that promotes employee growth and development. The company is focused on leveraging digital technologies that help ease tasks for its people as much as its customers. For instance, employees at ground facilities operate alongside robots, relying on automated systems and artificial intelligence to reduce menial tasks and increase efficiencies. Such technologies also help minimize workplace injuries.

DHL Asia Cup deepens employee camaraderie through sports

DHL Express’s commitment to creating a vibrant and engaging workplace culture is also showcased at the DHL Asia Cup, a region-wide sports event that brings together employees from different markets to showcase their talents and compete in football, cheerleading and cheerpom. It aims to foster teamwork, camaraderie, a sense of unity and healthy habits among the DHL workforce. In its fourth edition, DHL Asia Cup 2023 saw around 1,200 participants from over 20 Asia Pacific countries and territories gather in Singapore.

Smart Connect platform provides employees with resources and access to colleagues worldwide

Another key contributor to DHL Express’s success is its Smart Connect internal platform, which was designed to enhance employee engagement. Available on desktop and mobile, Smart Connect is where employees communicate and collaborate across the organization, obtain news and access personalized employee services, no matter where they are. They can also engage on social walls and subscribe to topics of interest.

New joiners’ onboarding experiences are also streamlined, digitized and made more seamless as they can locate essential information and resources before they start with the company.

“Creating the best workplace for all is a priority for us. We have once again shown that our success is a result of our commitment to creating a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration,” said Mateen Thiruselvaam, Senior Vice President for Human Resources – Asia Pacific, DHL Express. “With new technological trends and changing demographics anticipated to impact the workplace and workforce, it is important to maintain a positive and inclusive work environment where employees feel they belong. We have done so through various programs and initiatives, such as our very own DHL Asia Cup and Appreciation Week. We will continue to find ways to invest in our employees’ development and wellbeing.”

DHL Express’s Great Place to Work® achievement in Asia Pacific repeatedly reinforces its position as a leading employer and sets a benchmark for workplace excellence in the region. As workplace dynamics continue to evolve and become more complex due in part to new technologies and demographic shifts, DHL Express is preparing itself with continuous investments in training and upskilling programs for its employees and supervisors. This will help ensure the company builds a resilient workforce and remain the employer of choice.Hashtag: #DHLExpress #GreatPlacetoWorkAsia #AsOne



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 395,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81.8 billion euros in 2023. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Bay Of Lights: A Visionary Transformation Of Cambodia’s Coastline Showcased At The Inaugural Singapore Business Expo


PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 September 2024 – The Bay of Lights, a transformative USD 16 billion coastal township development project, took center stage at the inaugural Singapore Business Expo 2024, coinciding with Singapore’s 59th Independence Day celebrations. Showcased as the groundbreaking project, the Bay of Lights is poised to transform Cambodia’s coastal economy and create ripple effects across the Southeast Asia region.

Showcasing the Bay of Lights project at Singapore Business Expo 2024
Showcasing the Bay of Lights project at Singapore Business Expo 2024


Transforming Outlooks in Cambodia-Singapore Bilateral Relations

Organized by the Singapore Business Investment Forum (SBIF)—a key supporter of the Singaporean business community in Cambodia for over 30 years—this major business event provided a prestigious platform for showcasing international projects and investments, serving as a strategic launchpad to connect the Bay of Lights with potential investors and partners. As highlighted by H.E. Chea Vuthy, Secretary General of the CIB-CDC, Singaporean investment in Cambodia has totaled USD 400 million over the past five years, focusing on sectors like manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality. Building on this strong foundation, the Bay of Lights aims to leverage these established economic links, further deepening the partnership between the two nations and positioning itself as a central innovation hub and premier investment destination.

Shaping Cambodia’s Coastal Landscape with Innovative Collaborations

Spearheaded by Canopy Sands Development, the Bay of Lights project highlights the strategic impact of international partnerships on Cambodia’s economic landscape. Covering 934 hectares and divided into nine distinct districts, the project employs state-of-the-art urban development approaches designed to stimulate economic growth across a diverse range of sectors, from financial services to health and wellness. At the heart of this transformative project are strategic collaborations with leading Singaporean firms such as Swan & McLaren, Surbana Jurong, and The Ascott Limited—a part of the renowned CapitaLand group. These partnerships extend beyond business transactions, building bridges for deep economic and cultural ties, infusing international expertise into Cambodia’s development, and setting new industry standards.
Hashtag: #BayofLights #SingaporeBusinessExpo #SingaporeCambodiaRelations #CoastalTownship #FinancialHub #SihanoukvilleDevelopment

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Bay of Lights

Bay of Lights is a pioneering development reshaping the skyline of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. With an investment of USD 16 billion, this sprawling 934-hectare beachfront project has been meticulously master-planned to feature nine distinctive districts supporting the initiative’s six core pillars: Financial Services, Tourism, Education, Entertainment & Lifestyle, Health & Wellness, as well as Art & Culture. Driven by a vision to create a world-class financial and tourism hub, Bay of Lights’ design encourages a sense of connectivity between diverse sectors and stimulates economic growth.

Okard Launches Inclusive Internship Program for Persons with Disabilities

World Education and the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with Disabilities, and Older Persons (part of the Secretariat of the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)) at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare hosted two information sessions this week. These sessions highlighted the new Disability Inclusive Internship Program, a key component of the ‘Okard: Capacity Strengthening on Disability Inclusive Development Project’ funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). (Photo supplied)

World Education and the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with Disabilities, and Older Persons (part of the Secretariat of the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)) at the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare hosted two information sessions this week. These sessions highlighted the new Disability Inclusive Internship Program, a key component of the ‘Okard: Capacity Strengthening on Disability Inclusive Development Project’ funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

The sessions were designed to announce exciting internship opportunities for persons with disabilities, available through employers in both the public and private sectors in Vientiane.

The goal is to help job seekers with disabilities gain professional experience and enhance their skills and employability through on-the-job training with participating employers. A survey conducted in Vientiane revealed that persons with disabilities prefer on-the-job skills development over formal vocational training.

This program, set to be implemented in Vientiane from 2024 to 2027, will help bridge this gap. The information sessions, attended by around 100 participants, provided both job seekers with disabilities and employers with an opportunity to learn about the program, including the eligibility criteria and the support offered.

For job seekers with disabilities, any individual aged 14 years or older, regardless of disability type, is eligible to apply for the program. Employers from both the public and private sectors interested in participating can apply through an online application system.

The session for employers was attended by Chomyaeng Phengthongsawat, Director General of the Department of Policy for Devotees, Persons with Disabilities, and Older Persons (Secretariat of the NCPD) of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Michael McCord, USAID Country Representative to Laos, Bernard Franck, and other stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, Director General Chomyaeng emphasized the importance of the Disability Inclusive Internship Program. 

“This program will equip persons with disabilities with the necessary skills needed in the labor market through on-the-job training offered by employers in both the public and private sectors. This will contribute to increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Laos.”

McCord highlighted the vital role of the public-private partnership in promoting economic empowerment for persons with disabilities in Laos. “Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to support persons with disabilities in Lao PDR. By providing them with the opportunity to intern, we are helping them take their first steps towards building skills and gaining professional experience, which are essential for accessing future employment opportunities,” McCord said. 

The Disability Inclusive Internship Program under the Okard Project aims to facilitate internships for at least 35 persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors in Vientiane. Interns will receive a monthly stipend, personal accident insurance, reasonable accommodation, and peer-to-peer support during the six-month internship. Additionally, a job coach will conduct follow-up visits to monitor progress in skills development, capacity building, and confidence in the workplace. Employers are expected to designate a buddy for each intern and provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to help the interns grow and succeed in their roles.