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Team BUG5 becomes the first Laotian team to compete at Imagine Cup Regional Finals

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Team BUG5, a group of three young innovators from Laos has earned the nomination to represent Laos in the South East Asia Regional Final Round of 15th Microsoft Imagine Cup 2017, Microsoft’s global accelerator program to empower the next generation of computer science students. They will make history as the very first Laotian team to be qualified for Imagine Cup regional finals.

Team BUG5 was able to compete and win against teams from multiple countries; Myanmar, Cambodia and Brunei. The team is going to participate in the South East Asian New Markets regional final round, to be held in Philippines from April 23 to April 27. Their project, is a solution for visually impaired people to be able to use smart phones like anyone else. Second place was won by team Arcane from Cambodia and Team one from Brunei won the third place

Winning team members; Thanongsine Chanthakham, Khatthaphone Tamongsoumuangxay and Saiphin Phetamphone are all students of National University of Laos, Faculty of Engineering, Division of Computer Emerging and Information Technology.

“We have learned that there are 285 million people estimated to be visually impaired, 39 million are blind and 246 million have low vision per reports of World Health Organization. Those people live their lives without seeing the world. If we cannot see the world around us, even the easiest day to day task can be very challenging. Smartphones have changed our lives but smartphones are not designed for people with low vision to use it easily. We wanted to find a technological solution for visually impaired people so that they can start using a smart phone like any of us would do.” Said the Team Captain, Thanongsine Chanthakham.

10 Winning teams, one each from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Srilanka, Nepal, Laos and Bangladesh will take part at the competition at Manila in Philippines. Top 7 teams from SEA Finals move to World Finals.

Michelle Simmons, General Manager – South East Asia New Markets, Microsoft APAC said, “Imagine Cup is our flagship program to nurture young innovative talent and highlight the incredible solutions they dream up to change the world. Every year we are inspired by the level of creativity, talent, skills and vision projected by these young students throughout the selection process of Imagine Cup. I am pleased that this year we have a winning team from Laos for the first time who will compete against 9 other teams from countries across the region. I wish Team BUG5 and all other teams success at the South-East Asia Regional Finals.”

This year, over 100 countries are expected to compete at various rounds and top 30 teams worldwide will head to Redmond for the world Finals competition round. Microsoft Imagine Cup is a global competition that empowers the next generation of computer science students to team up and use their creativity, passion and knowledge of technology to create applications that shape how we live, work and play. Every year tens of thousands of students from across the globe compete for cash, travel and prizes and for the honor of taking home the Imagine Cup.

Over the years, the competition has given the world promising young innovators and entrepreneurs platforms to work with their ideas and take it to the next level. It has become one of the biggest accelerator programs in the world with the backing of Microsoft, one of most notable global tech giants.

 

Ministry of Finance Opens Hotline for Public

This Facebook link thumbnail image template was created by Christian Karasiewicz, owner of www.christiankonline.com

The Prime Minister’s Office has established a hotline for the general public to utilize, if and when members of the community  wish to be heard about concerns they may have on financial matters.

Thanks to Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, the Ministry of Finance has opened a hotline ‘1519’ so that members of the public now have a proper channel to direct their concerns towards. According to the ministry, ‘1519’ has been activated as of April 7th.

Concerns raised by the public will be discussed by relevant officials on  “Finance and Development”, a television programme broadcasted via Lao Public Security Television every Friday from 20:30-21:00 and every Saturday from 07:00-07:30.

Comments and complaints will also be addressed on Lao Public Security Radio 105.5 MHz every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 12:30 to 13:00.

In addition, the ministry’s response to the issues will be published in the weekly Finance Newspaper, Vientiane Mai daily, Pasaxon daily, Pathetlao daily and Lao Phatthana daily newspapers.

Towards the end of 2016, the government launched hotline 1516 to encourage the public to provide suggestions and feedback regarding government performance.

Observers commended the initiative, however stressed that it was equally important to ensure the issues raised by the people are taken seriously and addressed in a timely and efficient manner for it to be effective.

Several government bodies currently operate hotlines, encouraging citizens to raise issues or concerns and seek explanations from the relevant bodies. These include the National Assembly (NA), which operates its own hotline ‘156’ during its ordinary sessions.

Drug Lord Xaysana Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Charges

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On Tuesday, notorious Lao drug lord Xaysana Keopimpha, aka Vanlob, appeared before the Criminal Court in Bangkok where he plead not guilty to charges filed against him, including smuggling and possession of narcotics.

As previously reported by The Laotian Times, Xaysana was apprehended by Thai police at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in January after returning from Phuket. The alleged international kingpin has been linked to several of Thailand’s rich and high-profiled but has consistently denied being a major player in the regional narcotics trade.

Vanlob has a slew of charges filed against him, including smuggling 1.2 million methamphetamine pills— widely known in Laos as “yaba” or crazy medicine,  into Thailand, and possession with intent to sell.

His lawyer, Vorakon Phongtanakul, has stated that Xaysana has denied all charges being brought against him, even though his client had allegedly signed a confession while in police custody.

While being questioned by authorities, Vanlob had initially confessed to involvement in the illicit activity that occurred in Laos, the Nong Khai immigration checkpoint and various other locations. However, after the indictment he denied all charges made by the prosecution .  

“He didn’t understand Thai laws and officials told him he could change his plea at court,” Vorakon stated.

If Xaysana is found guilty under Thai law, the kingpin could be facing the death penalty, although the country has not seen an execution for any crime since 2009.

A pre-trial examination of evidence has been set by the Criminal Court for June 19th at 9am.

The Golden Triangle- where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Southern China all meet- has been deemed the world’s second largest drug-producing region. Latin America ranks as number one.

Vice President Tackles Corruption Within Organizations

Organization directors have been notified by Vice President Phankham Viphavanh that corruption uncovered within their organization, including subordinates serving under their supervision, will not be tolerated and will lead to dismissal.

The motion was put forth to handle and control corruption within the government and to prevent it from escalating any further. The Vice President explained that corruption needed to be extinguished in order to create public trust of leadership of the Party and Government.

“The secretariat of the Party Central Committee has strengthened corruption prevention and suppression measures by making a decision that those who serve as directors of government organisations shall be responsible for any corruption committed in their organisations,” said the vice president.

“Among the problems the Party has attached most importance to and that need urgent address is corruption, which is prevalent at all levels and in all groups of people in the Lao society today, especially corruption committed in the Party and government realms which continues to plague political stability and national security,” he continued.

“If this problem (corruption) remains unaddressed, it will have effects on the leading role of the Party and the national security. The Central Party Committee have discussed this issue so seriously that if corruption and power abuse occur in any organisations, their heads must play a leading role in tackling the problem. If they fail to address it, they would be considered for removal from the post. That is our decision. If a ghost project — a fake project — is invented, the director of the organisation that invents such a ghost project must be first to be punished. We will observe this rule from today onwards,”  the vice president stated.

 

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Mango Ice-Cream!

Nothing screams ‘summer’ louder than ice-cream, and no one does ice-cream better than Swensen’s. With the hottest time of year steadily approaching, Swensen’s variety of scoops,  smoothies, and sundaes will be sure to cool down everyone in the family.

Though mangoes are delicious all on their own, the sweet, fleshy nectar of the tropical fruit goes well with anything and everything, and ice-cream is no exception. Mango season is highly anticipated nationwide, and for Swensen’s fans as well.

The Laotian Times was fortunate enough to be invited for a tasting of the newest edition to the menu, the OAK-RONG-THONG SUNDAE. What makes the OAK-RONG-THONG flavor unique from all the other sundaes is the garnishes that accompanies it; scoops of mango flavored ice-cream atop pandan sticky rice, sprinkled with young coconut shavings, coconut milk, mango puree, and to finish off the masterpiece, a mango-shaped ‘look-chub’ candy atop a mountain of whipped cream.

Since Swensen’s is all about selection, the sundae is offered in a variety of ways  including the Mango Trio, Mango Boat and, for those who can’t get enough of the mango madness, the Mango Hurricane; 5 big scoops of mango ice-cream, surrounded by pandan sticky rice and all of the trappings.

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For people who are looking to escape the sweltering heat, but want something just a tad more refreshing and healthy, that’s right, we said healthy,  the sugar-free Mango Sorbet Smoothie is the way to go. With just a hint of tartness, the perfectly blended mango sorbet is topped off with a touch of whipped cream (it balances out, the rest of your smoothie is already healthy!) and mango puree.

However, nothing good lasts forever, the OAK-RONG-THONG will only be available from April thru June, so get it while you can! All 3 Vientiane locations will be opened throughout Lao New Year from 10AM-10PM, so if you need a place to escape the heat and water fights, you know where to go!

Swensen’s is currently offering a 10% discount is for those who bring in fliers which have been distributed throughout schools and offices.

More Buses for Pi Mai, Fixed Prices

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The Northern Bus Station is ready and equipped to provide service to passengers and commuters who plan to return to their hometowns or visit other people’s hometowns, during the Lao Lunar New Year on April 14-16.

Director of Northern Bus Station, Mrs Chitpasong Luangdetmixay assured that all buses serving northern routes has had safety inspections and each driver has been trained in proper technical driving under the Department of Public Works and Transport, guaranteeing passengers have a good experience arriving to their destinations safely.

The director noted that bus fares will remain the same, and are adding an additional 20 vans to the fleet in anticipation of the influx of travellers.

The fares for different routes are as follows:

Vientiane-Luang Prabang per person: regular bus –110,000 kip; VIP bus – 130,000 kip, sleeper bus ­–150,000 kip, van –150,000 kip.

Vientiane-Oudomxay:  regular bus – 170,000 kip; VIP bus – 190,000 kip; sleeper bus – 190,000 kip.

Vientiane-Xayabury: regular bus – 170,000 kip; VIP bus –130,000 kip; van – 150,000 kip.

Vientiane-Xiengkhuang: regular bus – 110,000 kip; VIP bus – 130,000kip; sleeper bus – 150,000 kip; van – 120,000 kip.

Vientiane-Houaphanh: regular bus – 190,000 kip; sleeper bus – 210,000 kip.

Vientiane-Luang Namtha:  regular bus – 200,000 kip.

Vientiane-Bokeo: regular bus – 230,000 kip; sleeper bus – 250,000 kip.

Vientiane-Phongsaly: regular bus – 210,000 kip; sleeper bus – 230,000 kip.

Pi Mai Lao Anticipated to Draw Another Big Crowd This Year

Pi Mai

With officials announcing Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) extended to five days this year, people nationwide are eagerly anticipating the festival to begin next week.

In preparation for the widely celebrated holiday, Vientiane has assembled a variety of fun activities for locals and visitors to enjoy and partake in, including a Miss Vientiane contest on April 8, an arts show, a sandcastle building contest, and sports competitions on the sandy shores along the Mekong.

However, due to lack of preparation for the equipment needed by relevant authorities, Pi Mai Lao will be excluding the most iconic parade this year in Vientiane, Miss Lao New Year (Nang Sangkhan), as stated by  Chanthabouly district Governor, Ms Bualon Vongdalasaen.

Instead, the highlight will be a parade of Buddha statues that will give bystanders the chance to pour water over the sacred relics.

Traditionally, Lao households celebrate the new year by blessing their homes and family members with a Baci ceremony to bring good luck, prosperity and good health for the upcoming year.

A Baci ceremony is considered a bedrock for tradition to Lao people, and is an essential part of any housewarming party, New Year festivities, wedding day, baby shower and farewell gatherings, amongst a plethora of other celebrations.

With Luang Prabang being the favored town for visitors during Pi Mai Lao, the quaint little city will be going all out, with a festival on April 10, a Miss Lao New Year contest (Nang Sangkhan) on April 11-12, a Miss Lao New Year parade on April 15, and additional activities planned for April 19.

All other provinces across Laos are also busy preparing for the holiday by planning events that they anticipate will be entertaining to visitors, including the tourist hotspot of Vang Vieng where visitors will be met with a traditional dancing and singing contest on April 13.

Authorities nationwide have assigned a special task force to ensure the safety of visitors during the festival, while business owners in every province are preparing hotels, guesthouses, resorts and restaurants to welcome the influx of people who are anticipated to visit during the long holiday and generating a healthy income for locals.

Xaysana’s Associate, Drug Kingpin Sisouk Daoheuang Captured

Sisouk Daoheauang

Since the capture of notorious kingpin Xaysana “Vanlob” Keophimpha earlier this year, authorities have been on a manhunt for all of Xaysana’s known associates, including drug kingpin, Sisouk Daoheuang.

A senior official confirmed that the arrest of Sisouk was made by Lao authorities in Luang Prabang on Friday, and the suspect was transported to Vientiane Capital for questioning. However, the official maintains that details of the case still remain unclear and  the investigation is still ongoing.

Though captured in Luang Prabang province, Sisouk is said to have owned and operated a used luxury car shop and a horse-riding business in Vientiane, both of which have since been closed.

Thai police major general Pornchai Charoenwongse, deputy chief of the Narcotic Suppression Bureau, has stated that Thai officials are preparing to travel to Vientiane to investigate the alleged felon and that the NSB officers are set to join the Narcotics Control Board in the interrogation expected to take place next week.

Sisouk, who fled authorities after the arrest of Xaysana, is suspected to be part of a major methamphetamines distribution network in Southeast Asia, operated by the 42-year-old Lao national.

As previously reported by The Laotian Times, Xaysana was arrested on Jan. 19 at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport following a five-year investigation by Lao and Thai authorities.

Authorities assert that the drug baron was distributing caffeine-laced meth tablets known as “yaba” throughout the region.

On Jan 10, police captured a major drug trafficker said to be even bigger than Xaysana, 50-year-old Khonpasong Soukkaseum, also known as Xiengther, along with three of his associates