12-10-2024 (VIENTIANE) Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a pioneering leadership training programme for senior Laotian government officials, set to commence in 2025. The announcement came during an official dinner hosted by Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane on Friday.
The initiative, part of the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), aims to share Singapore’s developmental expertise and create a platform for exchanging best practices. Mr Wong highlighted the programme’s importance, noting that Singapore has already hosted nearly 17,000 Laotian officials under the SCP, including current President Thongloun Sisoulith and Vice President Pany Yathotou.
Emphasising the similarities between the two nations, Mr Wong stated, “As two small countries with very similar population sizes, human capital is crucial for both Singapore and Laos. We must maximise this precious resource.” He further noted the geographical challenges both countries face, with Laos being landlocked and Singapore ‘sea-locked’, underscoring their shared interest in regional connectivity and resilience.
The announcement comes amidst a broader context of strengthening ties between the two Southeast Asian nations. Energy connectivity and resilience form a major pillar of cooperation, with Mr Wong citing the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project as a prime example of their collaborative efforts. He expressed optimism about the project’s progress, viewing it as a step towards an ASEAN power grid that would enhance collective security and accelerate green transitions.
Additionally, both countries are working towards a legally binding implementation agreement on carbon credits collaboration, building upon a memorandum of understanding signed in July. Mr Wong explained, “When concluded, it will help Singapore meet our climate targets while catalysing new green investments into Laos.”
The bilateral cooperation extends to food security and public health system strengthening. Mr Wong also highlighted the increasing people-to-people connections, mentioning Scoot’s plans to increase flights between the two countries from December.
In response, Prime Minister Siphandone reaffirmed Laos’ commitment to political and economic collaboration with Singapore, citing clean energy, education, and human resource development as key areas of cooperation. He also expressed gratitude for Singapore’s support during Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship and recent flood relief efforts.
