UK shows the best of its education sector in Laos
(KPL) On Thursday Lord David Puttnam, the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, held an inspiring guest lecture at the National University of Laos before opening the first ever UK Education Expo in Laos at Vientiane College.
Organized by the British Embassy in Vientiane, on Thursday morning more than 300 university students, professors and staff had the chance to watch three outstanding guest lectures by British guests, among them Lord David Puttnam, Oscar-winning film producer and the British Trade Envoy to Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.
In his 25-minute lecture, Lord Puttnam talked about both the importance of leadership and how to develop into a distinct leadership personality. Reflecting on his own outstanding career in film, education and politics he introduced his “seven laws of creative leadership”. Other presentations included a short lecture by Prof. Emer Elizabeth Moore of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London on Buddhism and archaeology, as well as a talk on “transformational marketing” by Dr Geoff Parkes of Aston University.
In the afternoon, Lord Puttnam was visiting Vientiane College to open the 1st ever UK Education Expo in Laos, attended by the University of London, Aston University, the University of the West of England and the British University Vietnam. They were joined by representatives of the Chevening scholarship programme and the British Council.
During his opening speech Lord Puttnam highlighted the benefits of an education abroad and praised the UK for the high quality of its education system, the large number of available university programmes, and British excellence in teaching and research. The fair welcomed more than 500 visitors from various universities, colleges and schools, who used the chance to receive first hand information from UK university representatives on their programmes, relevant pre-conditions as well as scholarship opportunities. Several Lao Alumni talked to visitors about their experiences of studying in the UK and the British Council provided resources for further information.
Education is a key area of UK – Lao cooperation. As part of the two countries’ “Creative Partnership”, the British Embassy Vientiane supports the Lao government in establishing English as a second language at primary schools by improving English teacher skills and creating modern teaching material, and also funds an English-language training programme for Lao government officials.
Source- KPL: Lao News Agency