VIENTIANE, LAOS – Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted a major alumni reunion in Laos, bringing together over 100 graduates to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Laos. The event, held on December 12, 2028, at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), aimed to reinforce the strong bond between the university and its Laotian alumni, who now number over 600.

The “KKU–Laotian Alumni Reunion” also served as a platform to honor 16 distinguished alumni for their professional achievements and to lay the groundwork for establishing an official KKU alumni association in Laos.

The ceremony was co-chaired by high-profile figures from both nations. Representing Laos was Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, the Minister of Agriculture and Environment, who is himself a doctoral graduate of KKU. The Thai delegation was led by Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, representing the university president.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Linkham emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between Laos and Thailand, highlighting the 75th anniversary as a testament to their enduring partnership. He stressed the critical role of education in national development and praised Khon Kaen University for its continuous support in providing advanced knowledge and research opportunities. “On behalf of the Lao PDR leadership and all alumni, I want to express our gratitude for this cooperation, especially in education and research, which has greatly benefited our country’s development,” he stated.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pensri Jaroenwanit welcomed the graduates back to the “warm KKU family,” expressing the university’s immense pride in its Laotian alumni. She noted that these graduates have become key contributors to Laos’s social and economic progress across various sectors. “As KKU approaches its 62nd anniversary, we continue to follow the success of our Laotian alumni. Your achievements are an invaluable honor for us,” she said, reaffirming that KKU will always be a “second home” for its graduates.

A key feature of the event was an awards ceremony recognizing 16 outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions in their fields. Honorees included government ministers, university vice presidents, and industry leaders, such as Dr. Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, and Aphone Visathep, Deputy Minister of Health.

The reunion also included a panel discussion titled “Past, Present, and Future: Lao-Thai Cooperation and the Role of Khon Kaen University.” The session explored the vital role KKU graduates play in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The event concluded with a foundational meeting to plan the formal establishment of a KKU alumni association in Laos. This initiative is seen as a crucial step toward creating a more structured and robust network for alumni in the country, ensuring the enduring connection between the university and its graduates continues to foster development and collaboration between the two nations.

The honorees are:

• Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh (Ph.D., Agriculture): Minister of Agriculture and Environment.
• Dr. Chanthakhone Boualaphanh (Ph.D., Agriculture): Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment.
• Aphone Visathep (Master’s, Nursing): Deputy Minister of Health.
• Math Sounmala (Bachelor’s, Engineering): Former Assistant Minister of Public Works and Transport.
• Dr. Chay Bounphanousay (Ph.D., Agriculture): Former Director of the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI).
• Dr. Phetmanyseng Xangsayasane (Ph.D., Agriculture): Director of NAFRI.
• Sykhoun Bounvilay (Mekong Institute program): Former Secretary-General of the Laos-China Friendship Association.
• Dr. Vongpasith Chanthakhoun (Ph.D., Agriculture): Vice President of Souphanouvong University.
• Mr. Somchay Phaignavong (Master’s, Humanities): Vice President of Souphanouvong University.
• Dr. Naly Khaminsou (Ph.D., Medical Technology): Dean of the Faculty of Medical Technology, University of Health Sciences.
• Dr. Anousone Sisoulath (Ph.D., Nursing): Vice Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences.
• Dr. Phouvang Sengmuang (Ph.D., Medicine): Former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences.
• Dr. Viengsakoun Napasirth (Ph.D., Agriculture): Deputy Head of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, National University of Laos.
• Sysomphone Chayyasith (Master’s, Engineering): Division Director at the Ministry of Finance.
• Dr. Phetlasy Souladeth (Ph.D., Science): Deputy Head of the Department of Forest Management, National University of Laos.
• Mrs. Souvaly Khampui (Mini MBA program): President of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Laos.