Vientiane: Representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Investment Promotion and Management Committee, and the Commission for Information and Education of Laos have recently participated in a comprehensive public administration program in Australia alongside their Vietnamese counterparts. The program was designed to enhance the participants' understanding and skills in public sector management across various Australian cities, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Canberra, and Sydney.

According to Lao News Agency, the program was conducted by Bond University and funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade under the Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP). The initiative aimed to foster institutional capacity and promote ethical and inclusive public administration in the region. Participants had the opportunity to engage in academic learning, real-world insights, and applied activities, which allowed them to exchange experiences and apply new insights through work-based projects.

Derek Carson, executive dean of the Faculty of Society and Design at Bond University, highlighted that the participation of Mekong leaders demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening public administration capabilities. The masterclass covered essential themes such as modern leadership, change management, and risk management in the public sector. Sessions also focused on ethical leadership, governance, and strategies for enhancing team capabilities amid organizational reforms.

The Mekong-Australia Partnership was launched in November 2020 to bolster the resilience of the Mekong subregion and support sustainable growth. During the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in March 2024, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs announced an expansion of the partnership with a second phase valued at AUD222.5 million, set to run from 2024 to 2029.