Vientiane: The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare launched today the 4th National Skills Competition this week, bringing together the nation’s top vocational students to compete in five technical fields and prepare for regional championship events.

According to Lao News Agency, the three-day competition, organized in partnership with the Lao Federation of Trade Unions and National Chamber of Commerce, featured contests in web technologies, electrical installations, food preparation, graphic design, and carpentry. Bounma Sithixay, Director General of the Labour Skills Development Institute, stated the importance of these competitions for workforce development and regional standard alignment.

Medalists from this national event will receive advanced training, with the top two performers in each category earning spots on Laos’ team for the 14th ASEAN Skills Competition in Manila this August. This participation marks Laos’ ongoing involvement in the regional skills championship, competing in five technical disciplines.

Deputy Minister of Labour Phongsay Inthalad highlighted the government’s dedication to vocational training, noting that skilled workers are foundational to economic growth. The event aims to motivate youth in developing technical abilities and professional discipline.

The competition addressed modern technological requirements, aligning with Laos’ efforts to prepare its workforce for digital industrialization. Participants showed proficiency in contemporary techniques across all five competition categories.

As the country prepares for the Manila competition, organizers hope to inspire more young people to consider vocational careers, meeting the nation’s demand for skilled technical workers in a competitive regional economy.