Team celebration at foodpanda Laos’ annual staff party.

foodpanda fuels digital economy by empowering youth for tech and gig work

As Laos embraces a growing digital economy and creates jobs for its large youth population, foodpanda Laos is stepping up as an enabler of this transformation by offering a blend of flexible work, digital upskilling, and career development programmes tailored to local needs.
According to the Head of People at the online food and grocery delivery company, Ms Thipphaphone Leuanevilay, foodpanda Laos’ leadership philosophy strongly aligns with the nation’s digital economy.

(From left) Head of Logistics at CLM Cluster, Mr Siriphong Phommathansy, Head of People, Ms Thipphaphone Leuanevilay, Lead  of People Service Mr Xayasith Phettaboun.	Head of People, Ms Thipphaphone Leuanevilay

“It supports small businesses by enhancing their digital presence and revenue streams by pushing for digital entrepreneurship, encouraging young talents to take the initiative in tech-driven roles,” she said.
 “foodpanda’s hyperlocal approach ensures services align with Laos’ unique market needs that build sustainable ecosystems.”
 At the heart of foodpanda’s strategy is the use of gig economy opportunities—especially delivery rider roles—as an accessible entry point into the digital workforce. These freelance positions, requiring minimal barriers to entry, allow young people and part-time workers to earn income flexibly while gaining exposure to app-based logistics and customer service systems.
Ms Thipphaphone underscored that foodpanda, however, offers more than just jobs. By teaching riders and other gig workers digital tools, safety techniques, and financial literacy, programmes like Panda Hearts, which was adapted from its regional models, transform temporary employment into stepping stones to long-term careers.
 For young Lao workers with an eye on the future, foodpanda offers more than gig work.
The company actively recruits and trains talented individuals for full-time roles in operations, logistics, and technology. Internships and job placements provide hands-on experience in areas like data analytics and virtual working environment —essential skills in Laos’ emerging digital economy.
“foodpanda’s regional structure enables talent mobility across Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar (CLM) clusters through Internal Mobility Programmes,” Ms Thipphaphone said.

“High-performing employees in Laos can transition to regional roles through leadership pipelines and cross-market training that exposes them to regional best practices”
CLM Hackathons are not just competitions, but they are also collaborative innovation platforms where local and regional staff, including interns, co-create scalable solutions to real business challenges. It’s a model that blends local insight with global tech trends, fostering professional growth across all levels.
Ms Thipphaphone said foodpanda Laos also distinguishes itself through a people-first culture.
The company offers a range of unconventional employee benefits such as Birthday Leave, Fertility Leave, Work Anniversary Leave, and Work-from-Anywhere policies, all shaped by employee feedback.
In addition, the health and well-being of its workers are also front and centre. With Mental Wellbeing Weeks, psychological safety workshops, and family-centric events, the company aims to create an environment where staff can thrive both professionally and personally.
At foodpanda Laos, diversity and inclusion (D&I) are more than just catchphrases; they are ingrained in the company’s operations. Decisions are guided by data-driven evaluations of attrition, diversity in hiring, and frequent pulse surveys. In the meantime, diverse storytelling sessions and D&I training foster an environment where each worker feels appreciated.
By placing D&I and employee well-being at the core of its operations, foodpanda has created a company culture that not only attracts talent but retains and grows it.
Ms Thipphaphone shared her rewarding experience in this promising development, saying “What truly inspires me is working with young talents: guiding them to develop their skills, grow in confidence, and to see their role not just as a job, but as a part of something bigger.”
 Through its integrated model of flexible employment, continuous upskilling, and regional collaboration, foodpanda Laos is proving that the private sector can be a powerful partner in driving digital growth and national development.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 7, 2025)