President Thongloun Sisoulith casts his ballot at a polling station in Thaphalanxay village, Sisattanak district, Vientiane.

Lao Responsible Business Awards honour businesses driving social and environmental impacts

Businesses demonstrating outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility were recognised at the Lao Responsible Business Awards 2026, held at Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane.
Launched in 2021, the awards aim to promote excellence in ethical and sustainable business practices across various sectors in Laos, highlighting the private sector’s vital role in driving long-term social and environmental impact.
This year’s awards focused on two priority themes — Natural Resource Management and Diversity and Inclusion — with honours presented to both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large businesses, underscoring that businesses of all sizes can drive meaningful change.
The event brought together more than 200 participants from government, the private sector, development partners and civil society. Setting a new standard for accessibility and diversity, the entire ceremony featured live sign language interpretation, ensuring full participation of the hearing-impaired community.
A dynamic trade fair involving 50 exhibitors took place alongside the awards, showcasing sustainable products, services and initiatives, many of which highlighted strong commitments to social inclusion and disability rights.
Opening the ceremony, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Vanthong Sithikoun, commended the growing role of responsible businesses in addressing Laos’ development challenges.
From 13 shortlisted candidates, four winners were selected based on rigorous criteria, including impact, innovation, stakeholder engagement and sustainability.
In the Natural Resource Management category, the SME award went to Lao Chaluen Recycling for its innovative waste-sorting and refuse-derived fuel production systems, which transform non-recyclable waste into an alternative energy source for industrial use. The award was presented by Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Vientiane, Cashel Gleeson.
This award was particularly meaningful, as it deeply reflects the United Kingdom’s strong global commitment to environmental preservation and the advancement of a circular economy.
The large enterprise award in the same category was presented to Laos Buffalo Dairy, recognised for its sustainable business model that generates new income for local farmers by renting lactating buffalo while maintaining farmer ownership. The award was presented by Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Canada in Laos, Ms Caitlin Sievert.
Under the Diversity and Inclusion theme, the SME award was won by Vanmai Coffee Cooperative for its strong community engagement and efforts to support rural families transitioning away from opium poppy cultivation, while empowering women in leadership roles.
The award was presented by the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Laos, Mark Gallagher.
The large enterprise award in this category went to Panyathip British International School, which is operated by a vibrant community comprising staff from 22 nationalities and students from 33 countries.
The award recognised the school for its inclusive multicultural environment and student-led corporate social responsibility initiatives that have delivered tangible benefits to disadvantaged children. The award was presented by Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Laos, Ms Benita Sommerville.
The Lao Responsible Business Awards 2026 were jointly organised by the LNCCI, the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos, the Australian Chamber of Commerce, the British Business Group in Laos, the Embassy of Canada in Laos, and Civitas Co.
The organisers extended a special thanks to the 2026 edition sponsors: The Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme which is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports, and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, the Delegation of the European Union, the British Embassy, the Embassy of Canada in Laos, the Australian Embassy, Holiday Inn, Lao Brewery Company, and Katalyst Partners. 
     

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update February 23, 2026)