Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone addresses the opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 academic year for universities and higher education institutions on October 3.

Higher standard of education essential, PM tells universities

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has urged universities and higher education institutions to raise the quality of education, overhaul curriculums, and carry out more research to meet the country’s development needs and prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
He made the call while presiding over the opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 academic year of universities and higher education institutions on October 3, saying education is the cornerstone of the country’s social and economic development and essential for all forms of progress.
Dr Sonexay urged universities to adopt a slogan for the new academic year: “Improve quality, build people for the future, study science for development, and deliver knowledge to serve and develop the nation.”
He said higher education must adapt to rapid advances in science and technology, artificial intelligence and the digital economy while maintaining the fundamental principles and values of Lao education.
Universities should not only impart technical knowledge but also broaden students’ knowledge and skills and foster discipline, good morals and a strong sense of responsibility, enabling them to contribute effectively to society and national development, the Prime Minister said.
He stressed the need to go beyond merely increasing student enrollment and the number of graduates and programmes offered. Instead, the success of education should be measured by what students learn, the skills they acquire, and their ability to apply their knowledge for the benefit of society and the nation.
Dr Sonexay also called for comprehensive reform of curriculums to ensure they meet the needs of today’s employers, the general public, and the government’s socio-economic development priorities, while strengthening links with regional and international developments.
He urged universities to place a greater emphasis on research and innovation, calling for research projects to focus on the country’s practical challenges.
“Shift from ‘research to produce output’ to ‘research to create impact’,” he said, adding that the ultimate goal should not be the number of research papers produced, but whether research contributes to innovation, has practical applications, benefits the public, and has economic value.
Research findings should contribute to new policies, technologies, products and services, while universities should do more to attract experts and scientists from within Laos and abroad to support knowledge and technology transfer, particularly in digital technology, biotechnology, innovation and artificial intelligence.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for improved university infrastructure and facilities, saying investment in human resources must go hand in hand with investment in premises, technology and equipment.
He called for universities to develop digital systems, including high-speed internet, smart classrooms, digital libraries and secure student databases, while adopting artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies appropriately.
Modern dormitories, libraries, laboratories, sports facilities, green spaces, canteens, sanitation systems, roads and safety systems are also needed to create an environment conducive to productive study, he said.
Dr Sonexay further encouraged universities to strengthen ties with friendly countries, development partners and international organisations to obtain support for development in line with national priorities and their respective roles and responsibilities.
On behalf of the government, he pledged continued support and increased funding for universities and other higher education institutions to help them meet international standards and contribute more effectively to Laos’ development.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to teachers for their dedication to educating generations of Lao students, particularly those working in remote and mountainous areas and places with limited facilities.
He said teachers play an important role in the development of human resources and shaping the country’s future, and expressed his gratitude for their commitment and contribution to education and national development.
The 2026-2027 academic year for universities and higher education institutions was officially declared open during the ceremony.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 5, 2026)