Schedule: 19 May to 15 August 2025

Delivery mode: Hybrid mode (face-to-face for Modules 1 and 2; and online mode for Module 2 from the second week on to Module 4)

Training Programme on Parliamentary Research, Legal, and Policy Analysis for Decision-Making (PCAsia_PPR)

The three-month training program is designed to address capacity gaps identified in consultations with the Lao National Assembly (NA) and Cambodian parliamentary staff in September 2024. It focuses on practical skill-building in briefing note preparation, legal and policy analysis, and legislative support, enabling participants to contribute effectively to evidence-based policymaking.

The program aligns with priorities articulated by the Lao NA leadership, such as gender-responsive approaches, ASEAN-aligned legal harmonization, and preparations for the AIPA General Assembly. It also incorporates feedback from PCAsia alumni, emphasizing interactive methodologies like case studies, role play, and mock sessions. These exercises foster practical skills in secondary research, public speaking, report writing, and minute-taking, while encouraging regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Participants benefit from a blended approach of theoretical instruction and hands-on practice, gaining expertise in high-quality research, identifying legal and policy gaps, and drafting impactful briefing notes. By focusing on staff from Cambodia and Laos, the initiative not only addresses specific skill needs but also promotes cross-border cooperation and the sharing of best practices in parliamentary support services.

This program exemplifies PCAsia’s commitment to responsiveness, regional collaboration, and its role in empowering parliamentary staff to address the evolving demands of legislative work in Southeast Asia.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the parliamentary decision-making process with a focus on the roles of parliamentary members, committees, executives as well as the significance of briefing notes.
2. Conduct effective parliamentary research, including data collection and analysis.
3. Perform legal and policy gap analysis using structured frameworks.
4. Draft concise, evidence-based briefing notes tailored to parliamentary needs.
5. Present the findings and policy options to the committee for their consideration.

Course Structure

The course is divided into 4 thematic modules, each lasting 1-6 weeks. Each module consists of 50% theoretical instruction and 50% practical application.

1. Module 1: Foundations of Parliamentary Research and Decision-Making
2. Module 2: Gender, Legal, and Policy Analysis Reflecting “’Inclusive and Sustainable Development”
3. Module 3: Drafting Effective Briefing Notes (BN) – “’Inclusive and Sustainable Development”
4. Module 4: Presentation Skills

Delivery timeline and venue

This training will be conducted in hybrid mode and delivered in English for three months from 19 May to mid-August 2025 in face-to-face for Modules I and II where all participants will be required to come to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for two weeks and followed by an online format for the second week of Modules 2 to 4.

Teaching Methods:

1. Interactive Lectures: Focus on key concepts, frameworks, and tools through a two-week face-to-face session in Phnom Penh, followed by a hybrid mode of training that includes online coaching, technical support, and the awarding of certificates upon completion. Participants are required to allocate three afternoons—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—to attend online sessions after the face-to-face training in Phnom Penh.  English is the language of training and learning.
2. Group Work: Collaborative exercises to build teamwork skills.
3. Case Studies: Real-world examples from Cambodia, Laos, and ASEAN contexts.
4. Roleplay and Simulations: Simulate parliamentary scenarios to practice presenting findings.
5. Peer Learning: Regular peer feedback sessions to improve outputs.

Participants

Expected participants from two PCAsia MoU Partners Parliaments including six from Cambodia and six from the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Assemblies of Lao PDR.

Person in charge

Mr So Sovannarith, Supervisor – Quality Control and Technical Support

Email: [email protected]

Coordinator in charge

Ms Syamphone Bouttavong

Email: [email protected]