Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Marking the achievement of participants to help strengthen the ability of the National Assembly of Lao PDR to effectively communicate with citizens, on 14 March 2025, PCAsia and the Media Department of the National Assembly held a Certificate Handover Ceremony of the Training on “Techniques to Produce Content for Parliamentary Social Media, to Professionally Edit Video, and to Formulate Standardized Press Releases”. Fifteen participants from the Media Department of the National Assembly, and Provincial People’s Assemblies of Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Houaphanh, Xiengkhouang, Vientiane Capitla, Bolikhamxay, Champassak, Xekong and Attapeu joined with two experts and Directors General, Deputy Director General as well as technical staff from the Media Department of the National Assembly, Provincial People’s Assemblies, and PCAsia for the event.
It signaled the successful completion of the training held from 10-14 March 2025 at the National Assembly Building in Vientiane Capital. During the five days, participants gained knowledge on (1) Creative Content and Press Release Writing, (2) Visual Content Creation – Photography and Graphic Design, (3) Video Production and Editing Techniques, (4) Hands-On Video Content Creation, and (5) Advanced Editing.
Led by media experts Mr Inpone NAKHONSY and Mr Pantana ALOUNSAVATH, the training featured hands-on exercises in creative writing, photography, videography, and editing, enhancing their ability to communicate legislative updates effectively. This was followed by Final Presentations of the content created by the attendees.
At the certificate handover ceremony presided over by the Media Department Director General., there were remarks from four representatives, including Mr Inpone NAKHONSY, two trainee representatives, and a representative from the Media Department. In total, 12 trainees were awarded certificates of completion to recognise their hard work and commitment.
During remarks, Mr Inpone NAKHONSY, extended his gratitude to the organisers noting that trainees had gained essential skills in media work, news writing, AI, and video editing -enhancing their ability to disseminate information effectively. He congratulated all participants for their dedication, sharing that he was “confident these skills will greatly impact their future work.”
Ms Vanny FANBOUAVANH explained how the training “provided valuable lessons essential for the Provincial People’s Assembly”, and that “Media work is crucial in amplifying our voices, and this programme equipped us with high-standard news writing, video editing, and AI applications. She noted the commitment of trainees ”to applying these skills to enhance local media work and hope for continued training opportunities in the future.”
Speaking on behalf of the trainees from the Media Department, Ms Alin SOUPHIMMAPADITH noted her appreciation I of the training and work of coordinators from PCAsia and the Lao Parliament for ensuring a smooth and successful completion of the programme, adding that the participants “look forward to your continued support in the future”.
This was followed by congratulatory remarks by Mr Jeffrey COLE, Acting Capacity Development Director of PCAsia, who shared his “heartfelt congratulations to all participants for successfully completing the intensive training.” He continued on the importance of the lessons learnt, encouraging attendees “to apply these new skills in your work and continue refining them for the benefit of your parliament and the people of Lao PDR.”
At the day’s end, Dr Phitsamay BOUNVILAY highlighted that the training, which had featured lessons from qualified media professionals, also had a practical focus, with participants engaging in research, discussions, and hands-on exercises. He concluded by the declaring the training a success, instructing participants to apply their new skills in a responsible manner, and to follow guidance from the Deputy Secretary General Mr. Singkham Vongphachan in the performance of their important work.
