Alumni Dialogue in Laos

The Crawford School of Public Policy recently hosted an Alumni Dialogue in Vientiane, bringing together graduates, policy leaders, and partners for an evening of reconnection and discussion. The event formed part of the School’s ongoing engagement in Laos and provided an opportunity to strengthen links with the local alumni community.

With more than 60 alumni living and working across Laos, Crawford graduates are contributing across government, academia, financial institutions, and development organisations, playing key roles in shaping economic, social, and environmental policy.

The Alumni Dialogue highlighted the importance of sustaining strong alumni connections and creating space for graduates to share experiences, reflect on policy challenges, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Alumni Dialogue in Vientiane

The Crawford School Alumni Dialogue in Laos brought together alumni, policy leaders, and friends of the School in Vientiane for an evening of reconnection, reflection, and dialogue. The event provided an opportunity to strengthen alumni ties and celebrate the impact of Crawford graduates across the Lao public policy landscape.

The evening opened with remarks from H.E. Ms Megan Jones, Australian Ambassador to Laos, who highlighted the role of Crawford School and its alumni in shaping policy outcomes. She noted that,

“The Crawford School is not just a centre of academic excellence, it’s a hub for policy innovation. The alumni network is living proof that when policy is informed by research and driven by purpose, it can change lives.”

This was followed by a keynote address from H.E. Mr Malaithong Kommasith, Minister in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Lao P.D.R, and a distinguished Crawford School alumnus.

In his keynote address, Minister Malaithong reflected on his journey as an ANU graduate and the formative role Crawford School played in shaping his career in public service. He spoke about choosing ANU in 1999 and how the Master in Development Administration equipped him with the analytical frameworks and policy expertise that enabled his transition from a technical background in architecture to senior leadership roles across government.

Minister Malaithong highlighted the lasting influence of his Crawford education throughout his career, from lecturing at the National University of Laos and working in the Prime Minister’s Office, to roles across provincial and national government, and his current ministerial position. He expressed deep appreciation for the mentorship of Crawford academics and emphasised the enduring value of the School’s engagement with its alumni.

Reflecting on the strength of the alumni community, Minister Malaithong noted the breadth of leadership roles held by Crawford graduates across government, the private sector, and non-government organisations, describing this collective contribution as a powerful expression of the School’s commitment to public value.

A panel discussion followed the keynote, bringing together H.E. Mr Sthabandith Insisienmay Insisiengmay, Vice President at the National Academy of Social and Economic Sciences; Dr Kanya Souksakoun, Deputy Director of the Environmental Management Department at the National University of Laos; Dr Sitthiroth Rasphone, Director General of Economic and Fiscal Policy at the Ministry of Finance; and Ms Fongchinda Sengsourivong, Director General of the Monetary Department at the Bank of the Lao PDR. The discussion explored contemporary policy challenges and highlighted the diverse expertise of Crawford alumni working across economic, environmental, and financial policy.