Greetings from Laos,

My name is Benz Vongpadith. In this occasion, I would like to share my relationship and experiences with LOGODI and alumni.

My first training program in Korea was back in 2010, which is titled “Local Administration Development Program” organized by LOGODI in the theme of ‘SAEMAUL UNDONG.’
One of the most impressed lecture was the ‘Concept of Better Governance’ (Not Good Governance) by Professor M. Jae Moon. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed learning and exchanging multi culture and life style of Korea and other participants from around the world such as East Asia, South East Asia and etc.

The key lesson from the training is that Korea’s fast growth and the regional development was possible thanks to the ‘SAEMAUL UNDONG Mechanism.’ Korean government supported and provided some materials to the villagers such as bricks and cement and asked local people to design and make the development plan of their village. This creative idea of the government provided materials with mission instead of giving money (in cash) motivated the participation and enabled the development of the local society. I would like to define that as an collaboration of the initiative innovation of the government program and the ownership of people in local authorities.

LOGODI not only fully devoted for the training operation itself, but also, keep a good friendship and support alumni after the training. When I stayed at Graduate School of Public Administration in Seoul National University from 2011 to 2013. At that time, I had a change to meet LOGODI Staff, Ms. Shin Soon-nyo, again. She visited me at Seoul National University and showed me and my country mate around Seoul City, then, took us to the LOGODI Office. I met some LOGODI staffs in charge of international training and all of them are so nice and friendly to me.

My third encounter with LOGODI dates back to 2019 when I attended the ASEAN- Korean Ministerial Round Table on Public Service Innovation in Busan. When I entered to the meeting hall as a member of Lao delegate, I was surprised to find a familiar face. Ms. Shin Soon-nyo, as a senior official of LOGODI again, especially in the bilateral cooperation meeting between Lao PDR and Republic of Korea. In the meeting both side have agreed to discuss the initiative cooperation plan.

Lastly, from August 2 to 6, 2021, I was lucky to participate in the online training program titled ‘Capacity Building Program for Public Administration Reform for Lao Government’ which is operated in partnership with KOICA and LOGODI.

As seen from the above, my relationship with LOGODI ran so deep and wide.
It motivates me to contribute to support the further cooperation between our institutes the PARTI and LOGODI in the academic research and exchange, public administration, HRD development programs in the future as well as to the stronger friendship among alumni.

In this regards, it is my great honor to express my sincere thanks and proud to the LOGODI for your continuous support in cooperation and partnership with the institutions around the world.

Facing the rise of the Year 2022, on behalf of LOGODI alumni in Lao, I wish LOGODI and its alumni great success, strength and growth.

Happy New Year!!!