.png)
Kathao CHOUSOUATHAO, Laos
Ms. Kathao CHOUSOUATHAO, a fourth-year undergraduate student at The Laos-American Institute, majoring in Business Management. I work as a salesperson at Etern Laos Communication Technology Sole., LTD, providing information on security cameras for clients. I’m also a freelance makeup artist on weekends or when needed. I am passionate about making a difference in my community. I am currently an ambassador for Rising Leaders and a volunteer Assistant for the Scholarship Committee in Seeds4Hope, a non-profit based in the USA that is dedicated to ending early marriage and supporting young Hmong girls in higher education and business beyond their strengths. As a Hmong-girl, I want to inspire the young generations to pursue their dreams and make a difference for themselves and their communities.
Phoutthasith Phengsavath, Laos
Mr. Phoutthasith Phengsavath (Jacky) is a third-year International Relations student at the National University of Laos with a strong passion for justice and human rights. His dedication to these causes has led him to pursue studies in Law and Political Sciences. He currently serves as Secretary-General of the Asian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) National Chapter Laos. Previously, he was a student leader and volunteer with the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education, collaborating with legal professionals to educate high school students and conducting research on international treaties concerning children's and women's rights, particularly the CRC.
Jacky has represented Laos in international policy-focused programs including the ALSA Malaysia Forum 2024, YSEALI Regional Workshop 2022, YSEALI Summit 2024, and the India-ASEAN Youth Conference 2024. He believes that the underrepresentation of marginalized communities in accessing fundamental services significantly impacts their lives and limits their ability to participate in decision-making processes.
Southida Phanthavong, Laos
Ms. Southida Phanthavong holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary. She is currently engaged in the development sector, working with a Canadian INGO in Laos to advance gender equality and promote women's economic empowerment.
Southida has represented Laos on multiple international programmes, including JENESYS 2015, Sunburst Youth Camp 2016, the ASEAN Youth Exchange Programme 2018, TFI-Scale 2019, the ASEAN-Australia Youth Mental Health Fellowship 2023, the 47th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program 2023, and YSEALI Creating Positive Online Space 2024.
With a strong passion for civic engagement, she leverages media to enhance program outreach and aims to empower her community, particularly in improving digital literacy. Southida is a firm believer in the transformative power of community-driven solutions to drive sustainable and meaningful change.
Nong XIONG, Laos
Nong XIONG, a Hmong child born and raised in a rural village, is currently a junior pursuing his bachelor's degree in Business English at the Rattana Institute of Business Administration in Laos. Passionate about community service, he has actively contributed as a volunteer to numerous projects benefiting his local community, even though what he is doing not related to his academic area. But Nong still faithful and continue because he believe that only education can lead people through the challenge. In 2022, he decided to build a project called Huk-hien for offering free English class for student in the community, until today his project was implemented for almost 3 years. Nong Xiong plan to complete his studies and go back to his home community for contributing the knowledge for his community by working alongside with youth in community development because that is his ultimate purpose in life.
Puna PHAVAN, Laos
Ms. Puna PHAVAN graduated with a Bachelor of Education and First-Class Honors from Champasak University (CU). In 2024, she was honored as the female senior representative and delivered a speech at her graduation. Currently, she works as a translator and assistant administrator for the Attapeu Nursing School Project and is the co-founder and coordinator of Pakse Academy (formerly Youth’s Power Center). Puna also teaches students after work. Previously, she held leadership roles in various youth projects, including Pakse Youth’s Power 2, Future Journey, and the Youth for a Better Community Project. Passionate about community development, she actively volunteers and strives to develop youth leadership skills. She is a strong advocate for quality education for all and believes that “With good education, people can enjoy learning, improve themselves, and positively impact society and the planet.”
Tavanh Phetsaphaivanh, Laos
Mr. Tavanh Phetsaphaivanh (Sun), at the age of 24, hails from Laos and is the founder of the Precious Plastic Vientiane project. His enthusiasm and ambition are channeled toward sustainable development and community empowerment. Having obtained his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the National University of Laos in 2022, Sun is currently working with his friends on a recycling project. Together, they engage local youths in the vital processes of waste separation, recycling, and turning plastic waste into a source of profit, all under the banner of "Waste to Value." Sun's ultimate aim is to elevate this small-scale project into a full-fledged social enterprise, applying his educational background to drive positive change in his community and beyond
Bounthida Ounavong, Laos
Ms. Bounthida Ounavong, a graduate in International Affairs and International Relations from Beijing Language and Culture University, is passionate about environmental sustainability. She co-founded HexaGreen, a project dedicated to equipping Lao students in a remote area with essential knowledge of environmental preservation and sanitation practices. During high school, she participated in prestigious programs such as the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (2015), the China Bridge Camp (2015), the 5th ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (2016), and the Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program (2017). Currently, she is a Project Assistant at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Lao PDR, where she contributes to advancing sustainable urbanization initiatives across Laos. In her free time, she shares her love of literature on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok (@rainterature), engaging a growing audience.
Niphaphone Douangngeun, Laos
I am Niphaphone Douangngeun, a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the National University of Laos (NUOL) and currently studying Business Management at the Lao- American Institute. I am interning with GIZ Laos on the Protection and Sustainable Use of Forest Ecosystems and Biodiversity Project. I have also gained valuable experience through an internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. My passion for community service led me to volunteer with the Catholic University International Volunteer Program, which focuses on social justice, education, and community development. In this role, I prepared and delivered lessons in English and Lao, ensuring a productive learning environment by managing classroom discipline. My academic studies and professional experiences have strengthened my commitment to sustainable development, education, and public service.
Lathdavanh PHIMMAVONG, Laos
Ms. Lathdavanh PHIMMAVONG is a Business Management student at the Lao-American Institute and an Accountancy & Auditing student at the National University of Laos. Passionate about education and economic development, she has volunteered as an English tutor in the P2P program, helping students improve their language skills, and served as an SNS Supporter for the Korean Embassy, promoting cultural exchange. She is also working on a microfinance project to help local businesses enhance financial literacy and make informed decisions. Through her experiences, she has developed strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Lathdavanh is committed to lifelong learning and collaboration, believing that bridging global knowledge with local realities is key to driving sustainable economic growth in Laos.
Vannakhone Ounkham, Laos
Hi! My name is Vannakhone Ounkham. I am a recent graduate with a degree in Computer Engineering. My work experience is related in the tech field, and I am passionate about solving problems using my knowledge in IT. During my university years, I was an active member and leader of the Robot Club and Champa Maker Club, where we collaborated on innovative tech projects aimed at contributing to the community. In 2022, PrepPath was co-founded by me and three others. What began as a presentation idea and turned into a small Facebook community and has now grown into a fully developed career path self-discovery website. I highly recommend checking it out at prep-path.com and joining our Facebook community, which reached 6,000 members in 2024. Through this journey, I saw the incredible potential of young people in my community and their ability to create a better world.
Chilanhouth Nitvongkhay, Laos
Chilanhouth Nitvongkhay graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the Naonal University of Laos (NUOL). He is passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to address social issues. Chilanhouth was awarded the APNIC Fellowship, recognizing his contributions to technology, internet governance, and technical capacity-building among young leaders in the Asia-Pacific region. He has actively represented Laos in various international programs, including the APIGA Fellowship, which focuses on fostering a unified and inclusive internet governance environment in Asia-Pacific, and Rok Mekong, where he explored supercomputing applications to tackle societal challenges. He is actively involved in volunteering, including contributing to the National Human Development Report project, which supports UNDP Laos in empowering youth as key drivers of sustainable development in Laos. As a YSEALI 2025 selectee, he firmly believes that: "Technology empowers youth to shape a be[er future by driving innovation, bridging inequalities, and creating sustainable solutions for global challenges."
Phetmany Vilayphon, Laos
Mr. Phetmany Vilayphon (Pon) graduated with a Bachelor of International Business at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance, completing the study program ahead of schedule with a very good classification. Previously, I worked as an environmental volunteer with Xamnuea Young Volunteer Group in my hometown. Currently, I work as a Business Development Officer for an insurance company. I am a volunteer with AYAN Laos on the implementation of Seat For The Future, which aims to raise awareness of the rights and obligations under the Lao constitution to high school students in Vientiane and is funded under the YSEALI Seeds for the Future 2024, and the Legal Eagles project, which is funded by the INL Department of the US Embassy in Vientiane, to raise awareness of the rule of law to youth in Laos.
Sadavout Souliyong, Laos
Mr. Sadavout Souliyong is a political science student at the National University of Laos (NUOL) and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, working with a local youth group Queers&Cheers. Since his high school days, he has passionately campaigned for the inclusion of marginalized groups in policymaking, lawmaking and political processes. His advocacy is rooted in a deep understanding of intersectionality, recognizing how various forms of discrimination and oppression are interconnected. This realization has driven him to pursue political science, with the goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Bounyong SOULAIYAKHAM, Laos
Mr. Bounyong SOULAIYAKHAM, I am studying at Rattana Institute of Business Administration majoring in Marketing, First year(Fresh men). My personally, I am kind, friendly and opened-minded, I am a teenager who actives making change in my community and I have passion in developing my country to be a better place following my passion and motivation I had been a volunteer with many projects, teams and organizations that they works for developing my our community and now I am a volunteer in 3 projects/organizations, such as, I have been a volunteer/management team in Queers&Cheers Laos since 2022. I started to be a volunteer/leader of Academic team with Promotion of Family Health Association( PFHA and I am a volunteer in Legal Eagle Projects. I believe that “ our community is our own, we must project and develop it to be the best society for us and the new generations”
Southida Insal, Laos
Miss Southida Insal graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from University of Health Sciences (UHS). She is passionate about public health and human services, particularly in preventing maternal deaths and advancing gender equality. Southida is currently a Program Support Intern in Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit at United Nations Population Fund. She experienced working with government, private sector, intergovernmental, including fellowship at the U.S. Embassy Vientiane. She volunteered at Action4Diabetes, where she supported families and facilitated impactful health initiatives. Southida also joined the Temasek Polytechnic Leadership Exchange and volunteered at the Society for the Aged Sick in Singapore. In 2023, she represented her school in a public health exchange program at Silpakorn University, Thailand. Southida is committed to creating sustainable solutions and believes in “Health is a fundamental human right.”