Quarterly Report: October 1 – December 31, 2023

The report highlights key administrative and technical achievements during this period. The primary administrative highlight was securing an extension to the LSS Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The LSS team worked closely with the Project Implementation Management Committee (IMC) to secure the MOU, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) and four university partners. The MOU extension was concluded on November 22, 2023, after a time-consuming negotiation with multiple program stakeholders. A significant technical highlight was the completion of the quality assurance audit of the National University of Laos (NUOL) by representatives of the Asia University Network (AUN). The audit findings were presented to NUOL, which will strengthen identified areas to meet the qualifications to join the AUN. The overall strengths of the three curriculums of NUOL/FEB include well-formulated program learning outcomes, stakeholder input, and facilities to promote active learning and innovation. The LSS team also designed, piloted, and improved an innovative strategic planning model that incorporated meditative techniques to aid individuals in reflecting upon organizational changes. This process was initiated at Souphanouvong University (SU) and was requested by Savannakhet University (SKU) and Champasack University (CU). The model helps universities contemplate their vision, mission, and strategy while incorporating the current social, economic, and higher education context in Laos. In addition, the LSS team awarded eight Social and Economic Research Grants (SERA) during this reporting period. The topics of the SERA grant awards include the impact of stagflation on SMEs performance, participatory strengthening for tea production, internationalization and graduate employability, and factors influencing high school students' decision to study for a bachelor's degree. The LSS team also expanded university service-learning initiatives, with Master Trainers and Advisors (MTAs) from Champasack University (CU) updating their leadership development trainings and delivering trainings for 40 individuals. While the MOU negotiations took some time away from service-learning initiatives, several outreach activities took place this quarter. The report also highlights the importance of the LSS team's work in supporting the development of higher education institutions in Laos. The team's efforts have contributed to the improvement of the quality of education and the regional standing of these institutions, allowing them to attract and send students and professors to other regional universities. Overall, the LSS Laos Task Order has made significant progress in supporting the development of higher education institutions in Laos during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. The team's efforts have contributed to the improvement of the quality of education and the regional standing of these institutions, and have laid the foundation for future growth and development.