NUOL Awards Honorary Titles and Doctorates to Six Leaders

The National University of Laos (NUOL) has honored six distinguished individuals with non-regular academic titles and honorary doctorates in recognition of their significant contributions to national development, education, public administration, environmental management, and social development. The conferment ceremony for the 2026 academic titles and honorary doctorates was held on September 4 at the Confucius Institute Hall of NUOL. The event was attended by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Thongsalit Mangnomek, Minister of Agriculture and Environment and President of the NUOL Council Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, former high-ranking leaders, NUOL officials, academics, and researchers. These awards acknowledge individuals whose experience, knowledge, and contributions have supported national development and advanced education and other vital societal areas. They also underscore the importance of integrating academic knowledge with practical experience to foster the country's future growth. Associate Professor Ounla Sivanhpheng, Vice President and Secretary General of the NUOL Council, presented details on the systematic, transparent, and open assessment and selection process for the 2026 awards, conducted in accordance with relevant regulations. Candidates were evaluated by technical committees from the faculty to the university level before final approval by the NUOL Council. The six recipients are: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone – Honorary Professor in Public Administration and Development, for his contributions to national development, education, and NUOL. Sommad Pholsena – Honorary Professor in Sustainable Natural Resources and Environmental Management, for his contributions to national development, education, and NUOL. Khamphad Sourinpoumi – Special Professor in Irrigation Engineering, for his contributions to national development, education, and NUOL. Vanthong Sirivanh – Special Professor, for his contributions to national development, education, and NUOL. Viengthavisone Thephachan – Honorary Doctorate, for outstanding achievements in state policy planning. Oh Myung Hwan – Honorary Doctorate, for outstanding achievements in social welfare and development. Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh presented the Honorary Professor and Special Professor titles, while NUOL President Sinthavone Dalavong presented the honorary doctorates. The ceremony highlighted NUOL’s commitment to recognizing outstanding expertise and service, while inspiring further contributions to education, research, and national development for the benefit of future generations.