Focus on Laos, with Ladomchanh Khantry, Alounsavath Sengduanpeth, and Chris Ruddenklau at Osaka Jogakuin University
EventsProfessor Ladomchanh Khantry, of the National University of Laos, is this year’s Balsamo Asian Scholar invited to present at JALT 2025 (Oct 31 – Nov 2 in Tokyo), and will join us in Osaka to share some of what she’ll be talking about at the conference. She leads the English Department at the National University of Laos. With 30+ years of experience she directs the Laos-Australia Academic University support programs, where for 10+ years she has advocated for agency and autonomy through participatory curriculum design, personalized counseling, and mentorship initiatives, for teachers and mainly female scholarship minority ethnic group students, and for students with disabilities. Additionally, she has helped to organize 19 LaoTESOL conferences. She will give overviews of her conference presentations and discuss her involvement in organizing LaoTESOL conferences over the past two decades.
From Barriers to Bridges: A Decade of ASP Impact
This presentation explores the transformative impact of the Academic Support Program (ASP) at the National University of Laos, which has supported students with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By integrating academic support, life skills development, counseling, and teacher training, the program has empowered students to overcome barriers and thrive in higher education. ASP’s success offers a scalable and replicable model for inclusive education in low-resource environments.
Soft Skills and English Language Teaching
This research investigates the workplace soft skills most needed by graduates from the Department of English, Faculty of Letters, National University of Laos, with a focus on their integration into English teaching. In today’s increasingly competitive job market, graduates are expected to possess not only academic knowledge and language proficiency but also a wide range of soft skills essential for effective communication, collaboration, leadership, and professional growth. The study employed a quantitative research design, using survey data from alumni to identify the most in-demand soft skills and analyze them across gender and age groups. The findings reveal significant gaps between the soft skills emphasized in the current English curriculum and those expected in the workplace.
Alounsavath Sengduangpeth is accompanying Ladomchanh on her visit to Japan. He has spent his working life at the National University of Laos (NUOL) and is currently the Deputy Director of the Laos-Japan Institute for Resource Development, supported by JICA and the Japanese Embassy in Laos. Previously he worked in the Academic Affairs Department as Deputy Director. The LJI institute was established in 2001 to foster business human resource and promote mutual understanding through cultural exchanges and business management training as well as Japanese language Education in Laos. LJI enhances sustainable growth through developing highly competent human resources in its MBA program while focusing on a good balance between theoretical and practical knowledge of management. The LJI programs hope to build passion for teamwork, and cooperation throughout Laos and with other ASEAN countries and of course with Japan. While in Japan he hopes to make friendships with teachers and students, to encourage people to visit the Japan Institute in Laos and to provide input to the MBA program. He looks forward to meeting us in Japan and hopefully later again in Laos.
Chris Ruddenklau has taught in New Zealand, Thailand, and Japan, and for many years has supported educational programs in Laos by introducing English teachers based in Japan to programs coordinated by Lao English teachers, including workshops at the National University of Laos, Bankuen Teachers Training College, and support for rural high schools. He has served as the Teachers Helping Teacher’s Lao Program Coordinator for more than 15 years and recently became the THT SIG President. He firmly believes in the importance of local knowledge and leadership in terms of creating the most effective ways of offering friendship and support. Laos has over 160 ethnic groups speaking a total of 73 distinct living languages. Despite such diversity, the country is peaceful – a living illustration of how appreciation of diversity can indeed create unity and a valuable message in our troubled times. Heartfelt kindness tempered by compassion is offered without judgement and underlies all daily interactions in Laos thus making any visit to Laos a very special one. Chris will share some of his insights and experiences, and will answer any questions about visiting Laos and participating in the national LaoTESOL conference that takes place in February each year.
The meeting will take place in the first floor meeting room near the entrance of the main building near the south gate of Osaka Jogakuin University (near Tamatsukuri station). RSVP here so we can let the guards at the gate know how many and who to expect, and to let us know whether you plan to join us for the the dinner party afterwards at Asushoku restaurant near Morinomiya station. If you’ve ever visited or thought about visiting Laos, this is a great opportunity to learn more about this fascinating country and its educational system, and to feel some of the wonderful Lao spirit!