PINZ entered a new market in January 2009, with the implementation on their first project in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The ADB Strengthening Higher Education Project is working with the Government of Laos to increase access, improve quality and relevance, and strengthen capacity of teaching and research in higher education in Laos PDR.
PINZ is taking a very active approach to the management of this important project. The Project Management Team attended the official project ‘kick-off’ seminar during the inception period and worked with the consulting team and key officials from the Ministry of Education and the ADB to help establish the project.
A Mid-Term Seminar was held in the Laos PDR capital, Vientiane, on April 3rd 2009 to review project progress to date and to stimulate discussion about the future of Higher Education in Lao PDR. Participants included the ADB Mission, Vice Minister of Education, and the Director Generals and senior staff of the Ministry of Education (MOE), the TA Implementation Units, university representatives and the TA team. PINZ was represented at this forum by the Project Manager and the International Programmes Director.
The outcome of the successful review showed that project activities are largely on track and the progress to date is satisfactory, and the project is well positioned to move into the next phase. PINZ will continue to prepare a Higher Education Master Plan and finalise the project design before the project ends in July.
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