The transformative power of education, particularly in culinary arts, is highlighted by the inspiring stories of Phaivanh Bounthachack and Yaeng Yorpasert. Coming from different backgrounds, their journeys intertwined through a shared experience of a training programme. This exemplifies the profound impact that education can have within the Lao hospitality industry, as well as on the individuals and their communities.
Yaeng Yorpasert
Hailing from Kasi Village in Vientiane Province, 24-year-old Yaeng has transformed her passion for cooking into a remarkable career. From helping her mother in the kitchen to managing a team of chefs at The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant (The Academy), Yaeng’s journey is a testament to her dedication and talent, making her a role model for hospitality students at the Technical College of Vientiane Province Vang Vieng campus.
Yaeng's love for cooking was sparked at a young age, inspired by the warm, flavourful meals her mother prepared for their family. Determined to turn her passion into a profession, she completed the two-year Diploma in Food Production and Food and Beverage Service at the Technical College of Vientiane Province between 2019 and 2021. Her studies coincided with the construction of The Academy, a model training facility that was initially built under the Skills for Tourism Project and is now supported by the Skills for Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry (STAF) programme. The facility, designed to provide hands-on experience for students, would become central to Yaeng’s development as a chef.
During her time at the college, Yaeng had the opportunity to complete a four-month internship at The Academy where she worked under the guidance of an international chef, honed her technical skills and learned about the importance of leadership in the kitchen. “The experience was eye-opening”, she recalls. “Working with an international chef taught me so much about managing a team, preparing international dishes and even intricate skills like crafting fruit decorations.” This experience was a turning point in her career.
Her dedication and talent certainly paid off. After completing her internship and graduating, Yaeng was hired as a chef at The Academy. Her hard work and passion quickly shone through and, within two years, she was promoted to head chef. Today, she manages a team of seven people, a role she embraces with pride and responsibility.
Recently, Yaeng further expanded her culinary repertoire through an in-service teacher training initiative supported by the STAF programme which is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the European Union. The training introduced her to Vietnamese cuisine and advanced plating techniques which have since become valuable additions to her skillset. “The training was very hands-on and practical. I learned new recipes and culinary techniques which I’m excited to share with my team at The Academy,” she says.
As head chef, Yaeng now finds herself in a position to give back, training interns just as she was trained during her studies. She also has the opportunity to share her knowledge with teachers at her former college who receive regular coaching and training every four months. “It feels like a full-circle moment for me. I can’t wait to pass on what I’ve learned to both the teachers and the interns at The Academy. It’s a chance to give back to the place that gave me so much,” she says with pride.
While Yaeng is committed to The Academy at the moment, her long-term dream is to work in a large international hotel. “I want to learn more about international cuisine and working at a big hotel would give me that opportunity,” she shares.
For now, Yaeng continues to grow and contribute to The Academy, an environment that has become more than just a workplace - it’s a community where she feels empowered and ready to inspire the next generation of chefs.
Phaivanh Bounthachack
At 34, Phaivanh Bounthachack, a teacher from Hunkeo Village in Bokeo Province, is blending tradition and innovation in her culinary career. A member of the Lue ethnic group, Phaivanh’s roots are deeply connected to the rich culinary heritage of Lao PDR. However, her dedication to personal growth and to her students has led her to explore new horizons.
After completing high school, Phaivanh enrolled in a course at the Technical - Vocational School of Bokeo Province, with the intention of pursuing a career in the hospitality industry. Recognising her potential, the school awarded her a scholarship to continue her studies at Luang Prabang Technical College where she completed a Higher Diploma in Food and Beverage Management over two years. Upon her return to Bokeo, Phaivanh took up a Professional Cookery teaching role at the school. Since 2013, she has been passing on her knowledge and skills to the next generation of aspiring chefs.
Despite her experience, Phaivanh’s formal training had always centred around Lao cuisine. This changed recently when she was offered the opportunity to participate in an in-service teacher training course focusing on Vietnamese cuisine. Facilitated by the STAF programme – funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the European Union – the training aimed to broaden her culinary expertise.
For two weeks, Phaivanh, along with 15 fellow teachers from all over the country, underwent an intensive training course in Vientiane Capital. Led by experienced instructors from Vietnam’s Hue Tourism College, the goal was to equip Lao teachers with practical skills and knowledge that they could pass on to their students, thereby enriching their learning experience and better preparing them for jobs in the growing tourism sector.
“I was motivated to join because it was something completely new for me”, Phaivanh recalls. “I had never received training in other types of cuisine before, and this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” The training introduced Phaivanh to new techniques, including the art of wok tossing and the importance of food presentation - an often overlooked skill in traditional Lao cooking. “In Lao cuisine, we keep things simple, but I discovered how food presentation can really enhance the overall dining experience. It’s a skill I’m excited to teach my students,” she says happily.
In addition to gaining new culinary techniques, Phaivanh developed strong connections with her peers. Working alongside teachers from eight different provinces, she found the training environment warm and supportive. “The atmosphere was amazing,” she fondly remembers. “The Vietnamese instructors were not only knowledgeable but made the training fun and interactive, and the teachers were all very friendly.”
Phaivanh is eager to integrate Vietnamese cuisine and techniques into her lessons. Her goal is to provide students with a diverse set of skills, preparing them for culinary careers that include but also extend beyond traditional Lao food.
Phaivanh’s dedication goes beyond the classroom. She is involved in curriculum development and revision with the Vocational Education Development Institute, where she helps align courses with labour market demands. Her commitment to enhancing both her teaching and the curriculum demonstrates her passion for ensuring that students are well-equipped for the world of work.
On a personal level, Phaivanh is also excited to share her new culinary skills with her family. Inspired by her mother to pursue a career in cooking, she looks forward to treating her family to Vietnamese barbecue, as well as fresh and fried spring rolls - dishes that are sure to be a hit. "My family loves barbecue, and I can’t wait to make these new dishes for them," she says.
Yeang and Phaivanh’s stories are ones of growth, passion, and the transformative power of education. Through their dedication and hard work, they are shaping not only their own career but also the futures of their students, inspiring them to dream big and succeed in the culinary and wider hospitality world.
The Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry programme is co-financed by Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
↑ To the top
Log in 
Her Excellency Ms. Atifete Jahjaga addressing the event
