Luxembourg boosts capacity for outcome-based education (OBE) and internationalisation in Lao higher education

The government of Luxembourg, through the Rule of law, access to justice and good governance (ROLAG) programme, is partnering with Lao PDR’s Ministry of Education and Sport (MoES) to modernise higher education by embedding outcome-based education (OBE) and promoting internationalisation. A recent workshop held in Vientiane gathered over 50 stakeholders from public and private universities to explore OBE frameworks, global best practices and innovative approaches such as AI integration. The event concluded with a roadmap for implementing OBE within the National Qualifications Framework and strengthening institutional capacity across the sector.

A training workshop was held in Vientiane on 22 and 23 October 2025, organised by the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLP) at the National University of Laos (NUOL) in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education. The workshop promoted a holistic approach to modernising higher education through OBE and internationalisation.

The event brought together over 50 participants from various public and private higher education institutions, including Souphanouvong University and Savannakhet University. It was chaired by high-level officials : Dr Ammany NORRLINL, deputy director general of higher education at MoES; Dr Somdeth KEOVONGSAK, dean of FLP at NUOL; and Mr Thomas LAMMAR, chargé d’affaires of Luxembourg’s Embassy. Facilitators included renowned international experts Dr Jenny NGOC and Mr Johnson ONG CHEE BIN.

The workshop focused on two main topics : the OBE framework and the internationalisation of study programmes. Objectives included enabling participants to apply OBE principles, implement internationalisation strategies, and develop indicators to measure progress and success. The OBE framework was first introduced to FLP at NUOL in 2018 and later adopted by other faculties. FLP has successfully integrated OBE into its five bachelor's programmes, which have been certified by the ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance Network.

This initiative aligns with MoES policies to integrate OBE into the National Qualifications Framework, scheduled for implementation next year. The Department of Higher Education is leading this development. Participants actively engaged with case studies and international best practices from institutions such as the National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, and Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City. Discussions also explored innovative applications of artificial intelligence in higher education.

Key follow-up actions identified include reviewing current strategies, enhancing plans to meet future trends, adapting frameworks for future-ready education, establishing performance indicators, building institutional capacity, and promoting benchmarking to share best practices and foster collaboration.

The workshop concluded with certification presentations and a clear roadmap for advancing OBE and internationalisation efforts across the Lao PDR higher education sector.

The ROLAG programme is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Justice, LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, ILSTA and the University of Luxembourg.