Minister calls for more master's degree programmes
The Education Minister has urged the National University of Laos (NUOL) and private colleges to work more closely to create greater opportunities for students to study for master's degrees.
The comments were made by Professor Dr Somkot Mangnomek at a graduation ceremony for students from Rattana Business Administration College (RBAC) last Wednesday.
The ceremony, which took place at Don Chan Palace in Vientiane , was also attended by representatives from the Private School Association and NUOL, as well as officials from private schools both in Laos and Thailand , and around 2,000 friends and relatives.
During the graduation ceremony, bachelor degrees were conferred on more than 280 graduates, who had completed five or six-year business programmes.
Dr Somkot noted that NUOL currently has several master's degree programmes, providing a useful opportunity for private school students who have gained a bachelor's degree and wish to further their education in Laos .
The minister urged graduates to continue with their education and to expand their skills base before moving on and putting their knowledge into practice. A broader knowledge would allow students to participate more fully and fruitfully in the country's development process.
RBAC is one of the top private colleges in Laos and has supported the development of education and human resources in the country some years, Dr Somkot said.
A student, speaking on behalf of the assembled graduates, thanked the minister for his kind words and encouragement at this remarkable stage in their lives.
“We are deeply appreciative, and will most definitely take your recommendations and statements into consideration to gain the most benefit from our studies and work,” she said.
“This is an extremely important and significant milestone for all of us, but it's also a great challenge for us to understand how we can now apply this knowledge and experience to the world of real work.”
Throughout their years of study at RBAC, students have not only devoted their brains, time and money to study, but have also enthusiastically taken part in many college and social activities. This has contributed to the success of graduates in completing the programme requirements as determined by the ministry.
The student representative reiterated students' promises to continue their studies, to ensure they kept up to date with developments in the real world. She quoted the government's motto - ‘Learn, learn, and learn throughout your life'.
College Director Dr Somphet Rattanasim said this was the sixth batch of graduates to have completed bachelor's degrees since the college was established in 1997. Students major in one of three business courses offered: general management, marketing, or finance and banking.
At present, the college has 2,672 undergraduate students, and 95 postgraduates studying for master's degrees.
The college also has branches in Oudomxay, Bokeo, Xayaboury and Champassak provinces, providing higher diplomas for a total of 840 provincial students this academic year. By Soulivan Vongmany
