In August 2025, Kunming University of Science and Technology (KUST), in collaboration with the National University of Laos (NUOL) and Souphanouvong University (SU), officially launched enrollment for Laos' first undergraduate double-degree program in artificial intelligence. This initiative marks a new chapter in regional AI education through the partnership between Chinese and Lao universities.

The program focuses on the deep integration of "Chinese language + vocational skills," adhering to the philosophy of "elite student cultivation and industry-academia collaboration." Core professional courses are taught in Chinese, supplemented by intensive Chinese language training, emphasizing both "Chinese-language instruction" and "AI technology." The program aims to cultivate versatile Lao engineers who are proficient in Chinese and skilled in technology, serving as bridge talents for Sino-Lao technological industry cooperation. Highlighting the feature of industry-education integration, the program has established internship bases in collaboration with Chinese enterprises in the Vientiane Saysettha Development Zone. Through project-based learning and other practical methods, students will gain exposure to cutting-edge industry technologies during their studies, ensuring that the training aligns closely with market demands and achieving the goal of "employment upon graduation and immediate readiness for the job."

The program leverages KUST's disciplinary strengths in engineering education and artificial intelligence, NUOL's comprehensive advantages as Laos' top university, and SU's regional advantages as a key comprehensive university in northern Laos. It addresses Laos' industrial development needs empowered by AI, with joint efforts in formulating talent training plans, teaching syllabi, and quality evaluation systems. This collaboration realizes the alignment of Sino-Laotian engineering education standards and establishes a three-tier coordination mechanism involving universities, colleges, and a joint management committee. It builds a virtuous cycle mechanism of "industry demand—technical training—educational feedback." The program adopts a "2+2" joint training model, where the first phase takes place at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of NUOL and the Faculty of Engineering of SU, and outstanding students will proceed to the Faculty of Information Engineering and Automation at KUST for the second phase.  

This program aims to cultivate Laos' first cohort of localized high-end engineers who are rooted in the local context, proficient in Chinese, and skilled in AI technology. They will directly contribute to Laos' digital and intelligent transformation, reflecting KUST's commitment to consolidating the traditional friendship between China and Laos, strengthening the public opinion foundation of bilateral relations, supporting the construction of Yunnan's RCEP International Education Cooperation Zone, and contributing to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Translated by: MA Bingyu, Division of International Cooperation

Source: China-Laos Institute of Engineering and Technology & School of International Education

Issued by: Division of International Cooperation