Author - Haider

The first Lao national of Indian origin Soukthavy Chowdhury, Chairman and Managing Director of the HSMM Group of Companies, has been bestowed with India’s prestigious Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award this year, underscoring his bold contributions and achievements as part of the Indian diaspora. The businessman received this Award at the 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas held in Odisha, India on January 9. Pravasi Bhartiya Samman is India’s highest honour recognising the contributions and achievements of the Indian diaspora, and is awarded by the President of India. Mr Chowdhury received the distinguished decoration from the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, on January 9 for his pioneering contribution in promoting business opportunities in Laos through his various entrepreneurial ventures and enhancing India-Laos partnership. “I feel extremely honoured and grateful to have received the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award 2025 for the business sector. It is truly motivating and a great feeling to be acknowledged by the Government of India. A memory I will cherish for a lifetime. I would also like to extend my congratulations to all the awardees from the Indian diaspora, wishing them more success to come in the future,” Mr Chowdhury said. The business executive expressed his deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji, Minister of External Affairs Shri S. Jaishankar ji, CM of Times Reporters To enhance Laos’ national legal aid system and strengthen the capacity of justice officers, ensuring more citizens can access high-quality legal assistance, the United States and Laos has launched Phase 2 of the “Cooperation Project on Access to Justice and Legal Aid Support in Laos”. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Justice and The Asia Foundation, which will expand the project to July 2026, was signed on January 14. The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with co-funding from The McConnell Foundation. Beginning in 2020, Phase 1 resulted in the establishment of 94 Ministry of Justice provincial and district legal aid offices, and 17 legal aid clinics operated by the Lao Bar Odisha Shri Mohan Charan Majhi ji, MOS/EA Shri Pabitra Margherita ji, other esteemed dignitaries and the beautiful State of Odisha for their hospitality and for hosting the event. Ambassador of India to Laos, Mr Prashant Agrawal and Team India in Laos have conveyed warm congratulations to him on the Award. The award highlighted Mr Soukthavy’s business success and contributions. His HSMM Group of Companies operates a wide Association, in Vientiane and the provinces of Champassak , Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Saravan, Savannakhet, Vientiane and Xayaboury. Theselegalaid providers disseminate legal range of businesses from agarwood oil extraction facilities, agarwood plantations, mining, information technology, perfume and fragrances and agarwood trading. Established in 1998, the conglomerate is a pioneer of the Lao perfume industry with the launch of Laos’ first fragrance brand and exports to many countries, including China, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf countries. Addressing the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas event under the theme “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, President Murmu highlighted the important role of the Indian diaspora, saying they are integral to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Noting that India’s vision aligns with its growing stature on the world stage, particularly as a leading voice for the Global South, the leader called for “proactive and enthusiastic participation” of all Indians, including the diaspora, for achieving it, according to the Indian Express. This vision is about creating an ecosystem that not only meets India’s needs but also contributes to global well-being, she said, adding, “The Indian diaspora is an integral part of this vision.” “Your global presence gives you a unique perspective and your achievements place you in a position to significantly contribute to the realisation of a developed India,” the Indian Express quoted President Murmu as saying. “The diaspora, whether through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or knowledgesharing, will play an essential role in achieving this vision,” she added. The news agency quoted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as saying that India at present approaches the world with the twin perspectives of “India First” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the World is One Family)”. “When India progresses, so does one-sixth of humanity When we do global good, our own people stand equally to gain. This is now an era of greater inter-dependence… In many ways, it is the diaspora that will help define our image as a resurgent civilisation,” he was quoted as saying. Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas is celebrated on January 9 to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India. Constituted in 2003, it is celebrated once every two years to recognise the contributions and strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and reconnect them with their cultural roots. The 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas was celebrated in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 2025.

Melp App Inc . , i n collaboration with the Ministry of Technology and Communications, the Digital Government Centre, the Government of Laos, and HSMM Technology Sole Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of the HSMM Group of Companies), successfully hosted a groundbreaking workshop titled “Driving Digital Government & Productivity Essentials for Supporting the Lao Digital Economy”. The event was held at the Latsavong Wanda Vista Hotel in Vientiane and highlighted the pivotal role of digital transformation in advancing the nation’s economy and fostering innovation. The workshop brought together over 100 representatives of the corporate sector, alongside senior government officials and other dignitaries. Distinguished attendees included the Director General of the Digital Government Centre, Dr Thavisak Manodham, Deputy Director General, Mr Khamphay Inthara, First Secretary and Head of Chancery at the Indian Embassy in Laos, Mr Rohit Babbar, the Founder of MelpApp, Mr Venk Gorty, CEO of MelpApp Mr Madhaw Anand, and Chairman of HSMM Technology Sole Co., Ltd., Mr Soukthavy Chowdhury. Their collective presence underscored the significance of collaboration in driving Laos’ digital transformation agenda. Mr Soukthavy said “This workshop marks a significant milestone in our partnership with MelpApp as we officially become MelpApp’s exclusive partner in Laos.” “ The exchange of a detailed partnership agreement between HSMM Technology Sole Co., Ltd. and MelpApp further solidifies our shared commitment to driving digital transformation in Laos.” “For the past month and a half, we have been using MelpApp’s platform, and our experience has been nothing short of exceptional. The platform’s capabilities have enabled us to improve communication, streamline collaboration, and significantly enhance overall productivity within our team,” he added. “ Throught is partnership, we are excited to bring Melp App’s innovative platform to Laos, empowering both the public and private sectors with advanced features that enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and foster productivity.” “ This partnership represents a step forward in contributing to Laos’ digital economy, enabling businesses to connect globally, streamline operations, and lead in innovation across industries. Together, we look forward to unlocking new opportunities, driving growth , and supporting Laos’ digital transformation goals,” Mr Soukthavy said. Engaging discussions on productivity and innovation, the workshop featured a series of insightful sessions addressing critical aspects of digital transformation. Key highlights included Digital Government Transformation, when discussions led by the Digital Government Centre emphasised the importance of modernising internal and external communication within government agencies to enhance efficiency and citizen engagement. Financial Digitalisation: The Bank of the Lao PDR presented groundbreaking initiatives to drive digital innovation within the financial sector, enabling a seamless and secure economic ecosystem. Industry Contributions: The Lao ICT and Digital Association shared insights on fostering public-private partnerships to advance technological innovation in Laos. A focused presentation by MelpApp and HSMM Technology Sole Co., Ltd . highlighted the transformative potential of MelpApp’s cutting-edge platform. Designed to meet the needs of both public and private sector organisations, MelpApp provides advanced tools to streamline communication, improve collaboration, and drive business growth in alignment with Laos’ digital economy goals. A Strategic Partnership for Progress, one of the key milestones of the event was the formalisation of a strategic partnership between HSMM Technology Sole Co., Ltd. and MelpApp. The agreement establishes HSMM Technology as MelpApp’s exclusive partner in Laos, a move expected to accelerate the adoption of B2B communication solutions and technological advancements in t h e region. “This partnership marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to empowering businesses and government agencies in Laos with the tools needed to thrive in the digital age,” said Mr Madhaw Anand, CEO of MelpApp. Pioneering Laos ’ digital future, MelpApp’s innovative Multi-Enterprise Linking Platform is designed to help organisations “Work Better Together”. With features such as AI-powered real-time translations, efficient group management, and secure file sharing, MelpApp is redefining how teams connect, collaborate, and create in today’s global digital economy. Aligned with the Lao government’s vision for a thriving digital economy, Melp App’s platform empowers businesses to overcome barriers of geography and language while fostering innovation and efficiency. By driving digital transformation, the platform supports Laos’ efforts to become a regional leader in the digital revolution.

The ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival 2024 kicked off on Friday in Vientiane to foster connections among businesspeople from the 10-member regional bloc. The event brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs from the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to share their views on business opportunities and trends under the theme “Connect for Resilience Through CoCreation & Co-Investment.” The carnival featured speeches, panel discussions, and award presentations honouring outstanding entrepreneurs in the ASEAN region. Chairman of the HSMM Group of Companies, Soukthavy Chowdhury participated in a panel discussion where he shared his insights on business opportunities in Laos. Regarding mining, he noted that Laos is rich in natural resources, offering significant potential for local and foreign investment in this sector. “The (Lao) government support spolicy and infrastructure (that) will help local businesses increase operation & distribution capacity,” the businessman said. Mr Soukthavy, the recipient of the Lao Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award 2024, added that Laos also presents business opportunities, particularly for small and medium enterprises in logistics services. Explaining his claim, the businessman said this is because the dry port has opened up a more convenient and efficient trade route, which has paved the way for Laos to become “a trade gateway between Southeast Asia and China and also access the European market through other rail networks”. He also referred to the Laos-China Railway, part of the broader pan-Asia rail network that will eventually link China’s Kunming to Singpaore through Laos, Thailand and Malaysia. Linking to the China-Europe railway, freight trains can access the European market. Soukthavy also underscored Laos’ agribusiness potential, recmmending that crops be grown in larger quantities and that more farm products be exported, leveraging the improved connectivity that offers more cost-effective transport. Exemplifying this, the Lao ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival Panel Discussion: Connect for Resilience Through Co-Creation & Co-Investment businessman, who is of Indian origin, said “In agriculture, [we should] grow pulses and lentils and export them to India.” Following the Covid pandemic, the demand for lentils in India has doubled. Most of the pulses and lentils currently exported to India come from Canada and Australia. Canada alone exports 1,400 metric tons to India. “Laos can also export lentils and pulses to India,” he said. Soukthavy was also the recipient of a Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Medal. This award recognises individuals and departments that contributed their wisdom and dedication to this year’s 9th ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Carnival. The hydropower sector also has significant potential, thanks to the abundant rivers in Laos. “For Electricity, Laos is called a Battery of South East Asia, and exports electricity to Cambodia, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Myanmar,” he said. As a pioneer of the Lao perfume industry, Soukthavy, the owner of HSMM Fragrance, Laos’ first fragrance brand, said business related to agarwood – an important ingredient in the Lao business couple win the Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award 2024 at the ASEAN Young Enterpreneurs Canival 2024 held in Vientiane on Friday during Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN this year. Outstanding entrepreneurs from other ASEAN member countries were also honoured with awards. manufacture of perfume – is also lucrative, thanks to Laos’ fertile soil. “The cultivation and sale [of agarwood] to China and the Middle East will boost economic revenue. Currently, agarwood is the most expensive wood in the world and more expensive than gold,” he said. Incorporated in 2014, his company, which has invested in a large agarwood plantation, has established a perfume factory in Vientiane – the first of its kind in Laos. Launched in January 2021, HSMM Fragrance-branded products have been exported to many countries, including China, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf countries, where they have received a good response. Also recognised at the awards ceremony, Soukthavy’s wife Nazma Chowdhury, who runs a diamond business called NC Diamond Jewelry, was an additional recipient of the Lao Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award 2024. The chairwoman of the diamond business shared the reason behind her success, saying her business adheres to its model of striving to be ‘an outstanding symbol of luxuriously designed products at a reasonable price’. “Our luxury brand has a vision [that seeks] to allow everyone and anyone to express and adorn themselves with the beauty of diamonds,” she said. “We want to create a space where individuality and diversity are celebrated. We believe that luxury should not be confined to a select few, but should be accessible to all who yearn for a touch of elegance. NC Diamond Jewelry promises its best to customise and add on as per the client’s budget.”

Mr Soukthavy Choudhury, the 2024 recipient of the “Outstanding ASEAN Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award”, to present his Laos-branded perfumes as gifts for ASEAN leaders

“Lao ASEAN”, a uniquely branded Laos perfume, is set to offer the scent of Lao aroma to delegates attending the upcoming ASEAN Summit, scheduled for next month in Vientiane. Chairman of HSMM Group of Companies, Soukthavy Choudhury, presented the perfume to Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during the 2024 ASEAN Leadership and Partnership Forum held at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Vientiane on Monday. Developed under the motto ‘Product of Lao, gift for ASEAN’ by HSMM Fragrance, Laos’ fi rst fragrance brand maker, 100 perfume bottles will be distributed to delegates at next month’s summit and to VIP guests who attended the forum. Crafted with excellent ingredients and inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Laos, the perfume is branded to honour the summit hosted by Laos, the Chair of ASEAN in 2024. This initiative showcases Laos’s growing fragrance industry and will highlight the country’s commitment to promoting its products on the regional and international stages. It is also hoped that it will present an opportunity for HSMM Fragrance to gain visibility and foster connections with other ASEAN nations. HSMM Fragrance, a pioneer in the Lao perfume industry, launched its brand in January 2021 to offer elegant aromas that cater to Lao and foreign perfume lovers at affordable prices. So far, nine products under the brand have been available at stores. Two new products are coming soon, underscoring HSMM Fragrance Co., Ltd.’s commitment to developing new products that meet Laos-branded perfume set to win over ASEAN leaders Mr Soukthavy Choudhury, the 2024 recipient of the “Outstanding ASEAN Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award”, to present his Laos-branded perfumes as gifts for ASEAN leaders. customers’ needs and keep up with trends. Like the HSMM brand, known globally for using high-quality agarwood oil, the Lao fragrance products are also crafted from this precious ingredient. Agarwood perfumes hold a unique appeal because of the oil’s religious and cultural significance, with the oil also known for its scent and ambience. The aroma of Dok Cham Pa – the Lao national flower – is among several other fragrance products the company recommends to customers. These premium products, including Dok Cham Pa, Sok Dee (meaning good luck) and HSMM 1 – are all available at the company’s shop at Parkson Shopping Mall in Vientiane. Incorporated in 2014, the company has established a perfume factory in Vientiane – a fi rst of its kind in Laos – to manufacture fragrance products that suit a variety of customers and a wide range of occasions. The company has so far exported its products to many countries, including China, Korea, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other gulf countries, where the products have received encouraging responses. Mr Soukthavy, who is of Indian origin but gained Lao nationality through citizenship, described introducing Laos’ first fragrance brand as ‘a dream come true’ in making a milestone contribution to the Lao fragrance industry and driving its growth. Starting operations in Laos 22 years ago doing business across various sectors, HSMM Group of Companies has enjoyed robust growth of around eight percent annually. Thanks to Mr Soukthavy’s contributions to the development of Laos, the businessman in 2024 was awarded the “Outstanding ASEAN Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award”, which was presented during the Monday forum in the presence of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Upon receiving the award, Mr Soukthavy said, “I feel very honoured to be able to receive the Outstanding ASEAN Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award as witnessed by His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.” “It fills me with pride and gratitude to be able to represent the capabilities of Lao entrepreneurs. It’s an amazing feeling that’s really indescribable . It means a lot to me as it shows my contributions as an entrepreneur and serves as a milestone in my career.” The chairman expressed hope that his group’s achievement would inspire other entrepreneurs to dedicate their hard work to pursue their set goals. “Anything is possible, and I hope this award can act as an inspiration to other Lao entrepreneurs that continue to work hard to achieve their dreams,” he said. “This award truly shows that Laos has much to offer, including its entrepreneurial spirit. I can assure you that this will motivate many other Lao entrepreneurs to achieve big things, and I’m here for it.”

The HSMM Group of Companies via the J.F. Foundation has agreed to provide two scholarships each year from 2022-2031 to enable Lao monks to undertake studies in India. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the provision of the scholarships was signed in Vientiane on Thursday by the Director of the HSMM Group of Companies via the J.F. Foundation, Mr Soukthavy Chowdhury, Director and Director General of the Committee for Sangha Foreign Aff airs of Laos’ Central Buddhist Fellowship Organisation, the Most Venerable Dr Damrong Phimmajak. The event was attended by the President of the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organisation, the Most Venerable Mahabounma Simmaphom, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Dr Sourioudong Sundara, the Indian Ambassador to Laos, His Excellency Dinkar Asthana, representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Lao Front for National Development, and senior monks. Mr Soukthavy, on behalf of the HSMM Group of Companies via the J.F. Foundation, said the scholarships will enable monks to study for a bachelor degree. The scholarship provider will cover all expenses incurred for travel, accommodation, food, tuition, visa fees, medical treatment and other needs including a monthly personal allowance. After the 2022-2031 agreement expires, the two parties will review the situation and assess the outcome of the scheme. Speakingat the MOU signing ceremony, Dr Sourioudong said the scholarships would contribute to the development of Buddhism through higher education. The study programme will also prepare monks for the opening of a Buddhist University in Laos in the future.