ILO/China South-South Cooperation strengthens Lao teachers' skills for smart agriculture

VIENTIANE (ILO News) – Teachers at the Vientiane-Hanoi Friendship Technical and Vocational College in the Lao People's Democratic Republic have strengthened their capacity to deliver high-quality technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in emerging technologies through a specialized training programme supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the ILO/China Partnership Programme on Skill Development.

Fifteen teachers, including five women, acquired advanced skills in Internet of Things (IoT)-based Smart Agriculture Systems at the training, held at the Vientiane-Hanoi Friendship Technical and Vocational College, on 21–23 July 2026.

Delivered by experts from China’s Guangxi Business and Trade Technician College, the programme equipped participants with practical skills in IoT fundamentals, IoT development and applications, smart agriculture systems, and smart greenhouse technologies, enabling them to deliver related courses within their own institution.

Participants also received hands-on training in ThingsPanel Modbus RTU, sensor and actuator configuration, data visualization and automated system configuration.

In addition to technical competencies, the programme introduced innovative approaches to classroom management, practical learning and teaching methodologies.

Organized under the ILO/China Partnership Programme on Skill Development, the initiative aims to upskill and strengthen teachers' expertise in intelligent systems while encouraging greater participation of women in technical education. By passing on their newly acquired knowledge and skills, participants will help prepare young women and men for employment opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital and green economies.

"This training has greatly benefited the Vientiane–Hanoi Friendship Technical and Vocational College by enhancing the quality of teaching, learning and management through modern technology while responding to the needs of both domestic and international labour markets. The knowledge gained will help develop teachers and students with advanced skills and global competitiveness," said Khamdy Boutthakhanh, Director of the Vientiane–Hanoi Friendship Technical and Vocational College.

Cen Jinhua, Vice President of Guangxi Business and Trade Technician College, proposed using the training as a foundation for developing bilingual "Chinese + IoT Technology" teaching materials that integrate language learning with technical education. He also suggested transforming expertise in areas such as e-commerce and artificial intelligence into modular training packages, further strengthening collaboration between the two colleges through South-South Cooperation.

The programme demonstrates how the ILO/China South-South Cooperation supports countries in strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems through peer learning, institutional partnerships and the sharing of industry-oriented expertise.

By connecting Chinese technical institutions with TVET partners in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the initiative contributes to building a skilled workforce capable of responding to technological transformation and the evolving demands of the labour market.

© ILO

© ILO