Officials from Mekong Timber Plantations Co., Ltd. gather with the four scholarship recipients.

Mekong Timber Plantations awards scholarships for tertiary education

Mekong Timber Plantations Co., Ltd. (MTP) has awarded scholarships to four high school graduates so they can continue their education in fields related to forestry and environmental sciences.
The scholarships were handed over at the company’s Vientiane Head Office on October 14, in a ceremony attended by MTP’s executives and managers, and students’ families.
MTP’s General Manager Nico Strydom presented the scholarships to the students.
Ms Pany Khounmany from Mahaxay district in Khammuan province will now study for a bachelor degree in community and rural development at the Faculty of Social Sciences, National University of Laos.
Mr Pano Soundala from Khounkham district in Khammuan province will study for a bachelor degree in forest economics and wood technology at the Faculty of Forestry Sciences, National University of Laos.
Mr Tiew Xaybounmy from Pakkading district in Borikhamxay province will take a bachelor degree in environmental technology at the Faculty of Environmental Science, National University of Laos, and Mr Thongdy Suliyapanya from Boualapha district in Khammuan province will study for a higher diploma in agricultural science at Khammuan Technical Vocational College.
Mr Strydom said he had high hopes for the high school graduates and was pleased that the company was able to award the scholarships to these deserving students.
“MTP is a very responsible, community-driven employer and we are overjoyed to be able to sponsor these students. We hope they’ll be diligent in their studies to make a difference in their communities in the future,” he said.
Mekong Timber Plantations manages a plantation estate in Laos with a focus on improving silvicultural practices and ensuring the business meets international best practices for responsible forest management.
The company has approximately 24,000 hectares of leased land in Borikhamxay and Khammuan provinces under a concession agreement.
In addition to being a leading company in responsible business practices, the company contributes greatly to the social development of surrounding communities by providing employment for local people.
Ms Pany Khounmany, a recipient of one of the scholarships, expressed gratitude on behalf of all the awardees, saying “I feel very happy and overwhelmed to attend the scholarship awards ceremony.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to MTP for giving us this incredible opportunity and supporting all of us. We are committed to studying and developing our knowledge. We hope the company will continue this level of support through these scholarships. I would like to wish all of you happiness and prosperity in your life and work.”

By Sisouphan Amphonephong
(Latest Update October 26, 2022)