04/11/2026
Pleased to host the launch of “A Great Country is What Leaders Make of It” by Dr Anoulak Kittikhoun at the Laos-Singapore Cooperation Centre (LSCC) this week.
It was a pleasure to have H.E. Alounkeo Kittikhoun, distinguished guests and friends join us as Dr Anoulak explained the findings of his research done at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, which are encapsulated in his new book. Even while 🇸🇬 may have served as a source of inspiration for the book, Dr Anoulak’s intellectual pursuit in Singapore is ultimately premised on the search for developmental advancement for 🇱🇦, based perhaps on the shared perspectives between Singapore and Laos, and the lessons that both can learn from each other. Both countries need strong leadership in order to leverage our small populations and geographical situations in order to be relevant to the rest of the world. There is therefore scope for mutually-beneficial bilateral cooperation. In this regard, the setting for the book launch – the LSCC – exemplifies the Singapore-Lao PDR development partnership, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The people-to-people ties built by such cooperation catalyses cooperation in other areas. Dr Anoulak is a fine example – he is an alumnus of the Singapore Cooperation Programme - SCP, who has spent much time thinking how to deepen the friendship with Singapore, including from the time he was with the Mekong River Commission and suggesting a new capacity building programmes relevant for Lao officials.
Grateful that H.E. Saynakhone Inthavong and H.E. Pany Kindavong could also join us at the book launch.
My warmest congratulations to Dr Anoulak on the publication of the book!
OSG
