As part of its commitment to furthering regional cooperation in the Lancang-Mekong region, MI in collaboration with the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, P.R. China, organized a two-week intensive regional training on ‘Mid-Level Communication Skill Capacity Building for Regional Cooperation and Integration in Lancang-Mekong Region.’ The training was held on September 3-13, 2018 at the MI Residential Training Center in Khon Kaen, Thailand, bringing together 26 government officials and staff of state-owned companies from Yunnan Province, China as well as other officers working in foreign affairs agencies in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.  

The training aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills in undertaking inter-country cooperation work primarily by strengthening their communication capacities. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of English and the skills required for it as a communication language, such as public speaking, report writing and storytelling, as well as techniques to improve English language proficiency and interpretation.

Speaking to the group at the training’s opening, MI Executive Director Dr. Watcharas Leelawath said that regional cooperation work requires having to communicate with many people and partners outside the country. “Effective communication is very important,” he noted, and the lessons to be imparted in the training are part of what may be considered lifelong learning.

Mr. Zhang Wei, a participant from P.R. China, shared that the training has taught them practical skills that can be directly adapted to their job. Meanwhile, Mr. Wiraj Sripong, participant from Thailand, remarked on the training as a platform for networking. “It’s a very good experience as you start to create your own network…it is the kind of network that will last for the rest of your career. This training provides a platform for connection, at the same time, you have the opportunity to learn how to improve your skills in public speaking, in doing summaries, writing,” he explained.

A similar training was organized in June this year targeting senior government officers and staff.