GOVERNMENT OFFICERS JOIN INTENSIVE COURSE ON COMMUNICATION SKILLS CAPACITY BUILDING FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION

Innovation and Technological Connectivity

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.  

Related News

Scroll to Top

Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.