From June 9 to 13, 2025, the MKCF PRIME Project hosted a five-day Modular Training Program on Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation at the Mekong Institute (MI) in Khon Kaen, Thailand. The intensive and highly interactive program gathered 29 participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Republic of Korea (ROK), representing government agencies, universities, think tanks, international organizations, and development partners. Tailored for project implementing agencies (PIAs) under the Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), the training provided practical tools and hands-on skills to enhance participants’ capabilities in monitoring, evaluation, and project management.
Since its establishment in 2013, the MKCF has supported 61 development projects, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable cooperation among the five Mekong countries and the ROK. The Fund is aligned with the Mekong–ROK Plan of Action (2021–2025), which outlines seven priority sectors ranging from infrastructure to environment and human resource development.
The PRIME Project “Capacity Building on Regional Project Design, Implementation, Monitoring & Evaluation of MKCF Projects”—is implemented by MI as Fund Coordinator. It aims to boost institutional capacities and promote collaborative, cross-border initiatives that align with regional and national priorities.
Highlighting the Importance of MKCF
At the opening session, Ms. Mi Jung Im, MKCF Project Coordinator at MI, delivered welcome remarks on behalf of Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of MKCF and MI’s Trade and Investment Facilitation Department. She emphasized the training’s role under the PRIME Project and MKCF’s commitment to cross-border initiatives that address regional challenges. She stressed the importance of baseline data for proper monitoring and evaluation, essential to achieving
meaningful project impact. She also highlighted the need for alignment with the Mekong–ROK framework’s seven priority sectors to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development. Participants were encouraged to strengthen results-based management skills, refine logical frameworks, and engage in peer learning.
Training Objectives and Outcomes
The training was designed to enhance the capacities of PIAs under the MKCF. It focused on strengthening participants’ competencies in project planning, results-based management, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Participants developed practical skills in stakeholder engagement, data collection, and verification to improve the effectiveness of project tracking. The training also introduced PRIME-developed M&E tools, equipping participants to better manage and report project outcomes. Additionally, the sessions emphasized communication strategies to visually present project results and fostered regional collaboration and peer learning among MKCF stakeholders.
The training led to improved capacity across PIAs in applying results-based project management and enhanced M&E. Participants reported stronger strategies for engaging stakeholders and incorporating sustainability into their projects. Their ability to use PRIME’s standardized tools for effective reporting and decision-making was also enhanced. Furthermore, participants gained confidence in using visual storytelling to communicate project impacts.
The training featured customized group coaching sessions and a participatory approach that actively engaged participants in the learning process. It also included group discussions, hands-on activities, and peer review sessions on activity outputs, which provided opportunities for shared learning and practical application of concepts. Beyond technical skills, the training fostered a stronger sense of regional collaboration, helping build networks that support ongoing learning and cooperation across the MKCF community.
Looking Ahead: Sustained Impact and Follow-Up Support
The PRIME Project continues to support participating PIAs through virtual coaching, technical assistance, and post-training activities. These efforts are designed to ensure long-term impact and sustained alignment with the goals of MKCF.
As the Mekong–ROK Partnership marks over a decade of development cooperation, this training represents a pivotal step forward in empowering local partners and enhancing project quality and accountability across the region.
Contact
Ms. Wen Hao, MKCF-PRIME Project Manager
Trade and Investment Facilitation Department (TIF), Mekong Institute
