With generous support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), On 25 September, 2025, Laos-Japan Human Resource Development Institute (LJI), , held LJI SUSU Scale-Up (batch 3) ‘‘Business Plan Competition” together with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Vientiane and Department of MSME Promotion (DOMSMEP) under Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC).
In July 2021, LJI launched the LJI SUSU Scale-Up initiative. The program is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of participating companies while fostering cross-border business linkages—particularly between Lao enterprises and international partners, including those from Japan.
LJI SUSU Scale-Up (batch 3) ‘‘Business Plan Competition” was opened by the remarks of H.E. Mr. Tsutomu Koizumi Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Lao PDR, Mr. Nobuyuki Kobe Senior Representative, JICA Laos Office, Dr. Malaykham Philaphone, Deputy Director General, DOMSMEP under Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and Dr. Phonekeo Chanthamaly, Director of Laos-Japan Human Resource Development Institute (LJI).
Out of nearly 70 applicants, 14 companies were selected to participate in the LJI SUSU business plan competition event on 25 September, after 1.5 months of brushing up their business models and plans under the guidance of competent mentors from Laos, Japan and Thailand, seeking business collaboration and other opportunities.
At the end of the competition, the following companies received JICA Awards and some awards from potential investors such as LOCA Award in recognition of their tremendous efforts to bring more value to the Lao society.
JICA Awards
- Talaew Craft and Sustainble Design Center
2. Sa-ard D Self-service car wash
3. SensorClouds
4. Print Square 3D printing solutions
5. The Green Mushroom
LOCA Award:
Sa-ard D Self-service car wash
SensorClouds
LJI SUSU Scale-UP business plan competition was implemented in the hybrid style (both online and offline) and more than 150 business representatives from Laos and Japan, including more than 16 potential business collaborators including investors, attended.
LJI is excited to see further growth of LJI SUSU participating companies and work with them closely to bring even more value to the Lao society.
LJI SUSU Scale-Up (batch3) is sponsored by Maruhan Japan Bank Lao and Techsauce.
About Laos-Japan Human Resource Development Institute (LJI):
Founded in 2001 under the National University of Laos, the Laos-Japan Human Resource Development Institute (LJI) has trained over 20,000 people across public and private sectors. Its programs—MBA, Keieijuku (Japanese-style management), Japanese language, and tailored business training—are designed to meet evolving societal needs and support Laos’s development.