What is JAOL?
The Lao Alumni Association from Japan (abbreviated as “JAOL”) is a collective of members of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association, with a branch within the Department of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was officially established on May 11, 2001. In 2012, it became a member of ASCOJA (ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni) and became part of the executive committee of ASJA (Asia Japan Alumni).
The members of JAOL are former Lao students who studied in various educational institutions in Japan for more than six months. Membership is voluntary and open to all, with approximately 600 members in 2023, many of whom have received scholarships from MEXT, JDS, JICA, YLP, and others. Since its establishment over 20 years ago, JAOL members have continuously engaged in various activities, contributing to the development of the association. The association has evolved in line with the changing times, adapting to both domestic and global conditions. Under the leadership of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association and the central executive committee of JAOL, members have actively participated in different initiatives, achieving ongoing success.
The objectives of JAOL
Promote unity and mutual support within the community.
Contribute to the development of the Lao economy and society.
Contribute to various activities to enhance Lao-Japan and ASEAN-Japan relations.
The activities of JAOL
The main activities of JAOL in the past have included: Study in Japan Fairs, Japan Festival in Laos, Indoor Sports Events, Meetings with Japanese Nationals, Fundraising for Earthquake Relief in Tohoku and Kumamoto, ASCOJA Conference, ASJA-ASCOJA Symposium, ASJA Junior, ASJA MEXT Scholarship, Toshiba Youth Club Asia and Other Activities.
The main activities of JAOL include organizing various events and initiatives such as basketball tournaments for Laos alumni, the Japan Festival, the “Give our love to Japan” fundraising campaign, and donations of clothes and supplies for flood victims in Vientiane and Oudomxay provinces. They also engage in tree planting for the younger generation, language exchange programs between Laos and Japan, diplomatic celebrations of Laos-Japan relations, and sports competitions like the badminton tournament and volleyball matches. Additionally, JAOL has been involved in blood donation drives, fundraising for natural disasters such as the Kumamoto disaster in Japan, business development within JAOL, and COVID-19 relief efforts, along with other annual activities.
Lao