Hi, everyone! My name is Toto OUTAMAVONGSA. I am a student from Lao PDR and I study at the National University of Laos (NUOL), Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering. First of all, I would like to thank you SSC for giving me a good opportunity for learning new experiences in a big country like Japan. I received many opportunities, such as the student exchange scholarship from Lao PDR. In 2016, I received the JENESYS scholarship from the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) to become an exchange student representing Lao PDR in Japan. In Fukuoka prefecture, I witnessed the conceptual and environmental development, and what impressed me was the management of urban planning, waste management, transportation, public transportation, and disaster prevention.

In 2019, under the Sakura Science program, I was re-elected by the NUOL to represent the Lao PDR as an exchange student at the Kyoto Institute of Technology. I also joined as a member of the Sakura Science Club. One thing that interested me was the construction of the Kansai Airport. Kyoto is a city rich in history and is constantly working on urban development. Conservation makes the city lively and creative. This has resulted in systematic urban planning, creating a conservation area for nature and preserving architecture.

Finally, I would like to wish the younger generation in Laos and abroad who are interested in joining the program, to be motivated and to develop themselves to become members of SSC. I hope they can gain a good experience from the tour in Japan. If you have any questions you can contact me to share the good experience.