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Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong observed during a visit to Vientiane earlier in October that many student groups visit Laos for such community efforts, as part of “growing people-to-people ties that anchor" the friendship between the two countries. There has been “rising interest in volunteerism in Laos, with it being one of the most popular destinations for Singaporean youth, even more so than Cambodia and the Philippines”, said Ms Joyce Yu, head of international programmes at non-profit YMCA of Singapore. For 19-year-old Riley Kang from SP's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Laos' appeal was in its rich cultural heritage and complex history. “As one of the most heavily bombed countries in history, Laos still grapples with limited infrastructure and the dangers of unexploded ordnance in rural areas." Ms Kang said the situation "forced us to think on our feet, be adaptable and patient, and rely on non-verbal communication such as hand gestures, drawings, and demonstrations". Her team also learnt basic Laotian phrases, which helped build mutual respect and deeper connections with their hosts.

[Channel News Asia Online]