From May 18 to 23, Associate Professor Viengsakoun Napasirth from the National University of Laos (NUOL) led a delegation to the Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ISA-CAS), at the invitation of Dr. Yan Qiongxian from the ISA-CAS Livestock Healthy Breeding and Agro-ecological Complementary System Research Center. The visit focused on academic exchange and specialized training in microbial experimental techniques.

The training program was designed for young scientists from Laos and Thailand, as well as graduate students from ISA-CAS. It covered fundamental theories and core operational skills in microbiology through a combination of lectures, experimental demonstrations, and hands-on practice. The curriculum aimed to strengthen trainees’ practical abilities in key areas such as microbial isolation, cultivation, and identification.

On the first day, Dr. Yan provided a systematic overview of the training content, detailing essential techniques including laboratory protocols, microbial inoculation, cultivation and observation, strain purification, and methods for identification and preservation. This helped participants develop a structured understanding of microbiological experimentation. Graduate student Zhou Zhixuan then guided the delegation on a tour of the microbiology laboratories, introducing the functions and applications of commonly used instruments. International student Delowar Hossain demonstrated standard procedures for microbial inoculation, streaking, and single-colony selection. Trainees from Laos and Thailand actively participated in the practical sessions, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment.

During their stay, the NUOL delegation also visited the high-tech enterprise Hunan Baiyi Technology Group Co., Ltd., located in the National Liuyang Economic and Technological Development Zone. The group was welcomed by Chairman Luo Wenfeng, President Du Sailong, and International Affairs Manager Yang Wei, who held productive discussions with the visitors. Associate Professor Viengsakoun Napasirth introduced the Faculty of Agriculture at NUOL, including its development history, disciplinary structure, and his personal research focus. He also shared insights into the current status and technological needs of Laos' feed industry. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on potential collaboration in areas such as academic visits, joint graduate programs, technology transfer, the establishment of overseas joint laboratories, and the development of international cooperation projects targeting Belt and Road partner countries, including Laos, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Several points of consensus were reached.

This visit reflects ISA-CAS’s active commitment to supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthening agricultural scientific and technological cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. Through technical training, enterprise visits, and partnership discussions, both sides clarified future directions for cooperation in talent cultivation, technology sharing, and joint research platforms. The exchange has laid a solid foundation for potential collaboration in international projects, joint postgraduate training, and the establishment of overseas research bases.

Dr. Yan Qiongxian delivered the theoretical lecture

Zing Vhannavong conducted hands-on practice

The trainees displayed the inoculated microbial culture plates

The delegation visited Hunan Baiyi Technology Group Co., Ltd