Lao Responsible Business Awards 2026 Recognizes Businesses Driving Lasting Social and Environmental Impact
Vientiane, Lao PDR – Launched in 2021, the Lao Responsible Business Awards (RBA) recognize and promote excellence in ethical and sustainable business practices across various sectors in Laos. This annual initiative highlights the private sector's profound contribution to environmental stewardship and social impact, proving that responsible conduct is key to long-term business success.
Addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the business environment, the 2026 Awards focused on two vital themes: Natural Resource Management and Diversity and Inclusion. Each theme recognized achievements in two categories: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Large Enterprises. This underscores that businesses of all sizes can drive meaningful change.
The event, hosted at the Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane, was a vibrant celebration bringing together more than 200 attendees. It set a new standard for accessibility and diversity: the entire ceremony featured live sign language interpretation to fully integrate the hearing-impaired. A dynamic trade fair featuring 50 exhibitors showcased sustainable initiatives, services and products. Many exhibitors presented strong examples of social inclusion, whether within corporate structures, communities, or organizations advocating for disability rights, creating synergy between the participants' activities and the forum's overarching vision.
The evening began with an encouraging speech by Mr. Vanthong Sithikoun, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI). Following this, the highly anticipated awards were presented. From 13 shortlisted candidates, the four winners were selected based on four rigorous criteria: Impact, Innovation, Stakeholder Engagement, and Sustainability.
In the realm of Natural Resource Management, the awards celebrated pioneers who are actively shaping environmental stewardship in Laos. The SME category was awarded to Lao Chaluen Recycling, a company demonstrating immense innovation and measurable impact. By operating advanced waste sorting and Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) production systems, they successfully transform non-recyclable waste into a valuable energy resource for industrial use. The award was presented by Cashel Gleeson, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Vientiane. This presentation was particularly meaningful, as it deeply reflects the United Kingdom's strong global commitment to environmental preservation and the advancement of a circular economy.
In the Large Business category, Laos Buffalo Dairy was awarded for its highly sustainable business model. By renting lactating buffalo from local farmers, they have ingeniously turned an underutilized resource into a reliable new income stream, all while ensuring that animal ownership remains securely with the farmers. Ms. Caitlin Sievert, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Canada to Laos, presented the award, underscoring Canada's deep-rooted dedication to responsible, innovative, and inclusive agricultural development.
In the Diversity and Inclusion theme, which recognizes companies actively break down systemic barriers, the SME award went to Vanmai Coffee Cooperative, which showcased exceptional stakeholder engagement. This community-owned cooperative has successfully supported rural families to transition away from opium growing, all while actively empowering women in decision-making roles. H.E. Mark Gallagher, the EU Ambassador to Lao PDR, presented the prize, emphasizing the alignment between the cooperative's grassroots mission and the European Union's foundational values of human rights, gender equality, and community empowerment.
Finally, the Large Business category was won by Panyathip British International School (PBIS). Operating with a vibrant community comprising staff from 22 nationalities and students from 33 countries, PBIS demonstrated real social impact through student-led Corporate Social Responsibility projects. These initiatives generated meaningful, lasting change for local children in need. As a fitting tribute to these shared values, the award was presented by Ms. Benita Sommerville, Australia's Deputy Head of Mission.
The 2026 Lao Responsible Business Award was organized jointly by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCIL), the Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham), the British Business Group in Laos, The Embassy of Canada in Laos, and Civitas Co., The organizers extend a special thanks to the 2026 edition sponsors: The Skills for Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry Programme which is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports, and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, The Delegation of the European Union, The British Embassy, The Embassy of Canada in Laos, The Australian Embassy, Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane, Lao Brewery Company and Katalyst Partners.