Ministry of Finance Laos (MOF LAOS)

My name is Monephaeng Thetsisoulath, and I am currently a Ph.D. student at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, majoring in Public Administration. I am originally from Laos and have worked for over a decade at the Ministry of Finance of the Lao PDR, where I have gained extensive experience in public financial management, budget execution, and policy coordination. My professional journey began in 2012 at the State Budget Department, where I served as secretary to the Director and Deputy Director in the In-Out Management Division. In 2013, I moved to the Central Budget Division and took on three key responsibilities: (1) guiding ministries in budget formulation, execution, and evaluation to ensure efficient and lawful use of public funds; (2) monitoring and controlling budget implementation to ensure timeliness and compliance with the approved national plan; and (3) overseeing revenue and expenditure performance to ensure ministries met or exceeded annual targets set by the National Assembly. From 2018 to 2020, I pursued my master’s degree in Public Administration and Economics at Yamaguchi University, Japan. Upon returning, I resumed work at the State Budget Department, focusing on revenue and expenditure reporting and analysis from 2018–2022. Between February 2022 and March 2023, I served in the Project Management Division of the Public Debt Management Department. There, I managed schedules for department leaders, monitored the implementation of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and loan-funded programs, and supported reporting in the DMFAS system. Since March 2023, I have been working in the Planning and Evaluation Division of the Public Debt Management Department. My current responsibilities include revising key laws and regulations related to public finance—such as the Law on Public Debt and financial regulations for official development grants. I also coordinate with international development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and JICA, to implement budget reform programs and improve expenditure planning, debt management, and payment policies. My mission is to contribute to the modernization and sustainability of public financial management in Laos by applying evidence-based, transparent, and accountable practices. My vision is to see a resilient and efficient financial system in Laos that supports inclusive development and responsible governance. Through my doctoral research, I aim to assess how competency-based human resource development can improve public financial performance, particularly within the Ministry of Finance. By combining academic knowledge and practical experience, I am committed to driving positive change in the public sector and strengthening Laos’ economic foundation for future generations.