Publications

Written by Mekong Institute

The three-year project (2012-14) on "Capacity Development Program for Integrating CLMV Economies into AEC" sponsored under the New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Aid Programme (NZAP) is being implemented by the Mekong Institute, Thailand.

The project aims to prepare the Mekong countries namely the CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) for the successful integration of their economic systems into the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015. Among five components of the project, the Trade and Investment Facilitation Department of MI is tasked with the implementation of two components namely: (i) integrating CLMV's Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) into ASEAN and Global Value Chains and (ii) increasing capacity of public and private sectors' organizations in trade policy development, Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) negotiation and implementation.

In order to provide adequate information for the project inception report and resultsoriented M&E plan, a need assessment study was conducted in the CLMV countries. The aim was to identify the roles and responsibilities of the relevant stakeholders and assess their capacities and identify gaps to define capacity building needs for developing a capacity development plan and capacity building packages and strategies to respond to the needs within the framework of NZAP Project.

The assessment reveals that the prospect for consortia and SME clusters formation in the CLMV countries is potentially high, especially for products in handicraft and agro-based sector. However, the promotion of these activities is relatively weak, specifically in Myanmar and Cambodia, due to lack of knowledge and support services.

The assessment study observed that in the CLMV countries, although FTAs and bilateral agreements, mostly through ASEAN, have been concluded, their advantages have not yet been fully realized by export-oriented SMEs. The awareness of FTAs and related policies both among governments and private sectors is relatively low. Very few trainings or workshops on these issues have been conducted or if any, the SMEs participation seems to be quite limited.

The functionaries of SME and trade promotion agencies both in the government and private sector attend a range of capacity building programmes. The top level management deals with policy level issues and attends regional and internal events such as forums, seminar and dialogues whereas the mid level functionaries attends specific training on skill improvement, awareness, subject specific topics and training of trainers both within and outside the country. The top management level of private sector body (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) is mostly engaged policy advocacy forums. For the mid level functionaries, the types of training range from WTO, trade negotiations, AEC integration, trade fair and participation in trade exhibitions. It is noticed that there has been no specific training on FTAs or any training directed towards utilization of FTAs by SMEs.

Though a range of trainings either on SME development or Trade development has been attended by the practitioners, it was reported that the scope for applying those skills has been significantly low. The trainings in most cases do not reflect the roles and responsibilities of the functionaries mostly in case of mid and junior level functionaries.

Another, hurdle in the acquisition of skill and knowledge in trainings outside the country is the skill level which is not at par with participants from other countries in addition to low English language capabilities mostly among the junior level functionaries. Further, it was observed that most of the trainings attended abroad are advanced in nature and are not in consistent with the requirements of day to day functions of the organizations.

However, the trainings provided within projects which are implemented by the organizations and funded by donors are relevant since these are built in programmes to enhance capabilities of the implementing agencies. The study also identifies key organizations as focal point in the project countries. The role of the key organizations would be to coordinate all activities specific to their organizational mandate, assist in target participant recruitment and follow up action plan implementation and other assigned roles.

The importance of SME development through cluster approach is gaining ground as noticed in case of Vietnam and Cambodia however the knowledge is still limited particularly among the mid level and lower functionaries in all the CLMV countries.

With regard to FTAs, the knowledge seems to be limited particularly its utilization by SMEs. There is no systematic approach or attempt made in any of these countries to enhance utilization of FTAs by the SMEs.

The study acknowledges the importance to build capacities of the functionaries for SME cluster development and on enhancing utilization of FTAs by the SMEs. Since the role and functions of levels of functionaries are different, the study suggested specific capacity development packages for different level of functionaries and devise strategies to implement the two components of the project for the remaining two years of the project phase.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute organized a one-week training course on "Facilitation as Core Competency" from 22-26 April 2013 at MI's training center in Khon Kaen, Thailand. There are 31 participants from Mekong Institute and 1 participant from Hess Thailand Limited. This practical training emphasized on advanced facilitation skills including a) Designing and delivering "capacity development" program b) "working with and through partners" and c) Facilitate learning session.

The training course covered 6 modules: (i) Working with and through partners (ii) Capacity Development Needs Assessment of Project Partners; (iii) Integration of Capacity Development Needs Assessment (CDNA) Plan (iv) Designing Capacity Development Interventions and (v) Effective Presentation Skills and (VI) Integration of Capacity Development Approaches.

The Six Modules were designed and delivered by using participatory approached where participants went through three progressive stages of 1- "Learn to do", the participants were provided knowledge on basic concepts and tools to be employed; 2- "`Do to learn", participants apply newly –acquired knowledge and skill in their work assignment with proper guidance from facilitator; and 3- "Share to Learn", participants got opportunities to present their group work and share their experiences to co-participants and facilitators. In addition, the participants were given the opportunity to appreciate the acquired knowledge and skills in a real-life situation which considered strategic management as key to their success.

Written by Mekong Institute

Economic and social development in the GMS is ultimately dependent on capable human resources which possess the knowledge and skills to recognize and address the development challenges facing the region. In 2012, the MI and the New Zealand Embassy, Bangkok, launched the Mekong Institute – New Zealand Ambassador's Scholarship (MINZAS) Program, to help build a critical mass of human resources in the GMS capable of meeting current and emerging regional issues.

The MINZAS program provides a four-phase structured learning program conducted over a one-year program-cycle for master's-level students from CLMT countries undertaking research for thesis topics related to regional development. Through the MINZAS program, recipients receive research funding, skills-development training and exposure to regional subject-matter experts through forums and training sessions.

This comprehensive program assists scholarship recipients to improve their theses through improved analytical and documentation skills. The program also grants valuable exposure to MI's extensive public, academic and private sector networks.

From March 4 to 27, 2013, MI welcomed the second batch of MINZAS scholarship recipients to its headquarters in Khon Kaen for a training course on research methodology; the first of four program sections. In total, twelve CLMT scholarship recipients attended the training course (three from Cambodia, three from Lao PDR, five from Myanmar, and one from Thailand), which drew on the expertise and experience of MI program staff and regional experts from Khon Kaen and Kasetsart Universities.

During the research methodology training course, scholarship recipients underwent four modules emphasizing the development of academically sound research proposals and as well as new research techniques to assist in fieldwork research projects.

The results of the overall evaluation for the learning program detailed herein reveal that participants were, on the whole, satisfied with the program content, resource persons, recreational activities and training management and delivery.

The sessions of the program were rated as "useful" by participants, who indicated that the knowledge and skills acquired therein could (and would) be applied to their fieldwork research projects. Through the four-week intensive learning course, participants developed new friendships and established region-wide networks. Fostering such connections promotes regional cooperation and stands as a consistent indirect benefit of all of its training courses and programs.

Though the participants were highly satisfied with the learning program, several comments were provided which will help to improve the program for the next MINZAS batch. These comments touched on the limited time for topics/lessons, difficulties involving the English language, data analysis, group discussions, the use of concrete examples, and field visits.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute conducted a ten-day learning program on "Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for the Junior Riparian Professionals (JRPs)" for 12 JRPs from line agencies of National Mekong Committees of the four lower Mekong Countries one JRP from Myanmar, the dialogue member country and one newly recruited professional staff of MRC Navigation Programme. The program, which was carried out on 14 to 25 January 2013 aimed to provide the participants with knowledge and skills used in integrated water resources management in the context of Mekong cooperation and to learn some of the emerging issues and development initiatives in the Mekong basin.

The learning program was designed and delivered using modular training approach wherein all participants went through three progressive stages: a) "Learn to do" – where participants are provided with the knowledge and tools to apply in their work; b) "Do to learn" – where participants can apply what they have learned in their assignments with proper coaching from resource persons; and c) "Share to learn" – where participants are given an opportunity to present their group works/findings and to share their learning experiences and lessons learned. To enhance the learning experience, a field visit to 4-Ps Basin Pilot Project1 in Kratie Province, Cambodia was organized to provide the participants a first-hand opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from the program.

The learning program comprised seven interrelated modules, namely, 1) Introduction to IWRM, 2) Mekong Water and Peoples, 3) Enabling Environment: Institutional Roles and National Regulatory Framework, 4) Management Tools: IWRM Planning, 5) Management Tools: Meaningful Engagement of Stakeholders in IWRM, 6) Management Tools: Using Indicators to Measure Progress and Performance, and 7) Other Development Initiatives in the Mekong Basin.

The key resource person who contributed to the design and delivery of the lectures throughout the learning program is Dr. Suchat Katima, Director of the Mekong Institute. Prior to the field visit of 4-Ps Basin Pilot Project in Kratie province, the participants were given the background information of the project by HE Watt Botkosal, Deputy Secretary General and National Coordinator for Basin Development Plan (BDP) and Mekong Integrated Water Resources Management Project (M-IWRMP).

The evaluations conducted throughout the program confirmed that the learning program was successful in attaining the training objectives and in meeting participants' expectations. Most of the participants were satisfied with the program as shown in the average rating by participants on the attainment of objectives at 4.58 and the attainment of participants' expectations at 4.54. Using a scale of 1 to 5, this indicated that participants found both objectives of the learning program and participants' expectations were fully attained. Recommendations for training improvement include the following: to encourage the participation of China to participate the program to foster cooperation and greater collaboration among the countries in the Mekong basin, to allocate more time for practice in the field visits, to provide location map before commencing the field visit, to provide time to discuss with local people during the field
visits; and to provide translators during the field visits.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Mekong Institute (MI) agreed to collaborate on a specific project to develop partnership and promote cooperation between the two parties. Two five-day Structured Learning Visits on "Farmerled Community Enterprises" were conducted from December 19
to 23, 2012 and January 9 to 13, 2013 for 70 district officials and farmers from Puok, Sotnikhom, Varin, Banteay Srei, Angkor Chum, Kralanh Districts under Green Belt project. The Structured Learning Visit aimed to provide first hand information and xpose participating e farmers in how Thai smallholder farmers and local producers add value to their products.

Three MI facilitators were involved in organizing the program, translating, facilitating discussions, and sharing experiences with the participants. The participants visited five places namely; Sriviroj Farm Co., Ltd. and Sum Sung Safe and Chemical Free Vegetable Growers Group in Khon Kaen province, Thalad Sour Fish Group in Nong Bua Lumphu province, Ban Jod Women Livelihood Development Group in Roi-et province, and Surin Rice Fund Organic Agriculture Cooperatives Ltd. in Surin province. At the end of each Structured Learning Visit, the participants presented their reflections on what they have learned, which practices they can apply when they return and what are the difficulties that prevent them from applying the gained knowledge.

The results of the evaluations conducted throughout the program showed that both Structured Learning Visits were successful both in attaining the program objective and meeting participants' expectations. Most of the participants were satisfied with the program as shown in the average rating by participants on the overall satisfaction to the program at 4.89. Using a scale of 1 to 5, this indicated that participants were fully satisfied with the program in terms of program design and contents, as well as the overall organization and management of the program. However, there were some
suggestions for improvement such as including field visits to poultry and swine farms and extending the duration of the program to 7 days.

The participants also indicated that this Structured Learning Visit encouraged them as farmers to take active action for their livelihood and requested to organize again next year.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Northern Uplands Rice-Based Farming Systems Research Project (NURiFaR), and Mekong Institute (MI) agreed to collaborate on a specific project to develop partnership and promote cooperation between the two parties. A five-day Structured Learning Visit on Farming Systems in Thailand was conducted from January 24 to 28, 2012 for 19 Lao government officials of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Lao PDR. The Structured Learning Visit aims to study Thailands Northeast Sufficiency Economy farming systems as well as the farming systems of rice, maize and peanut in Thailand.


Three MI facilitators were involved in organizing the program, facilitating discussions, and sharing experiences with the participants. The participants visited six places in Khon Kaen province and one place in Saraburi province, Thailand in order to enhance their understanding on the program contents and to apply the principles, processes, structures, and best practices learned during the entire visit. At the end of the Structured Learning Visit, the participants presented their reflections on the visit.


The results of the evaluation showed that the Structured Learning Visit was successful both in terms of program design and contents, as well as the overall organization and management. However, there were some suggestions for improvement on time management and quality of the bus.


The participants also indicated further training needs on: the principle of establishment of cooperatives and farmer groups, the process agricultural production including producing, processing and marketing, the indigenous knowledge from successful farmers, and the breeding techniques of rice and corn.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Training Program on Research Methodology was conducted at the MI Residential Training Center, Khon Kaen, Thailand from February 2-29, 2012. The training course is a part of the Mekong Institute New Zealand Ambassador Scholarship (MINZAS) Program under the New Zealand Aid Programme of the New Zealand Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. The training was designed and delivered using a modular training approach where participants went through three progressive stages: a) Learn to do the participants were provided knowledge on concepts, techniques and tools to be employed; b) Do to learn the participants applied what they learned in their work assignments with proper coaching from assigned MI advisors; and c) Share to learn participants got an opportunity to present their group works/findings and share their learning experiences and lessons learned.


Upon the completion of the four-week training course, all participants developed a research proposal that incorporates the knowledge and skills acquired on problem identification, defining research objectives, formulating research hypotheses and developing a conceptual/theoretical framework. A concrete research plan for their Masters Degree thesis research, with accompanying work plan and budgetary requirements, were also prepared.


Twelve Masters Degree students from four GMS countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand) attended the training course. One external resource person was invited to provide lectures, facilitate discussions, and guide the participants throughout the entire process of proposal development together with three other internal resource persons from MI. The training was conducted in a challenging maner. Each research topic (proposal) has been hotly discussed, corrected, narrowed down and changed. However, at the end of the training program, with the help from MI internal advisors, all the participants completed the training course successfully and came up with a clear research proposal for their Masters Degree thesis.


The results of the overall evaluation for this learning program revealed that the participants were highly satisfied with the program contents, resource persons, recreational activities as well as training management and delivery. The sessions of the program were rated as useful by the participants and their acquired knowledge and skills could be applied in their Masters Degree thesis research. Moreover, throughout the four-week intensive learning course, the participants developed friendships and established networks among GMS researchers which is one of the objectives of MI in promoting regional cooperation.


Though the participants were highly satisfied with the learning program, several comments were provided by them for further program improvement. These comments touched on the limited time for topics/lessions, the English language, data analyzing, group discussions, concrete examples, and field visits.

Written by Mekong Institute

Under the project on Enhancing Provincial and Local Chambers of Commerce Capacities in Trade and Investment Facilitation along East-West Economic Corridor, the Mekong Institute (MI) in collaboration with Japan ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) conducted a five-day Workshop cum Structured Learning Visit on Agriculture Sector Value Chains and SME Export Consortia from 26 to 30 March 2012. The workshop was held at Mekong Institute Residential Training Center, Khon Kaen City and the structured learning visits was arranged to study agriculture value chains in Nakhon Ratchasima and Export Consortia in Central Provinces of Thailand.


The training was attended by 25 participants comprising of executive members of CCIs, SME processors and business owners from Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

The structured learning visit aims to encourage small scale agricultural production groups to add value to their products and connect the SMEs into Regional Value Chains through collaboration and business tie ups to form export consortiums.


Five MI facilitators were involved in organizing the program, facilitating discussions and sharing experiences with the participants. The participants visited Nakhon Ratchsima, Ayutthaya, Nakornpathom and Bangkok provinces in Thailand and interacted with potential investors and shared experiences to identify business prospects. At the end of the Structured Learning Visit, the participants presented their reflections on the visit.

To understand the effectiveness and challenges of the workshop, different evaluation methods were employed for assessment. The result of the evaluation shows that participants were highly satisfied with the program. They also regarded the resource persons as effective in helping them to understand the contents of the training.


From the result of the pre- and post-training self-evaluation, it is clear that there is significant improvement participants knowledge in agricultural value chain and SME cluster development. Therefore, the training is considered achieving its objectives the fact which is also proved by the result of workshop evaluation. (Please see evaluation part of the report for details).


The results of the evaluation showed that the workshop was successful both in terms of program design and contents and overall organization and management. According to the participants, such a program should be organized more frequently in the future.

Written by Mekong Institute

Component 3 of the Flood Management and Mitigation Programme focuses on enhancing MRC Cooperation and capacity in facilitating and coordinating the process of addressing differences on transboundary issues in general and transboundary flood issues in particular based on the needs of individual parties. The overall objectives were awareness raising, knowledge and skills building on addressing differences and disputes, transboundary flood issues and strengthening cooperation.

The Capacity Building Programme has been implemented during the period 2009-2011, in which the Phase I organised training workshops and exchange study visits to GMS and Europe. Phase II organized training workshops and pilot study which aimed at applying knowledge and skills gained from the training workshops.


Following the completion of the Phase II, a test of Phase III has been initiated by enabling the National University/ Academic Institute of MRC member countries, with the assistance of the International Consultant from UNESCO-IHE to conduct a National Training Workshop for the representatives of NMCs and its relevant Line Agencies.


The evaluation results of this test will be used for a full-fledged Phase III design and implementation.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute organized a two-week training course on Development Project Management from 21 May 1 June 2012 at MIs residential training center in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Twenty-nine participants from four Ministries of the Royal Government of Cambodia attended the training. This training was designed to build capacity of Cambodian government agencies, mid-level to senior government officials, to implement effectively on development project management. The training was funded by Thailand International Development and Cooperation Agency (TICA) under the 11th Project of Academic Cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia.

The training course covered five modules; (i) Setting the Context and Expectations; (ii) Project Initiation: Project Conceptualization and Identification; (iii) Project Planning and Design; (iv) Project Implementation, Monitoring, Controlling, and Evaluation; and (v) Project Completion. These five modules were designed and delivered by using participatory approaches where participants went through three progressive stages of 1- Learn to do, the participants were provided knowledge on basic concepts and tools to be employed; 2- Do to learn, after completing deliberation on the concept and tools, the participants were given assignments to identify, design and formulate a real or hypothetical development project/program. During this implementation stage, the working group members were required to consult with the assigned trainer/mentor regularly; and 3- Share to learn, participants got opportunities to present their group work and share their experiences to co-participants and facilitators.

In addition, the participants were given the opportunity to appreciate the acquired knowledge and skills from real situation by visiting villages, farmer cooperative, producer organization and a company in Thailand which considered project management as key to their success. The results of the overall evaluation for this training program revealed that the participants were very satisfied with the course content and found the topics covered highly relevant to their work. Moreover, participants highly appreciated the facilitators and the training methods used. Participants also rated score at very good for opportunity to discuss with the host communities, village leaders, farmers cooperative and private company to learn from the success and extensive experiences of these organizations. During the two-week training course, the participants developed friendships and established network among professionals from different Ministries.