BDG Journal

BlueGrass Design Group first journal showcasing the best works and collaborations the company did for the past 22 years. BlueGrass Design Group first journal showcasing the best works and collaborations the company did for the past 22 years.

31.07.2018 Views

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL JUNE 2018 : NOT FOR SALE BUS SHELTER Shaping the Landscape of Vientiane Capital CREATIVE DESIGN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OUT-OF-HOME MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING Transforming business by design Exclusive designs for exclusive clients For businesses that want to be seen Connecting the dots in your projects

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

JUNE 2018 : NOT FOR SALE<br />

BUS SHELTER<br />

Shaping the Landscape of Vientiane Capital<br />

CREATIVE DESIGN<br />

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OUT-OF-HOME MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING<br />

Transforming business by design Exclusive designs for exclusive clients For businesses that want to be seen Connecting the dots in your projects


BlueGrass Design Group is the oldest established<br />

design communication consultancy in Laos offering<br />

more than 20 years of creative design and digital<br />

marketing services in addition to out-of-home<br />

advertising media.


His Excellency Savankhone Rajmountry, Vice Minister of Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism<br />

A Letter from the<br />

Ministry of Information,<br />

Culture and Tourism<br />

The eyes of the world are upon Laos<br />

as we emerge from a successful year<br />

hosting the ASEAN Summit and now<br />

celebrate the official Visit Laos year. It<br />

is crucial that the image we portray is<br />

one that reflects the true beauty of our<br />

country, our people and our culture.<br />

With the growth of the internet and the<br />

speed at which news and information is<br />

shared online, we have seen an increase<br />

in interest in our small, landlinked<br />

nation with the growth of tourism and<br />

visitors every year.<br />

BlueGrass has been a strong<br />

supporter of our work at the Ministry<br />

of Information, Culture and Tourism<br />

for many years and we are proud to<br />

continue to work together to improve<br />

the image of our nation and increase<br />

interest from the world. This, in turn,<br />

translates to economic growth and<br />

stability for our nation and improved<br />

lives for our people.<br />

As a leader in the outdoor advertising<br />

business, BlueGrass has done well<br />

in maintaining standards to keep the<br />

visual impact clean and ensured that<br />

content respects our laws concerning<br />

cultural sensitivity and language.<br />

We are proud to have developed a<br />

strong relationship with a partner that<br />

believes in our mission and shares our<br />

goals. I look forward to more future<br />

cooperation with BlueGrass in the<br />

years to come.<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


for the outdoor billboard advertising<br />

media spaces.<br />

BlueGrass has not only managed their<br />

services in a professional manner,<br />

they have also worked to support the<br />

airport management teams to ensure<br />

the surrounding areas are landscaped<br />

and presentable to the public and our<br />

inbound visitors. The first impression<br />

of our city is one we can all be very<br />

proud of.<br />

His Excellency Dr. Santisouk Simmalavong, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport<br />

A Letter from the<br />

Ministry of Public Works<br />

and Transport<br />

For the past several years Ministry<br />

of Public Works and Transport had<br />

been working closely and effectively<br />

with BlueGrass Design group as a<br />

Lao-owned company that performs<br />

professionally with results that meet<br />

or exceed international standards.<br />

In addition to the new, modern bus<br />

shelters that they have installed in<br />

the Vientiane Capital, we have also<br />

worked with BlueGrass for more<br />

than 15 years at Wattay International<br />

Airport as the sole concession holder<br />

Over the years, BlueGrass has<br />

supported various other ministries<br />

efforts aimed at improving lives of<br />

people in Laos such as the annual road<br />

safety campaign. Their willingness<br />

to always support our efforts<br />

encourages us in our daily work as<br />

we strive towards emerging as a more<br />

developed nation.<br />

As Laos continues to grow, we are<br />

thankful that we have partners such<br />

as BlueGrass to continue to work<br />

with us as partners as we - all Lao<br />

people - build this country together<br />

for a better and prosperous future.<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


most important is to increase public<br />

safety by being the designated spot<br />

for the city busses to board and alight<br />

passengers. The new shelters are<br />

illuminated in the evenings to double<br />

as a safe-zone for people. BlueGrass<br />

also deploys maintenance crews daily<br />

to ensure the cleanliness of all shelter.<br />

The new bus shelter will also be<br />

equipped with free WIFI by Planet<br />

Online and GPS systems by JICA that<br />

will help commuters save time by<br />

providing more accurate bus arrival<br />

times. These services, coordinated by<br />

BlueGrass Design Group, will greatly<br />

improve public transport services in<br />

Vientiane Capital, and in turn increase<br />

commuter confidence in the public<br />

transport system.<br />

His Excellency Keophilavanh Aphaylath, Deputy Mayor of Vientiane Capital<br />

A Letter from the<br />

Deputy Mayor of Vientiane<br />

Capital<br />

Vientiane Capital is very proud to<br />

partner with BlueGrass Design Group<br />

in our efforts to improve the public<br />

transport system, reduce traffic<br />

congestion and lower the carbon<br />

footprint of our historic city with the<br />

installation of the new bus shelters<br />

throughout the capital city.<br />

In addition to improving the visual<br />

landscape of our growing city, the<br />

new bus shelters in Vientiane Capital<br />

by BlueGrass Design Group serve<br />

the community in many ways, the<br />

BlueGrass has also generously<br />

donated 2 billion kip worth of<br />

advertising space at the new bus<br />

shelters to promote Visit Laos Year<br />

2018, helping to increase awareness<br />

of this important year for Laos. This<br />

will, we also hope, increase domestic<br />

tourism throughout the country and<br />

help boost the economy.<br />

We strongly encourage residents and<br />

visitors to join us in taking advantage<br />

of the Vientiane City State Bus<br />

Enterprise city bus system to help us<br />

reduce traffic congestion in our city<br />

and lower environmental pollution.<br />

Together, we can keep Vientiane<br />

Capital green and clean.<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


VIENTIANE CITY<br />

BUS SHELTERS<br />

UNVEILED<br />

The new Vientiane city bus shelters<br />

were unveiled to the public on March<br />

28, 2018, in the presence of Deputy<br />

Mayor of Vientiane Capital H.E. Mr<br />

Keophilavanh Aphaylath, Deputy<br />

Minister of Ministry of Public Works<br />

and Transport H.E. Dr. Santisouk<br />

Simmalavong and Deputy Minister<br />

of Ministry of Information, Culture<br />

and Tourism H.E. Mr. Savankhone<br />

Rajmountry.<br />

The shelters were developed in<br />

partnership with the Vientiane City<br />

State Bus Enterprise, JICA and the<br />

Department of Public Works and<br />

Transport and were designed to<br />

improve public safety by serving as<br />

designated spot for the city busses to<br />

board and alight passengers, and are<br />

illuminated in the evenings to double<br />

as a safe-zone for people.<br />

The new bus shelter will also be<br />

equipped with free WIFI by Planet<br />

Online and GPS systems by JICA that<br />

will help commuters save time by<br />

providing more accurate bus arrival<br />

times. These services will greatly<br />

improve public transport services in<br />

Vientiane Capital, and in turn increase<br />

commuter confidence in the public<br />

transport system.<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


T H E B L U E G R A S S S T O R Y<br />

In 1996, when three former Telstra Laos<br />

colleagues Billie Ganendran, Michele<br />

Horne and Praseuth Banchongphakdy<br />

realised the need for professional<br />

design and communications services<br />

in Vientiane, they decided to establish<br />

an agency to fill that void in Laos.<br />

Billie Ganendran and Michele Horne<br />

were both Australians who were living<br />

in Laos with their husbands. Billie’s<br />

husband John was the civil engineer<br />

responsible for the construction of<br />

the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge while<br />

Michele’s husband Peter was the lead<br />

of Forages Smallholder Project. Both<br />

women were working with Telstra<br />

Laos when news of the branch closure<br />

left them seeking options to keep<br />

themselves busy.<br />

Praseuth had returned to Laos three<br />

years prior to 1996 after studying<br />

design and architecture in Australia.<br />

He worked for various design houses<br />

including Ogilvy in Sydney, Australia,<br />

and was initially on vacation when<br />

he landed a job with Telstra. He had,<br />

by then, also fallen in love with the<br />

country of his birth and decided that<br />

he wanted to find a way to stay in<br />

Laos to contribute to its future.<br />

Together, they decided to establish<br />

BlueGrass in October 1996 with Billie<br />

overseeing the administration and<br />

public relations, Michele managing IT<br />

and Praseuth heading design services.<br />

They rented a small shophouse on<br />

Rue Nokeo Koummane where Mixay<br />

Boutic is now located, and began the<br />

long, arduous process of applying for<br />

their business licence.<br />

The trio soon discovered that<br />

the journey towards achieving<br />

their dream of becoming the first<br />

communication design/advertising<br />

company in the country would to be<br />

long and tedious, and that the path<br />

before them was paved with many<br />

obstacles. To begin with, the Lao word<br />

for advertising was the very same<br />

word used for propaganda! These<br />

activities were strictly reserved for<br />

the government and party. Praseuth<br />

spent months working with Lao<br />

officials to show them that BlueGrass<br />

was strictly interested in nonpropaganda<br />

activities – commercial<br />

advertising – and assured them<br />

that there was actually a distinct<br />

difference between the two. After<br />

seven months of persistence and<br />

unwavering determination, the trio<br />

received their business license.<br />

Today, for lack of better Lao<br />

terminology, advertising is referred<br />

to as “propaganda commercial.”<br />

The first project the company<br />

secured was from UNICEF. They were<br />

tasked with producing a directory<br />

of communications services in Laos<br />

including photographers, information<br />

on printers, event organisers and<br />

design specialists. The team quickly<br />

found that businesses in Laos were not<br />

familiar with directories and hesitant to<br />

share information or details about their<br />

businesses with foreigners.<br />

Praseuth had, by then,<br />

fallen in love with the<br />

country of his birth and<br />

decided that he wanted to<br />

find a way to stay in Laos<br />

to contribute to its future<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


At the helm of BlueGrass are a father and<br />

son team, two generations of alumni from<br />

Sydney’s Billy Blue College of Design with very<br />

different passions in life. Founder Praseuth<br />

Banchongphakdy draws inspiration from<br />

his love for culture, arts and traditional Lao<br />

handicrafts, while Chief Business Development<br />

Officer Kiriya Banchongphakdy is more business<br />

oriented – a combination that will take<br />

BlueGrass to the next level.<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


Three years later, Billie and Michele<br />

left Laos. Both Peter Evans and Peter<br />

Loone of Planet Internet, together with<br />

Bertrand Lacherie and Thanousone<br />

Phonamath entered the business and<br />

started up the Gold Pages company.<br />

With the entry of both Peter Evans and<br />

Peter Loone at this time, BlueGrass<br />

and Planet Internet also entered into<br />

an informal partnership. Business<br />

boomed and with about 40 staff on<br />

board, BlueGrass had to move to a<br />

bigger office in 1997 next to where True<br />

Coffee on Setthathirath Road is today.<br />

In late 1998, BlueGrass established<br />

its Out-of-Home Media division and<br />

Praseuth was advised to move into the<br />

office at Wat Chanh by His Excellency<br />

Ambassador Plathana Choulamany,<br />

Honorary Chairman of BlueGrass and<br />

the individual responsible for guidance<br />

and advice on how to succeed in Laos.<br />

Together with his spouse Mae Viengxay<br />

and his family, HE Plathana continued<br />

to help guide BlueGrass until his<br />

passing in 1999.<br />

The establishment of the Out-of-Home<br />

Media division presented a new set of<br />

challenges to the team at BlueGrass. It<br />

became clear then that advertising in<br />

Laos was in its infancy then, with laws<br />

that made it difficult for advertisers<br />

to convey their brand and message<br />

effectively. Limitation on colour use<br />

and restrictions on female models<br />

in advertising were among the few<br />

obstacles advertisers were challenged<br />

with. Regulations also required<br />

advertisers to translate their brand<br />

into Lao language, making it difficult<br />

for advertisers such as Sony, Nokia<br />

and others to comply with established<br />

corporate identity guides.<br />

However, Praseuth was never one<br />

to shy away from challenges and<br />

set out to work with the authorities<br />

to help them understand how<br />

creating commercial advertising<br />

opportunities for investors will benefit<br />

the economic health and growth<br />

of the nation. He also took on the<br />

challenge of helping them appreciate<br />

the importance of corporate identity<br />

and brand communications for major<br />

corporations on the international<br />

level. He referred to regulations from<br />

Australia to help the government<br />

revise rules on size, background<br />

colours and other considerations to<br />

still remain considerate of traditional<br />

and cultural sensitivities while at the<br />

same time elevating standards to<br />

international levels.<br />

In 2004 marked a milestone<br />

achievement for BlueGrass. Laos was<br />

to host for the ASEAN Summit and<br />

Praseuth was asked to design the<br />

Summit logo. Together with Antalis<br />

Thailand and the Design Alliance Asia,<br />

BlueGrass met the challenge and set<br />

out to build an image for the nation at<br />

the largest event ever held in Laos at<br />

that time. This honour was repeated<br />

when BlueGrass was asked to design<br />

the logo for the First Meeting of State<br />

Parties of the Convention on Cluster<br />

Munitions held in Vientiane in 2010.<br />

In 2012, when Laos hosted the ASEM9<br />

and ASEP7 meetings and most recently<br />

again in 2016 when Laos hosted the<br />

ASEAN Summit for the second time,<br />

BlueGrass once was once again asked<br />

to support the prestigious events with<br />

design services.<br />

While the design communication<br />

division was enjoying both recognition<br />

H.E. Ambassador Plathana Choulamany<br />

Praseuth was never one to<br />

shy away from challenges<br />

and set out to work with<br />

the authorities to help<br />

them understand how<br />

creating commercial<br />

advertising opportunities<br />

for investors will benefit<br />

the economic health and<br />

growth of the nation.<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


and success, BlueGrass’ Architecture<br />

Division also began making headlines<br />

with the design of the national pavilions<br />

for Expos throughout the world.<br />

In 2008, BlueGrass began designing<br />

the annual Lao National Pavilion for<br />

the CA-Expo in Naning, China. The<br />

Pavilions feature different regions<br />

in Laos each year and products that<br />

those regions are best know for. Over<br />

the years, the National Pavilions won<br />

several awards at the CA-Expo and<br />

BlueGrass was also asked to design<br />

the National Pavilions for the World<br />

Expos in Shanghai in 2010 and Milan<br />

in 2015.<br />

In 2012, the BlueGrass architecture<br />

division received its biggest<br />

architectural project when it was<br />

awarded the bid to design the Embassy<br />

of Brunei Darussalam in Laos.<br />

Along with the growth in the design<br />

and architecture divisions, BlueGrass<br />

also saw an increase in projects<br />

awarded to its Project Management/<br />

Consultation Division. BlueGrass<br />

successfully tendered for and was<br />

awarded various communications<br />

projects including a nationwide<br />

sanitation project, Bird Flu education<br />

project, Urban Planning and Bus<br />

Rapid Transport development project,<br />

the SHEP project to upgrade 14<br />

textbooks for Universities in Laos,<br />

and the STVET project to promote<br />

vocational education.<br />

In 2015, BlueGrass moved to its<br />

current location in Ban Nongbone<br />

in Saysettha District. This marked<br />

another milestone in the BlueGrass<br />

story as Kiriya Banchongphakdy<br />

returned to Laos after completing<br />

his studies in design in Australia<br />

to join his father to manage the<br />

business. With a fresher, younger<br />

generation stepping onto the helm,<br />

the company flourished and soon, a<br />

second building – BlueGrass Annex<br />

– was needed to meet the need for<br />

added workstations.<br />

Late in 2017, entered into a partnership<br />

with the Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar<br />

Development Fund II and launched<br />

the next chapter in the Bluegrass<br />

story with the installation of the new<br />

bus shelters throughout the city of<br />

Vientiane and billboards at various<br />

regional airports in the provinces.<br />

BlueGrass also took the printing and<br />

installation of its billboard faces inhouse<br />

to help ensure higher levels of<br />

quality control and efficiency.<br />

As BlueGrass celebrates its 22 nd<br />

Anniversary in 2018, the outlook for the<br />

company is bright as the team adopts a<br />

new mantra…”the Sky’s the Limit!”<br />

THE BLUEGRASS LOGO<br />

Over the years, the BlueGrass logo changed as<br />

the company evolved. The first logo was created<br />

by founder Praseuth Banchongphakdy with<br />

eye-catching blue handcrafted grass that he<br />

intentionally “planted “ in place of the letter “L” in<br />

the name of the company.<br />

The second was an adaptation by a 5-year old,<br />

the son of Billie Ganendran, at the time prior to<br />

the advancement of digital technology. The handcrafted,<br />

organic look of the logo was inspiring and<br />

was perfect for the division that handled events<br />

and entertainment during a time when most design<br />

elements were still created and crafted manually.<br />

Fast forward 15 years and BlueGrass had<br />

established itself as the leading design<br />

communication/advertising agency in Laos. By<br />

then, digital advancement also made a major<br />

impact in the industry and Praseuth decided he<br />

wanted to modernize the company’s logo. He<br />

replaced the hand drawn grass with the support<br />

of designer Sean Cunningham. In place are four<br />

clean strokes with each blade representing one<br />

of the four disciplines that BlueGrass continues to<br />

practice today — design, advertising, consultancy<br />

and architecture.<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


Illustrated by Ajarn Anoulom Souvandouane<br />

Twenty-five years ago, a Lao<br />

graphic designer was returning to<br />

his homeland after studying and<br />

working in Australia. As Praseuth<br />

Banchongphakdy looked out of the<br />

window from the aeroplane, he was<br />

inspired by the beauty of the blue<br />

sky and white cottony clouds, but<br />

was surprised to see that the green<br />

landscape he remembered from his<br />

childhood had turned a shade of<br />

golden-brown.<br />

When he arrived in Vientiane, he<br />

was overwhelmed with joy. With his<br />

trusty Machintosh Plus in tow, he<br />

wanted to drop down onto his knees<br />

and kiss the ground. In his mind, the<br />

song “Daddy’s Home” kept playing<br />

over and over again. He knew he was<br />

home where he belonged.<br />

The young designer was determined<br />

to help make a difference as his<br />

country grew. In 1996, he started his<br />

own design consultancy and named<br />

it BlueGrass Design Group. Over the<br />

years, many asked him if he named<br />

his group after Bluegrass music. He<br />

always answers with a smile.<br />

“As a designer, the only way I knew<br />

I could help turn the grass back to<br />

green was by adding blue,” he said.<br />

“Over the years, each project I took<br />

on was my own way of painting the<br />

blades of grass with hues of blue…<br />

slowly changing it back one by one<br />

until it all turned green again.”<br />

Today, 22 years later, Praseuth looks<br />

back at that fateful day and reflects<br />

on his many contributions to his<br />

homeland. The grass is now greener<br />

and he is confident that after 25 years<br />

of perseverance, he can leave it to<br />

the next generation to complete the<br />

transformation.<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL


01. FEATURED WORKS<br />

CONTENTS<br />

16<br />

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS<br />

29<br />

ALO! TECHNOLOGY<br />

40<br />

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION<br />

ASEM & ASEAN SUMMIT LOGO DESIGN<br />

LOGO DESIGN<br />

SHEP PROJECT<br />

23<br />

AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY<br />

30<br />

PLANET ONLINE<br />

42<br />

LAO AIRLINES<br />

65TH LOGO DESIGN<br />

LOGO DESIGN<br />

LOGO DESIGN<br />

24<br />

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE<br />

32<br />

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM EMBASSY<br />

44<br />

LAO PLAZA<br />

MINISTRY LOGO DESIGN<br />

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN<br />

LOGO DESIGN<br />

26<br />

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND<br />

35<br />

WORLD BANK<br />

46<br />

LAO TELECOM<br />

TRANSPORT<br />

WATER AND SANITATION PROGRAM<br />

LOGO DESIGN<br />

MINISTRY LOGO DESIGN<br />

36<br />

NAHICO AND USAID<br />

48<br />

DAO HEUANG GROUP<br />

28<br />

JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANIZATION<br />

AVIAN INFLUENZA AWARENESS CAMPAIGN<br />

MARKETING COMMUNICATION<br />

CLEAN & GREEN CAMPAIGN LOGO DESIGN<br />

39<br />

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS<br />

52<br />

LAO GOLDEN PAGES<br />

AND CRIME<br />

DESIGN AND PUBLICATION<br />

02. THE BLUEGRASS FAMILY<br />

ATS DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN<br />

54<br />

PRASEUTH BANCHONGPHAKDY<br />

60<br />

PAKHAM BANCHONGPHAKDY<br />

68<br />

SALES TEAM<br />

FOUNDER/PRINCIPAL<br />

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER /<br />

FINANCE DIRECTOR<br />

70<br />

FINANCE TEAM<br />

56<br />

KIRIYA BANCHONGPHAKDY<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR / BUSINESS<br />

62<br />

VILAYLAK SAYASENH<br />

72<br />

DESIGN TEAM<br />

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER<br />

OFFICE MANAGER<br />

74<br />

ADMINISTRATION<br />

58<br />

THANOUSONE PHONAMATH<br />

64<br />

VANESSA PHANNAVONG<br />

BUSINESS PARTNER<br />

MARKETING MANAGER<br />

76<br />

PRODUCTION<br />

66<br />

KELVIN WEE<br />

78<br />

PAST EMPLOYEES<br />

03. FEATURED STORIES<br />

MARKETING COMMUNICATION MANAGER<br />

80<br />

MASTERMIND<br />

84<br />

TYNA<br />

87<br />

LAO TEXTILES BY CAROL CASSIDY<br />

81<br />

LAO DERM<br />

85<br />

KHANG<br />

88<br />

THAI-LAO FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE 1<br />

82<br />

T’SHOP LAI GALLERY<br />

86<br />

MINISTRY OF SILK<br />

90<br />

WATTAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT<br />

04. DIRECTORY<br />

92<br />

INDOCHINA BANK<br />

95<br />

MINISTRIES<br />

102<br />

EDUCATION<br />

109<br />

BOOKSTORES AND LIBRARIES<br />

95<br />

BANKS<br />

103<br />

HOTELS<br />

109<br />

AUTO & TRANSPORT<br />

98<br />

INSURANCE COMPANIES<br />

103<br />

APARTMENTS<br />

110<br />

PERSONAL SERVICE & CARE<br />

98<br />

EMBASSIES<br />

104<br />

RESTAURANT AND CAFES<br />

110<br />

TICKETING AGENCIES<br />

99<br />

ORGANIZATIONS<br />

108<br />

SHOPPING & RETAIL<br />

111<br />

HEALTHCARE<br />

100<br />

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES<br />

108<br />

GALLERIES<br />

112<br />

EMERGENCY NUMBERS<br />

102<br />

COMPUTERS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS<br />

109<br />

ENTERTAINMENT


MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS<br />

ASEM 9 Logo Design<br />

The 9 th ASEM Summit of Heads of State and Government (ASEM9) was hosted from<br />

5-6 November 2012 in Lao PDR. The theme for the Summit was Friends for Peace,<br />

Partners for Prosperity.<br />

The year 2012 marked the 16 th Anniversary of the establishment of Asia-Europe<br />

Meeting (ASEM). Since its inception in 1996, ASEM remarkably expanded its<br />

membership from 26 partners in 1996 to its present 48 from Asia and Europe, thus<br />

reflecting the deepening cooperation between the two regions. The ASEM process<br />

made significant contributions to the promotion of mutual understanding, peace,<br />

stability, development and prosperity of Asia and Europe.<br />

BlueGrass is very honoured<br />

to have been asked to<br />

support the government<br />

with the design of the<br />

ASEM 9 Summit logo<br />

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Throughout the years, ASEM has gone<br />

through the period of complex and<br />

rapid changes. It has faced with many<br />

challenges such as climate change,<br />

economic and financial crisis, high<br />

prices of food and energy, natural<br />

disasters, outbreak of infectious<br />

diseases and others, which have<br />

negatively impacted the socioeconomic<br />

development of the two<br />

regions. Despite the challenges, ASEM<br />

remains relevant and continues to be<br />

an important forum for ASEM partners<br />

to share their thoughts, exchange<br />

views and explore ways and means<br />

in promoting better understanding<br />

and enhancing cooperation between<br />

Asia and Europe and in addressing the<br />

various challenges.<br />

BlueGrass is very honoured to<br />

have been asked to support the<br />

government with the design of the<br />

ASEM 9 Summit logo.<br />

The logo incorporates the spinning<br />

and weaving of silk – a centuries<br />

old tradition in Laos – to form the<br />

alphabets “a” for Asia and “e” for<br />

Europe. The beautiful national flower,<br />

the Dok Champa or frangipani, was<br />

chosen as the central figure in the<br />

logo to represent the pride shared by<br />

the people of Laos for being chosen<br />

to host the conference and the green<br />

thread uniting the “a” and “e” as the<br />

lush forests of Laos.<br />

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Photo source: www.asean.org<br />

ASEAN Summit 2004 Logo Design<br />

The ASEAN Summit is a semiannual meeting held by the members of the Association<br />

of Southeast Asian Nations in relation to economic, and cultural development of<br />

Southeast Asian countries. The 10 th ASEAN Summit in 2004 was the first time Lao<br />

PDR had the honour to host the event.<br />

The image of That Luang Stupa is the focal point of this logo as this internationally<br />

recognised national and cultural icon for Lao PDR symbolises the pride that Laos felt<br />

to be accorded this honour to host the 10 th ASEAN Summit. It is embraced by 10 Dok<br />

Champas, the national flower of Laos, symbolising the 10 member nations of ASEAN<br />

and gifts from the hearts of the people of Laos to the delegates. The blue welcome<br />

banner represents the bond and friendship that forms the foundation of ASEAN.<br />

The 10 th ASEAN Summit in<br />

2004 was the first time<br />

Lao PDR had the honour to<br />

host the event<br />

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ASEAN Summit 2016 Logo Design<br />

The year 2016 marked the second time that Lao PDR was chosen to host the ASEAN<br />

Summit. The 28 th and 29 th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit<br />

was held in Vientiane, Laos from 6 th to 8 th September 2016. Prime Minister of the<br />

Lao PDR H.E. Thongloun Sisoulith was Chairperson of the summit. The theme of the<br />

summit was “Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic ASEAN Community”<br />

The summit was attended by the leaders of all 10-member nations of ASEAN —<br />

Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Lao PDR,<br />

Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.<br />

The 2016 ASEAN Summit was highly significant and historic as US President Barack<br />

Obama was among the leaders who visit Laos, making it the first time a sitting<br />

president of the United States visited Laos. During his visit, all media attention was<br />

focused on Laos and significantly brought the world’s attention to the plight of<br />

victims of unexploded munitions in Laos.<br />

BlueGrass was very honored to once again be asked to support the government with<br />

its communication design efforts leading up to the ASEAN Summit in 2016.<br />

The design team incorporated the use of a number of imagery to complete the logo.<br />

The circle around the ASEAN Emblem is formed with two hands being wrapped<br />

BlueGrass was very<br />

honored to once again<br />

be asked to support the<br />

government with its<br />

communications efforts<br />

leading up to the ASEAN<br />

Summit in 2016.<br />

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around an eye indicating the strong<br />

bond between member states of the<br />

ASEAN Community. The two hands<br />

symbolise harmony, solidarity, close<br />

partnership as well as aspiration of<br />

the ASEAN Member States to further<br />

strengthen and prosper through<br />

the development of the ASEAN<br />

Community. The eye represents the<br />

ASEAN Community Vision 2025.<br />

The different colours used in the logo<br />

represent :<br />

• Red: Boldness and Dynamics<br />

• Yellow: Prosperity<br />

• Blue: Peace and Stability<br />

• Green: Growth and Harmony<br />

• Orange: Warmth and Happiness<br />

In addition to being representative of<br />

the National flags of ASEAN Member<br />

States, the colours chosen also<br />

symbolise the diversity in ASEAN.<br />

BlueGrass also designed the website<br />

for the 28 th and 29 th ASEAN Summits<br />

and worked with digital partner Cyberia<br />

to develop and deploy the site.<br />

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H.E. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador John Williams<br />

AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY<br />

65 th Lao-Australia Diplomatic Relations<br />

Celebration Logo<br />

The Australian Embassy, located in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, offers<br />

a comprehensive range of services to Australian citizens, administers the<br />

Australian development assistance program to Laos, provides advice to<br />

Australian businesses, manages the formal bilateral relationship between<br />

Australia and Laos and provides a visa service for people in Laos planning to<br />

travel to Australia.<br />

Over the years BlueGrass has worked with the embassy on numerous, mostly small<br />

design communication projects. Most recently, the company was chosen to design<br />

the logo of 65 th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Australia.<br />

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MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND<br />

COMMERCE<br />

Ministry Logo Design<br />

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) is responsible for governing and<br />

developing industry and commercial activity in Laos. It is also responsible for<br />

regulating and promoting manufacturing, trade, import and export activity, and for<br />

representing national interest in the international business community.<br />

BlueGrass has worked extensively with the MOIC over the years and was<br />

commissioned to redesign and modernize the MOIC logo in 2016. The logo centred<br />

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around the globe representing the world with the Lao flag pointing upwards to<br />

symbolize the nations growing economy. The nation’s effort to embrace change and<br />

growth towards modernized industry is represented by the blue sprocket.<br />

Since 2008, BlueGrass has designed the award-winning Lao Pavilions for the MOIC<br />

for the World Expos and the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning. In addition to winning<br />

Pavilion of Charm awards at China-ASEAN Expo, the Lao Pavilions help increase<br />

interest in tourism and investment in Laos.<br />

In 2017, BlueGrass contributed to the One District One Product project managed by<br />

the MOIC by assisting with the redesign of packaging for Lao-made products to help<br />

them stand out better on retail shelves, and by assisting with organizing a seminar for<br />

SMEs on branding and packaging.<br />

The logo centred around<br />

the globe representing<br />

the world with the Lao<br />

flag pointing upwards<br />

to symbolize the nations<br />

growing economy<br />

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MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND<br />

TRANSPORT<br />

Ministry Logo Design<br />

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) of the Lao People’s Democratic<br />

Republic has achieved a great deal of institutional success in the road transport<br />

sector over the past 30 years. The ministry has led the construction and expansion<br />

of the road network and, in turn, dramatically improved transport times and access to<br />

economic opportunities for Lao families and enterprises. The MPWT has significantly<br />

improved access to markets and public services across the country and by helping<br />

26 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 01. FEATURED WORKS


to physically knit the country<br />

together. It has steadily expanded<br />

its role in the road transport sector<br />

and serves as a crucial incubator<br />

of commercial enterprise in the Lao<br />

construction sector. It has been a<br />

very energetic ministry in pursuit of<br />

the government’s goals.<br />

The Ministry of Public Works and<br />

Transport (MPWT) approached<br />

BlueGrass to assist with the updating<br />

of the Ministry’s logo. In 2014,<br />

BlueGrass presented a modern,<br />

new design to the Ministry that still<br />

reflected the spirit of the original<br />

logo while delivering a streamlined,<br />

updated look which was accepted by<br />

the Minister.<br />

BlueGrass came up with<br />

a radical design that was<br />

a major shift from the<br />

traditional ministry logos<br />

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JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE<br />

ORGANIZATION<br />

Clean & Green Campaign Logo Design<br />

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a government-related organization<br />

that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the the<br />

world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO’s<br />

core focus in the 21 st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment<br />

into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global<br />

export potential. Since July 2014, JETRO Vientiane implements cooperative activities<br />

to enhance economic partnership between Japan and Laos focusing on two areas:<br />

attracting direct investment into Laos and providing support in developing local<br />

industries of the country.<br />

BlueGrass is very honoured<br />

to have been asked to<br />

develop the logo for<br />

the “Clean and Green”<br />

Campaign<br />

BlueGrass is very honoured to have been asked to develop the logo for the “Clean<br />

and Green” Campaign aimed at encouraging manufacturers in Laos to adopt more<br />

environmentally friendly practices in their operations. The logo was approved<br />

by Lao Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith and will be implemented by<br />

JETRO in the next year.<br />

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ALO! TECHNOLOGY<br />

Logo Design<br />

Founded in September of 2015, ALO Technology is Laos’ very own brand of technology<br />

products aimed at making quality computers, tablets and mobile phones available at<br />

an affordable price to help meet the needs of the educational and working markets.<br />

In addition to introducing Lao’s own line of IT products at an affordable price to the<br />

local market, ALO! Technology is also the first official Microsoft Partner in Laos. ALO!<br />

Technology aspires to become the information technology leader and the number<br />

one choice for technology products and services, serving the public sector, retail and<br />

corporate markets in Laos.<br />

BlueGrass is proud to have had the opportunity to work with ALO! Technology to<br />

develop their brand communications and also to help design their first showroom<br />

in Laos.<br />

Mr. Thanousone Phonamath<br />

Founder / CEO of Alo! and Planet Online<br />

ALO! Technology is also<br />

the first official Microsoft<br />

Partner in Laos<br />

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PLANET ONLINE<br />

Logo Design<br />

In 1997 two Australian businessmen founded Planet Computers Company Limited<br />

(Laos) - hereafter referred to as “PLANET”, to sell computers and explore the options<br />

for introducing Internet into Laos. One of the founders, Peter Loone coined the name<br />

pl@net based on his initials, and is now known as PLANET. At that time, the only<br />

viable Internet access was achieved by a dial-up across the border to access a Thai<br />

Internet service. The key message PLANET promoted in those pioneering times was:<br />

“The Internet: Bringing Lao to the world; Bringing the world to Lao.”<br />

In the meantime, PLANET was working with the Lao government Ministry of Information<br />

and Culture (MIC) to find ways to introduce Internet cafes to Laos, especially in view<br />

of the country’s booming tourist industry. It was through close cooperation with this<br />

ministry that PLANET was able to launch the country’s first Internet café. This opened<br />

in Vientiane in 1997 allowing fully-licensed access to the Internet.<br />

When PLANET was finally awarded an ISP license in its own right by Lao National<br />

Internet Committee (LANIC) in the year 2000, it quickly moved to start offering a dial<br />

up service to the Lao market. It was able to do that with the help of good cooperation<br />

from ETL, the 100% owned government telecom operator.<br />

The key message PLANET<br />

promoted in those<br />

pioneering times was: “The<br />

Internet: Bringing Lao to<br />

the world; Bringing the<br />

world to Lao.”<br />

Picture on top:<br />

Opening ceremony with H.E. Thansamay<br />

Kommasith, Minister of Posts and<br />

Telecommunications, together with Dr. Robert<br />

Winch, Mr. Praseuth Banchongphakdy, and<br />

Mr. Thanousone Phonamath at the Don Chan<br />

Palace Hotel, Vientiane, Laos (19-Aug-2011)<br />

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Although a number of other providers<br />

had been progressively entering the<br />

Internet market PLANET continued<br />

to be first in the market place with its<br />

innovative services that particularly<br />

addressed Lao conditions. For<br />

example, PLANET was first to introduce<br />

prepaid Internet services. Then, in<br />

what was a major breakthrough,<br />

PLANET was the first ISP or operator<br />

in Laos to offer wireless broadband<br />

Internet services in 2006. A move that<br />

was quite progressive in the world at<br />

the time. It was not long after that that<br />

PLANET set up the first public Wi-Fi<br />

hotspot in Vientiane.<br />

In 2008, Planet Pty Limited was<br />

incorporated in (Hong Kong), by<br />

the same team that started Planet<br />

Computers in Laos. The objective was<br />

for the Hong Kong company to be<br />

the PARENT company which owned<br />

100% of the SUBSIDIARY company<br />

in Laos. This relationship was viewed<br />

as a good way to attract investment<br />

into the Laos company, which indeed<br />

proved to be the case.<br />

In 2009 PLANET launched the<br />

country’s first mobile WiMAX service.<br />

This pilot service was in fact one of<br />

the first such services in the world.<br />

Because it was only a pilot service,<br />

very limited mobility was available.<br />

In 2011 PLANET was proud to launch<br />

its WiMAX-based 4G Internet service<br />

in the Lao capital city of Vientiane.<br />

See elsewhere on the PLANET website<br />

(www.planet.laopdr.com) for the latest<br />

4G Internet products and services<br />

being offered by PLANET.<br />

PLANET was first to<br />

introduce prepaid Internet<br />

services. Then, in what<br />

was a major breakthrough,<br />

PLANET was the first ISP<br />

or operator in Laos to<br />

offer wireless broadband<br />

Internet services in 2006.<br />

Picture on the right:<br />

Planet’s marketing team reaching new heights<br />

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32 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 01. FEATURED WORKS


BRUNEI DARUSSALAM EMBASSY<br />

Prominently located before the<br />

Presidential Palace on Setthatirath Road,<br />

the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in<br />

Vientiane, Lao PDR, stands today as a<br />

symbol of strengthening bonds between<br />

both nations.<br />

The original twin buildings were built in<br />

1930 for use as administrative offices<br />

and stood as prominent examples<br />

of French Colonial Architecture in<br />

the region. The buildings were later<br />

converted and were residences for the<br />

Minister of Public Works and Minister<br />

of Education until 1975.<br />

Over the years, both houses had fallen<br />

into disrepair by the time plans to<br />

restore them for the Embassy were<br />

explored. Today, like the phoenix<br />

rising from the flames, the buildings<br />

have been restored to their original<br />

grandeur and are now the home of the<br />

diplomatic mission from the Sultanate<br />

of Brunei Darussalam.<br />

BlueGrass’ Architecture Division<br />

was commissioned to develop the<br />

design for the new Embassy of Brunei<br />

Darussalam in Laos. Our architecture<br />

team, along with historic preservation<br />

specialist Jean Christophe Marchal,<br />

conducted a study-trip to Brunei<br />

to study the architectural style and<br />

better understand the culture in order<br />

to develop designs that would include<br />

both Lao and Brunei esthetics.<br />

The final design chosen replicated the<br />

original French-styled buildings while<br />

including tasteful embellishments<br />

of subtle elements that are unique<br />

to Laos or Brunei. This design also<br />

facilitated the preservation of the<br />

historic French-styled buildings, a<br />

request that was made by both the<br />

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the<br />

French Embassy in Lao PDR.<br />

In their effort to preserve the structures<br />

accurately, BlueGrass architecture<br />

team created highly detailed drawings<br />

of the original structures for future<br />

reference. These detailed drawings<br />

have since been compiled into a 300-<br />

page book that is being used as the<br />

benchmark of historic preservation<br />

education at the National University<br />

of Laos’ Architecture Department.<br />

“Dans un contexte urbain historique de la rue Setthatirath, ce projet témoigne d’<br />

un mariage entre cultures, l’une Laotienne et locale avec son histoire, son héritage<br />

architectural Franco-lao et sa qualité de lieu de vie, et l’autre Brunei avec un<br />

véritable souhait d’intégration pour son nouvel espace de diplomatie dans la<br />

capitale. En respectant le patrimoine existant et historique, le projet a tissé une<br />

architecture liant à la fois l’esprit du lieu, le respect des édifices existants et un<br />

nouveau vocabulaire de détails architecturaux provenant de Brunei.”<br />

Architect Jean Christophe Marchal<br />

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WORLD BANK<br />

Water and Sanitation Program<br />

The World Bank‘s Water and Sanitation<br />

Program (WSP) supported the<br />

government initiatives to scale up the<br />

urban sector strategy and national<br />

Rural Water Supply Water Sanitation<br />

sector strategy. One of the key WSP’s<br />

program activities was to assist the<br />

Department of Housing and Urban<br />

Planning (DHUP), Ministry of Public<br />

Works and Transport (MPWT), and<br />

National Centre for Environmental<br />

Health and Water Supply (Nam Saat<br />

Central), MOH to pilot urban sanitation<br />

marketing campaigns in Vientiane.<br />

The core idea behind the development<br />

of this project was to develop innovative<br />

ways of creating demand for high<br />

quality sanitation services in urban<br />

areas of Lao PDR.<br />

BlueGrass won a contract in 2008 to<br />

manage a low budget campaign to<br />

promote the World Bank-sponsored<br />

Water Sanitation Project (WSP).<br />

The decision was made to target<br />

schools as part of the campaign.<br />

The end result was an enthusiastic<br />

response to an excellent campaign. The<br />

key to this success was the securing<br />

of hardware supplier Souvanny as a<br />

sponsor. As it turned out the campaign<br />

was very good advertising for Souvanny<br />

as they sold a lot of toilets due to the<br />

campaigns success!<br />

In accordance with the brief<br />

for the WSP project, BlueGrass<br />

created the total communication<br />

design strategy to raise awareness<br />

within the targeted audience. The<br />

campaign included the creation<br />

of a mascot, events and activities<br />

at schools and ended with a<br />

spectacular closing ceremony.<br />

For 2008, the World Bank decided<br />

to implement the Urban Sanitation<br />

Marketing (USAM) programme. The<br />

aim of USAM was to raise awareness<br />

on sanitation and create demand for<br />

BlueGrass won a contract<br />

to manage a low budget<br />

campaign to promote the<br />

World Bank-sponsored<br />

Water Sanitation Project<br />

BlueGrass won a contract to manage<br />

a low budget campaign to promote<br />

the World Bank-sponsored Water<br />

Sanitation Project hygiene and<br />

improved sanitation in urban area<br />

of Vientiane; to create innovative<br />

marketing approach; and to also<br />

mark the International Year of<br />

Sanitation. BlueGrass was chosen to<br />

be the consultant to implement the<br />

USAM project.<br />

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NAHICO & USAID<br />

Avian Influenza Awareness Campaign<br />

In November 2006, the USA-based Academy for Educational Development (AED),<br />

in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development<br />

(USAID), launched a communication campaign revolving around an invincible<br />

“superhero” chicken figure in an effort to raise awareness about how to combat<br />

avian influenza in Southeast Asia.<br />

Introduced at national water festivals in Cambodia and Laos, Super Chicken (known<br />

as “Super Moan” in Cambodia and “Super Kai” in Laos) was a broad-breasted rooster<br />

with a red cape and strong opinions about healthy behaviours. The action figure,<br />

designed to serve as an engaging but also credible source of good behaviours and<br />

best practices, appeared in public service announcements (PSAs), on posters, in<br />

booklets, and at public events.<br />

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BlueGrass was chosen to<br />

modify the design for the<br />

Super Kai and develop the<br />

communications campaign<br />

This awareness campaign used a fun, entertaining approach to educate people about<br />

how to stop the spread of the bird flu virus. Research was used in the development<br />

of the campaign: AED’s surveys among backyard farmers and their communities<br />

showed that there was both a need and a desire to have more information on specific<br />

steps to prevent outbreaks of avian flu.<br />

The campaign was developed in Cambodia during an AED workshop with<br />

government officials, and then later adapted to the Laos context. (In Laos, Super<br />

Kai had a slightly different look; part chicken and part human, this character was<br />

somewhat bossy in temperament and travelled on motorcycle or boat to help<br />

farmers and communities prevent bird flu outbreaks).<br />

The campaign used a variety of media to communicate concrete information about<br />

how to prevent avian flu. The rooster first appeared in Cambodia in televised PSAs.<br />

In addition to television, Super Kai and Super Moan both appeared on posters and<br />

in booklets. The figures have also appeared in documentaries, in street theatre<br />

performances, and at water festivals. They continue to appear in community-based<br />

activities and events in both Cambodia and Laos.<br />

In Laos, BlueGrass was chosen to modify the design for the Super Kai, develop the<br />

communications campaign and produce the mascot to be used in outreach activities.<br />

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UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF DRUGS<br />

AND CRIME<br />

ATS Drug Free Campaign<br />

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) contributes to the<br />

achievement of security and justice for all by making the world safer from drugs,<br />

crime, corruption and terrorism. The Regional Programme for Southeast Asia works<br />

towards this goal and is supported by the work of UNODC’s office in Laos.<br />

While continuing regional integration and rapid economic changes within the<br />

country are positive developments, they also present other challenges related to<br />

border security, corruption, drugs and human trafficking.<br />

UNODC works with the Government of Laos and national partners to confront<br />

these challenges, including through projects related to human trafficking and<br />

alternative development.<br />

BlueGrass worked with the Lao Youth, US Embassy and UNODC to develop and<br />

design communications targeted at young people in Laos to get them to stop<br />

abusing drugs.<br />

BlueGrass worked with<br />

the Lao Youth, US Embassy<br />

and UNODC to develop and<br />

design communications<br />

targeted at young people<br />

in Laos to get them to stop<br />

abusing drugs<br />

During the course of the project, BlueGrass team supported research efforts to<br />

understand factors that influenced young Lao drug users which required interacting<br />

with youth in nightclubs, bars and even beer gardens.<br />

The result was a poster campaign focused on a hero that was relatable to youth in<br />

Laos and this was supported by videos and advertisements.<br />

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION<br />

SHEP Project<br />

Strengthening Higher Education Project (SHEP) is an Asian Development Bank (ADB)<br />

funded project managed by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) tasked with<br />

expanding and improving its higher education system in Lao PDR. It focuses mainly<br />

on upgrading standards at the country’s three public universities: National University<br />

of Laos, Champasak University, and Souphanouvong University. It also improves<br />

access to higher education for disadvantaged groups, particularly for women and<br />

ethnic minorities.<br />

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BlueGrass was selected to work with the Ministry of Education and Sports to develop<br />

14 textbooks that would be used at the three public universities. The project was<br />

executed in phases. Phase I involved the development of content for the books,<br />

Phase II revolved around the design of the 14 books and Phase III was the delivery of<br />

the print-ready designs to the printer chosen by MOES.<br />

Writers and editors were chosen by the MOES from professors teaching the three<br />

public universities. Contents of the books were managed by the MOES and<br />

BlueGrass projects team was responsible for managing the process that included<br />

managing writing workshops and editing/reading sessions.<br />

The BlueGrass design team then completed the layout of the books and delivered<br />

the print-ready files to the SHEP team at the MOES to be printed by the MOES<br />

appointed printer.<br />

BlueGrass was selected to<br />

work with the Ministry of<br />

Education and Sports to<br />

develop 14 textbooks<br />

01. FEATURED WORKS<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

41


LAO AIRLINES<br />

Logo Design<br />

In September 1976 the Civil Aviation Company was formed from the merger of<br />

existing airlines Royal Air Lao and Lao Air Lines. The company became Lao Aviation<br />

in 1979. The national carrier initially started with a mixed fleet of Western aircraft,<br />

including the Douglas DC-3 and DC-4, operating on international and domestic<br />

routes, as well as a fleet of helicopters for more remote regions.<br />

In 2003, the airline was re-branded to become Lao Airlines and on 8 November 2011<br />

took delivery of the first of two Airbus A320 aircraft ordered from Airbus, the second<br />

A320 arriving in December 2011. The A320s are the first jet aircraft to be purchased<br />

42 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 01. FEATURED WORKS


Bluegrass was asked to<br />

redesign the logo for Lao<br />

Airlines, but also tasked<br />

with keeping in line with<br />

elements that were clearly<br />

and visibly Lao style<br />

by Lao Airlines and feature a twoclass<br />

layout seating 126 passengers<br />

in the main cabin and 16 in Business<br />

Class.<br />

Today, Lao Airlines network extends<br />

to twelve international destinations<br />

and six locations within the Lao<br />

PDR. As travel to Laos increases,<br />

Lao airlines continues to expand its<br />

network to include more international<br />

and domestic destinations.<br />

Bluegrass was asked to redesign the<br />

logo for Lao Airlines, but also tasked<br />

with keeping in line with elements that<br />

were clearly and visibly Lao style.<br />

The design team at BlueGrass took<br />

pride in using the beautiful Dok<br />

Champa or frangipani, the national<br />

flower of Laos, as the main image in<br />

the new Lao Airlines logo. The Dok<br />

Champa was chosen to represent the<br />

world-class service that Lao Airlines<br />

provides, while the green leaf was<br />

used to symbolise protection. The<br />

colour blue was used for the font to<br />

represent the vast skies.<br />

01. FEATURED WORKS<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

43


LAO PLAZA HOTEL<br />

Logo Design<br />

Lao Plaza Hotel, the first official<br />

5-star hotel in Laos, has been<br />

welcoming guests since 1997 and is<br />

located in the heart of Vientiane —<br />

famous for its temples and historic<br />

monuments. Conveniently situated<br />

just 6km from Wattay International<br />

Airport, Lao Plaza Hotel is also within<br />

walking distance of a number of<br />

cultural sites including Lao National<br />

Museum, the Lao National Cultural<br />

Hall, That Dam Stupa, Sisaket Temple<br />

and Hor Pra Kaew.<br />

While at the Lao Plaza Hotel, guests<br />

can choose from casual or highend<br />

dining at one of the hotel’s six<br />

dining outlets. Breakfast and all-day<br />

international dining can be enjoyed<br />

at Dok Champa. For lunch and dinner,<br />

guests can choose to dine at May<br />

Yuan Chinese Restaurant or Kiku<br />

Japanese Restaurant. Refreshing<br />

drinks, fresh pastries and snacks can<br />

be found at The Lounge, The Deli<br />

Bakery and Terrace Café by the pool.<br />

The business center is located<br />

within the lobby area where guests<br />

can make use of the computers<br />

and internet, translation as well as<br />

secretarial assistance. The fitness<br />

center features an outdoor pool, a<br />

fully equipped workout room as well<br />

as separate male and female steam<br />

and sauna rooms. For those looking<br />

for a more relaxing afternoon,<br />

both traditional and aromatherapy<br />

massages can be arranged.<br />

Lao Plaza Hotel owners Valerie and<br />

Der Ming Kao worked with BlueGrass<br />

Design Group to design their<br />

corporate logo, we chose to honour<br />

the sisters / owners by incorporating<br />

the two most auspicious colours from<br />

their Chinese heritage – red and gold.<br />

In the original design, we styled the<br />

letters “L” and “P” in gold against a<br />

rich-red background to represent the<br />

uncompromising quality of service<br />

and comfort available at Laos’ first<br />

5-star hotel.<br />

BlueGrass also went on to design all<br />

of Lao Plaza Hotel’s stationery and<br />

contributed to the interior design<br />

for the hotel’s lobby and Blue Note<br />

Karaoke.<br />

We styled the letters “L”<br />

and “P” in gold against<br />

a rich-red background<br />

to represent the<br />

uncompromising quality of<br />

service and comfort<br />

44 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 01. FEATURED WORKS


01. FEATURED WORKS<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

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LAO TELECOM<br />

Logo Design<br />

Lao Telecom, or LaoTel, is the leading operator in the Lao telecom market. The<br />

company is a joint venture between the government of the Lao PDR (51%)<br />

and Shenington Investments (49%). The original concession granted in 1996 was<br />

for an initial period of 25 years. The company provides comprehensive telecom<br />

services in different networks (PSTN, CDMA, GSM, 3G, IP) across the country.<br />

The Lao Telecom logo was designed by BlueGrass (Praseuth Banchongphakdy). A<br />

very distinctive logo, it combined the look of a modern telco with the traditional<br />

aspect of Lao culture. The cultural icon of the naga was cleverly incorporated in the<br />

composition. A naga is a mythical serpent-like creature that is believed by the Lao to<br />

have supernatural powers and lives in the Mekong River and its tributaries.<br />

A very distinctive logo,<br />

it combined the look of<br />

a modern telco with the<br />

traditional aspect of<br />

Lao culture<br />

46 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 01. FEATURED WORKS


www.vivo.com<br />

vivolaos<br />

01. FEATURED WORKS<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

47


DAO HEUANG GROUP<br />

Marketing Communications<br />

In 1998, the Lao government<br />

announced that it would grant 99-<br />

year concessions to businesses that<br />

would invest in agricultural projects<br />

in an effort to encourage more<br />

environmentally-friendly industries<br />

as opposed to those that were just<br />

focused on mining and hydro-power.<br />

By then, the Dao-Heuang Import-<br />

Export brand was already well<br />

established in Southern Laos<br />

because of it’s duty-free operations.<br />

Visionary businesswoman Mrs.<br />

Leuang Litdang founded the Dao-<br />

Heuang companies and saw this as<br />

an opportunity to both support the<br />

government’s policy while at the<br />

same time diversifying her company’s<br />

portfolio to include agriculture.<br />

Along with three other concessionees,<br />

Mrs Leuang received 250 hectares in<br />

the Bolaven Plateau and began working<br />

with the tribal villagers to cultivate<br />

coffee on the land. With limited initial<br />

knowledge about the coffee industry,<br />

Mrs Leuang went to Vietnam and spent<br />

time personally learning everything she<br />

could about the coffee business. She<br />

applied her knowledge to her allocation<br />

of 250 hectares of fertile volcanic land<br />

on the Bolaven Plateau and turned<br />

it into the most successful coffee<br />

plantation in Lao PDR.<br />

In 2002, the company successfully<br />

harvested its first crop of coffee beans<br />

and the rest is history. Today, Dao<br />

Coffee operates its own state-of-theart<br />

coffee production facilities and is<br />

Starting with the very<br />

effective branding<br />

strategy including the now<br />

very familiar Dao logo,<br />

BlueGrass actually operated<br />

as the company’s sales<br />

representatives for 3 years<br />

48 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 01. FEATURED WORKS


01. FEATURED WORKS<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

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the most recognised coffee brand in<br />

Laos. Its products – from beans, freezedried<br />

instant coffee and canned coffee<br />

beverages – are exported regionally in<br />

marketing such as Thailand, Vietnam,<br />

Cambodia, Myanmar, China, Japan<br />

and Singapore, realising Mrs Leuang’s<br />

dream of expanding beyond just the<br />

Lao market.<br />

Dao-Heuang Group has since grown<br />

and diversified to include several other<br />

FMCG products, including Dao Foods,<br />

Dao Water, Dao Tea and Dao Cocoa.<br />

In 2002, Praseuth began working on the<br />

rebranding, repositioning and marketing<br />

of the company and the coffee. He first<br />

recommended the cosolidation and<br />

rebranding of the different Dao-Heuang<br />

companies under one umbrella – Dao-<br />

Heuang Group.<br />

With the knowledge that Mrs Leuang<br />

had visions of taking her coffee<br />

products beyond just the Lao market,<br />

Praseuth knew he had to help<br />

reposition the coffee products under<br />

its own brand and recommended<br />

establishing “Dao Coffee” under the<br />

Dao-Heuang Group umbrella. After<br />

much convincing, he helped establish<br />

the Dao Coffee brand and developed<br />

its corporate identity.<br />

In 2004, the opportunity to showcase<br />

Dao Coffee in Chiangmai at the Royal<br />

Flora Ratchaphruek presented itself<br />

and Praseuth was asked by the Lao<br />

government to design the national<br />

pavilion. A smaller version of the Lao<br />

Pavilion was designed and constructed<br />

for Dao Coffee at the Expo.<br />

The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek pavilion<br />

50 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 01. FEATURED WORKS


proved to be a success for Dao Coffee<br />

products and investors from Thailand<br />

responded with enquiries about<br />

franchise possibilities while others<br />

were interested in setting up shops in<br />

Chiangmai with the Dao Coffee brand.<br />

With this success, Praseuth was<br />

then challenged with the design and<br />

development of suitable packaging<br />

for Dao Coffee products. In order to<br />

preserve the products, he discovered<br />

that most successful international<br />

coffee companies adopted the foillined,<br />

vaccum packaging that had<br />

to be printed utilizing the form of<br />

printing called rotogravure. While this<br />

initially incurred higher investment,<br />

the returns reaped were from longer<br />

shelf-life for the products and<br />

preservation of the quality and flavour<br />

of the coffee.<br />

As appreciation of Dao Coffee<br />

products grew, it became clear that<br />

while marketing was essential, a<br />

distribution network was needed to<br />

extend the brand’s reach nationwide.<br />

At this stage, distribution was handed<br />

to a specialised company while<br />

BlueGrass continued to support with<br />

marketing and packaging design for<br />

other Dao-Heuang products.<br />

01. FEATURED WORKS<br />

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51


LAO GOLDEN PAGES<br />

Mr. Peter Evans<br />

Praseuth had set up<br />

BlueGrass and so Telstra’s<br />

departure presented an<br />

opportunity for BlueGrass<br />

Telstra, the Australian telecom giant,<br />

had an office in Laos in the 1990s as<br />

it pursued business opportunities in<br />

the country. In 1995/96 it published<br />

a pilot national telephone directory<br />

in cooperation with Enterprises<br />

des Telecommunications Lao (ETL),<br />

the then government-owned<br />

monopoly telecom provider. Praseuth<br />

Banchongphakdy had just returned<br />

to Laos in 1993. Having worked on<br />

the publication of the Yellow Pages<br />

in Australia, he was soon working<br />

for Telstra in Laos to assist with the<br />

production of this proposed new<br />

telephone directory. A huge amount<br />

of energy went into this project and<br />

the end result was the successful<br />

publication of this pilot directory.<br />

Telstra did not continue the telephone<br />

directory business, closing its office<br />

and departing Laos in 1998. By this<br />

time Praseuth had set up BlueGrass<br />

and so Telstra’s departure presented<br />

an opportunity for BlueGrass. In quick<br />

time, BlueGrass negotiated a deal with<br />

the MCTPC to publish the national<br />

telephone directory. The contract<br />

was for 10 years. BlueGrass sprang<br />

into action commencing the project in<br />

February 1999. Praseuth asked Peter<br />

Evans, who had been Telstra’s Country<br />

Manager in Laos, to return to Vientiane<br />

to head up the project. In what was<br />

widely acclaimed as a truly magnificent<br />

feat BlueGrass managed to publish the<br />

directory by December of that same<br />

year. It was a combined White Pages/<br />

Gold Pages directory.<br />

Singapore Telecom had earlier acquired the rights to the<br />

name Yellow Pages in Laos and BlueGrass was therefore<br />

unable to use that branding.<br />

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01. FEATURED WORKS<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

53


Praseuth Banchongphakdy<br />

Founder / Principal<br />

Outfit: Lao Derm Premium Collection<br />

Trousers and Eyewear: Kenzo<br />

Shoes: Christian Louboutin


Kiriya (Aii) Banchongphakdy<br />

Managing Director / Business<br />

Development Manager<br />

Outfit: Kenzo<br />

Watch: Rolex


" Business and technology together will<br />

contribute to the economic growth of Lao PDR "<br />

Thanousone (Ka) Phonamath<br />

Business Partner<br />

Outfit: Lao Derm Premium Collection<br />

Trousers and Shoes: Paul Smith


Pakham Banchongphakdy<br />

Chief Administrative Officer<br />

/ Finance Director<br />

Outfit: Tyna Inspiration of Silk<br />

Scarf: Lao Textiles by Carol Cassidy<br />

Bag: Louis Vuitton<br />

Watch: Cartier<br />

Jewelry: Tiffany & Co.


Vilaylak (Ce) Sayasenh<br />

Office Manager<br />

Outfit: Tyna Inspiration of Silk<br />

Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent


Vanessa Phannavong<br />

Marketing Coordinator<br />

Outfit: Tyna Inspiration of Silk<br />

Jeans: Levis<br />

Shoes: Kenzo


Kelvin Wee<br />

Marketing Communication Manager<br />

Scarf and Shirt: Khang<br />

Shirt Design: Kelvin Wee<br />

"Twenty-two years of experience<br />

cannot be bought. It is earned."


(From L-R)<br />

Vanida Sayasetha<br />

Sales Assistant<br />

Sompheng (Noina) Phomany<br />

Administrative Support Manager<br />

Max Inthavong<br />

Sales Assistant<br />

Hunney Chanthamaly<br />

Sales Assistant<br />

Outfits: Ministry of Silk


(From L-R)<br />

Vannaly Thanavanh<br />

Finance Assistant<br />

Outfit: Ministry of Silk<br />

Virhoun Maggala<br />

Finance Manager<br />

Outfit: Ministry of Silk<br />

Suit: Hugo Boss<br />

Baoulaphan Chitaphone<br />

Accountant<br />

Outfits: Ministry of Silk


(From L-R)<br />

Ouy Seangsavangkoun<br />

Graphic Designer<br />

Outfit: Ministry of Silk<br />

Shoes: Fred Perry<br />

Marc Roa Tobias<br />

Creative Designer<br />

Outfit: Ministry of Silk<br />

Shoes: Dolce and Gabbana<br />

Souliya (Noil) Sisourath<br />

Design Studio Manager<br />

Outfit: Ministry of Silk


(From L-R)<br />

Soukthaviphone (Souk) Thepphithak<br />

Receptionist<br />

Outfit: Taem by Tyna<br />

Dokkeo Sylavongkham<br />

Production Assistant<br />

Outfit: Ministry of Silk<br />

Vilayvanh (Toy) Phanthanavong<br />

Administrative Assistant<br />

Outfit: Taem by Tyna


Ketar Mueangmany<br />

Finance Assistant<br />

Souliphone (Jip) Rattanavong<br />

Graphic Designer<br />

Outfits: Ministry of Silk


Chanthakham (Jackey)<br />

Douangphachanh<br />

Production Manager<br />

Outfit: Ministry of Silk<br />

Eyewear: Ray-ban<br />

T-Shirt and Jeans: Levis<br />

Production Team:<br />

Sith<br />

Anousa (Dam) Phongsanouvong<br />

Sangkhan (Nui) Chalernphone<br />

Sonethavy (Kiat) Sihalard<br />

Sypaserd (Tony) Keomanyvong<br />

To Naphaphan


BILLIE GANENDRAN<br />

MICHELE HORNE<br />

BERTRAND LACHERIE<br />

PETER LOONE<br />

PETER EVANS<br />

JEAN NOEL<br />

ALEXIA<br />

KENT<br />

BOUNKHAM<br />

MICHAEL WHITE<br />

THONGLOR<br />

SOMSI<br />

VIENGSAMAI<br />

VILAPHONG<br />

THIPPHAPHONE<br />

KANYA<br />

BOUNTHAVY<br />

PHETTHAKOUN<br />

SONGKRAN<br />

SOUPHA<br />

PHOSY<br />

DOKKEO<br />

DEXA<br />

KONGMANY<br />

SOMPHATHAI<br />

BOUNPASEUTH<br />

VILAYVANH<br />

THAVIXAY<br />

VONGSAKOUN<br />

DETHAVISAK<br />

78 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 02. THE BLUEGRASS FAMILY


DAMIAN KEAN<br />

SOMSANOUK<br />

SEAN CUNNINGHAM<br />

SOUDALAT<br />

KAIYASITH<br />

VINCENT<br />

AMOS<br />

SENGKEO<br />

ARIYA<br />

JC MARCHAL<br />

Members of BlueGrass Design Group over the years who helped us get to<br />

where we are today. As our family continues to grow, we fondly remember and<br />

thank those who were part our the journey ... and wish each of them well in all<br />

their endeavours.<br />

PARIYA<br />

TOULOU<br />

BRUNO BUGLIO<br />

SENGPHACHAN<br />

GILLES BOUTE<br />

KINGO<br />

OLOD<br />

THIPKESON<br />

ATEETH<br />

ANOULUCK<br />

NEE<br />

SAKOUN<br />

SOMPHENG<br />

OUDOMLATH<br />

TOM ULUVUS<br />

SOMVALY<br />

PANIN<br />

02. THE BLUEGRASS FAMILY<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

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MASTERMIND<br />

Mastermind is one-stopservice<br />

Creative Marketing<br />

Solutions approach and<br />

a creativity which can<br />

serve clients’ needs in all<br />

dimensions<br />

Mastermind Advertising Agency<br />

Company Limited was founded in 2006<br />

with its main strengths in space design,<br />

project and event management. We<br />

have also carved an unparalleled<br />

niche in the automotive, FMCG, Liquor,<br />

tobacco as well as entertainment<br />

industry. Our commitment is to<br />

continued to excel in Laos market and<br />

we will constantly produce provocative,<br />

sophisticated and relevant solutions<br />

to our client. From retail environment<br />

to out field project, we offer full<br />

service solutions ensuring seamless<br />

integration of your brands initiatives.<br />

MMA commitment to great customer<br />

service and full business solutions to all<br />

our value customers.<br />

Today, Mastermind is one-stopservice<br />

Creative Marketing Solutions<br />

approach and a creativity which can<br />

serve clients’ needs in all dimensions,<br />

which are organizing Event Marketing,<br />

Festive Events, Conducting Research<br />

on Consumers’ Behavior, Creating<br />

Integrated Media Platform, Organizing<br />

Professional Exhibitionsto enhance<br />

the business sector.<br />

80 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 03. FEATURED STORIES


LAO DERM<br />

Established in 2008 by Mrs. Vanpheng Sisoulith, Lao Derm Handcraft is designed<br />

to showcase its boutique founder’s passion for quality Lao silk and clothing. The<br />

name Lao Derm literally translates to “Authentic Lao” which was appropriately<br />

chosen to embody the concept behind Lao Derm Handicraft boutique which<br />

features products that reflect Mrs Vanpheng’s personal love for quality Lao silk<br />

and clothing.<br />

Located on Setthathirath Street, she later added a restaurant to the second<br />

level of the building in 2008 to showcase her love for wholesome, authentic<br />

homemade Lao cuisine. At the restaurant, once can enjoy memorable dining<br />

experiences and be captivated by the authentic Lao cuisine in a contemporary,<br />

elegant setting.<br />

03. FEATURED STORIES<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

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T’SHOP LAI GALLERY<br />

In February 1993, I visited Laos for few days , we were just few people on the plane<br />

from Bangkok to Vientiane maybe 8 persons only. I took a taxi and I already knew I<br />

was going to stay here I was under e charm of this city. Laos was very quiet at this<br />

time and it was no work for foreigner but I really wanted to stay here. I spent some<br />

time at the morning market and I found a coconut ladle but when I came home, it<br />

fell on the ground and was broken but few pieces was really nice shape I made a<br />

hole and a leather string and I made a necklace , one of my friend was impressed<br />

about the result and she bought it from me and asked me for another one , I made<br />

my first kip at this time but it was not enough to make a living so I find another job<br />

with les ateliers de la péninsule who was looking for some help regarding the first<br />

3 D map of Vientiane , we work together with a young company called BlueGrass.<br />

At the same time , I start to employ a young Laotian to help me to make some some<br />

handicraft with coconut shell , it was instantly very successful and we got more<br />

order every day so I start to employ more Laotian to help me , we created some<br />

mosaics , small furniture etc.<br />

Today after 25 years , I have an art gallery called T’Shop Lai, a work shop and a<br />

laboratory. We still worked with coconut shell but also with eggshell , bamboo, rice<br />

and etc. Most of the thing are coming from the trash and I like to say “trash is cash”<br />

Regarding the laboratory we produce soap , shampoo, body lotion , repellent<br />

mosquito , etc.all are products are natural and the all staff is Lao . I love Laos and<br />

the Laotian and I feel good here , I will never leave, my face is Falang but my heart<br />

is Laotian.<br />

I love Laos and the Laotian<br />

and I feel good here , I will<br />

never leave, my face is Falang<br />

but my heart is Laotian<br />

Michel Marcel Saada<br />

Founder / Managing Director<br />

Lao Coco LTD/Les Artisans Lao<br />

Showroom: T’Shop Laï Gallery<br />

Vat Inpeng Street, Ban Vat Chan<br />

Chanthabouly District<br />

P.O BOX: 7776<br />

Vientiane, Lao PDR<br />

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03. FEATURED STORIES<br />

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TYNA<br />

TYNA Inspiration of Silk and TAEM by Tyna are sister labels featuring the designs of<br />

Lao businesswoman and restaurateur Somphone Phonepaseuth – better known to<br />

her friends and fans as Tyna Lala.<br />

The Inspiration of Silk collection showcases the designer’s finely-tailored and<br />

exclusive, high-end traditional Lao-silk fashions that are designed with subtle yet<br />

elegant, modern twists to them.<br />

Tyna’s TAEM collection is designed for the more contemporary woman with several<br />

of the apparel in this line featuring Tyna’s very own hand-painted artwork.<br />

The Inspiration of Silk<br />

collection showcases the<br />

designer’s finely-tailored<br />

and exclusive, high-end<br />

traditional Lao-silk fashions<br />

84 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 03. FEATURED STORIES


KHANG<br />

The KHANG label is synonymous to high-quality, fine hand-woven Lao silk apparel<br />

and accessories created by Lao master weaver and fashion designer Viengkham<br />

Nathavongdouangsy.<br />

The KHANG label is<br />

synonymous to high-quality,<br />

fine hand-woven Lao silk<br />

apparel and accessories<br />

Weaving is deeply rooted in Lao culture and the Nathavongdouangsy family had<br />

been practicing for many generations when Phaeng Mai Gallery was founded<br />

by Mrs. Phaeng Nathavongdouangsy and her two daughters Kongthong and<br />

Viengkham. With its strong foundation, Phaeng Mai was among the first weaving<br />

businesses registered to export from Laos.<br />

Viengkham established the KHANG label as the sister brand to Phaeng Mai and<br />

began marketing her contemporary line of fashion products designed from the<br />

traditional fabrics she produces. Her designs have received international accolades<br />

including the 2004 and 2006 Seal of Excellence from the Asian Pacific Handicraft<br />

Development Association and the 2005 Good Design Award from Japan.<br />

03. FEATURED STORIES<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

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MINISTRY OF SILK<br />

Located in the heart of Nam Phu Square, Ministry of Silk is the undisputed hub of<br />

elegance in Vientiane. The first ready-to-wear boutique in Laos aimed at promoting<br />

the Lao fashion industry, Ministry of Silk offers something for every taste — from<br />

simple but elegant outfits for both men and women to one-of-a-kind bespoke<br />

designs to help one stand out from the crowd.<br />

Since opening its doors to the public in March 2012, Ministry of Silk has established<br />

itself as the boutique for Western-styled apparel with that undeniable Eastern<br />

touch of elegance. Established by Lao fashion icon and the founder of Lao Fashion<br />

Week, Pany Siagnavongs, the boutique also features her own designs that exude<br />

her personal sense of timeless glamour. Ministry of Silk now also offers creations by<br />

other well-known fashion designers from throughout South East Asia.<br />

Ministry of Silk has<br />

established itself as the<br />

boutique for Western-styled<br />

apparel with that undeniable<br />

Eastern touch of elegance<br />

86 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 03. FEATURED STORIES


LAO TEXTILES BY CAROL CASSIDY<br />

100% Lao, 100% handwoven, 100% silk<br />

In early 1989, Carol Cassidy and her husband Dawit Seyoum moved from Mozambique<br />

to Vientiane as their careers in the United Nations (UN) brought them to Lao PDR.<br />

Mrs. Cassidy, a weaver, designer and fabric and color expert, was assigned to work<br />

at Lao Cotton, a state enterprise run by the Lao Women’s Union and supported by<br />

the International Labour Organization. Throughout her first year, she discovered the<br />

rich weaving history and traditions of Laos. Carol was “awed by the complexity and<br />

history of witnessing weavers in Laos.” After leaving her position at the UN, Mrs.<br />

Cassidy and her husband decided to establish one of the first private businesses in<br />

Lao PDR. Having been educated in the art of textiles in Scandinavia and the United<br />

States, she was able to recognize and appreciate how special Lao textiles are and<br />

she wanted to contribute to the culture by making sure Lao textile traditions could<br />

find a place in modern society.<br />

In June 1990 Lao Textiles by Carol Cassidy was officially established, aiming to<br />

produce one hundred percent silk and one hundred percent handwoven Lao textiles.<br />

Starting with five employees set up in a historic Lao-French colonial home in the<br />

center of Vientiane where today, Lao Textiles team has grown to consist of more<br />

than 40 weavers, winders, dyers, finishers and others in quality control. Each role<br />

is as important as the other, as each step—assessing the quality of the raw silk,<br />

dyeing, winding, weaving, finishing and quality controlling—is critical in obtaining<br />

a high quality finished product. This process does not solely engage those directly<br />

employed by Lao Textiles, but it also engages the farmers in rural Laos that are<br />

growing the mulberry trees, whose leaves are then used for silk worms to feed on<br />

and produce a cocoon that is then spun into raw silk. This is a community affair, as<br />

weaving in Laos has always been. In addition, weaving is also a family affair and Lao<br />

Textiles has continued this tradition.<br />

The individuals who have contributed their creativity, artistry and skill to Lao Textiles<br />

over the years have mostly remained the same as little turnover has occurred over<br />

the nearly 3 decades the business has been operating. This stability has fostered a<br />

strong family bond between the workers and has promoted quality and excellence<br />

in their weaving. In the words of Mrs. Cassidy, “The family we have created with<br />

our weavers is beyond my expectations.” Family, culture, artistry, fine art, tradition,<br />

and quality are what make Lao Textiles unique, specifically, they are what make Lao<br />

Textiles uniquely Lao.<br />

Family, culture, artistry,<br />

fine art, tradition, and<br />

quality are what make Lao<br />

Textiles unique, specifically,<br />

they are what make Lao<br />

Textiles uniquely Lao<br />

03. FEATURED STORIES<br />

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THAI-LAO FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE 1<br />

Opened on April 8, 1994, it was<br />

the first bridge across the lower<br />

Mekong and was build at the cost of<br />

about £19 million which was funded<br />

by the Australian government as<br />

development aid for Laos. More than<br />

50,000 people cross the Thai-Lao<br />

Friendship Bridge each week, with<br />

weekends being busiest.<br />

The official name of the bridge was<br />

changed by the addition of “First”<br />

after the Second Thai–Lao Friendship<br />

Bridge further south at Savannakhet<br />

opened in January 2007.<br />

The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge<br />

stretches 1.2 kilometres over the<br />

Mekong, connecting the small border<br />

town of Nong Khai in Thailand with<br />

Vientiane, Laos. A shuttle bus and<br />

train runs across. The border is open<br />

from 06:00 to 22:00 daily. On the Lao<br />

side, the border is 20 kilometres away<br />

from the downtown city centre.<br />

Most nationalities qualify to apply<br />

for visa-on-arrival that is valid for 30<br />

days. The visa fee varies depending on<br />

nationality. These following countries’<br />

passport holders are not eligible for<br />

Laos Visas on Arrival. (Effective from 15<br />

October, 2009) – Afghanistan, Algeria,<br />

Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon,<br />

Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea,<br />

Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho,<br />

Liberia, Libya (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya),<br />

Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria,<br />

Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri<br />

Lanka, Suriname, Syria (Syrian Arab<br />

Republic), Swaziland, Tonga, Turkey,<br />

Zambia and Zimbabwe.<br />

Travellers have several options for<br />

getting to downtown Vientiane from<br />

the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. The<br />

Vientiane City State Bus Enterprise<br />

operates a frequent green and white<br />

air-conditioned bus (service #14) that<br />

transfers travellers to the central bus<br />

station where tuktuks are readily<br />

available. The other option would be<br />

to take a songthaew from the bridge<br />

to downtown Vientiane.<br />

BlueGrass Design Group has been<br />

working with the Friendship Bridge<br />

Authorities for 19 years and in 1999<br />

signed the concession for Out-of-<br />

Home advertising for the area.<br />

88 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 03. FEATURED STORIES


03. FEATURED STORIES<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

89


WATTAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT<br />

More than 1.4 million people travel through the International and Domestic<br />

Terminals at Wattay Airport each year. Located 3km from capital city Vientiane, it<br />

is operated by the Aéroport du Laos (AL). The airport has a single asphalt-paved<br />

runway, which is 3,000m in length and two terminals, the older domestic terminal<br />

and a new international terminal.<br />

Passenger amenities at the terminals include duty-free shopping, a post office,<br />

banks, ATMs, restaurants, information desks, an internet café, bars and currency<br />

exchange counters. The immigration and custom areas are connected to the aircraft<br />

through sky bridges. Passenger lounges are also available in the terminals.<br />

Airlines serving Wattay International Airport include AirAsia, Air Busan, Bangkok<br />

Airways, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Jeju Air,<br />

Jin Air, Lao Skyway, Lao Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, T’way Airlines, Thai AirAsia,<br />

Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines.<br />

BlueGrass Design Group is honoured to be a long-term partner of the Lao Airport<br />

Authority and proud to have established business relations since 1999 when both<br />

parties signed the first concession for commercial Out-of-Home Media in Laos.<br />

In 2016, BlueGrass Design Group and Lao Airport Authority also signed 10 year<br />

agreements for 7 additional airports.<br />

BlueGrass Design Group is<br />

honoured to be a long-term<br />

partner of the Lao Airport<br />

Authority and proud to have<br />

established business relations<br />

since 1999<br />

90 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 03. FEATURED STORIES


03. FEATURED STORIES<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

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ENHANCING YOUR VALUE:<br />

INDOCHINA BANK<br />

Laos is working towards graduation from the list of least developed countries and is<br />

encouraging more business to invest in the country to boost economic growth. The<br />

banking sector is one of the most important investment sectors in the development<br />

process, with the number increasing day by day. Indochina Bank (IB) is one of more<br />

than 40 banking institutions in Laos and is a well known bank that aims to serve<br />

customers and help Lao society. It is enjoying strong growth and has provided jobs<br />

for more than 200 local people, up from the 40 staff who were employed when the<br />

bank opened in 2008.<br />

92 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 03. FEATURED STORIES


The IB headquarter is located in<br />

Vientiane Capital and the bank is<br />

owned by South Korean investors.<br />

Its initial shareholders are the Public<br />

Official Benefit Association of Korea,<br />

the Military Mutual Aid Association<br />

of Korea and Korean individual. The<br />

bank has expanded its branches<br />

and service units from the north<br />

to south of Laos in the provinces<br />

of Xiengkhuang, Luang Prabang,<br />

Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Vientiane<br />

Capital, Borikhamxay, Khammouane,<br />

Savannakhet and Champassak.<br />

The bank also has plans for further<br />

expansion to other provinces.<br />

IB is ranked among the top of the<br />

table in term of assets, deposits and<br />

loans compared to its peers in banking<br />

circles. The performance of the bank<br />

has been on the upward trend since<br />

its inception with profitability growing<br />

steadily year on year.<br />

IB has its own niche market and is<br />

presently the market leader as far as<br />

car financing is concerned. IB’s future<br />

plan will be to increase its market<br />

share in terms of deposits and loans.<br />

In tandem with the increase, the<br />

bank intends to create a foothold in<br />

other parts of Laos where the bank<br />

presently does not have a branch or<br />

service unit. The bank also intends to<br />

introduce more innovative products<br />

into the market with its newly migrated<br />

IT platform. IB deals with all levels of<br />

society as well as people of different<br />

nationalities. Though it is a foreign<br />

invested bank, many of its customers<br />

are local individuals and businesses.<br />

There are also customers from foreign<br />

communities and businesses.<br />

Since most banks in Laos have<br />

similar products, IB focused on<br />

strong customer service by rendering<br />

courteous and efficient service in<br />

order to have an edge over its peers<br />

in the banking industry. Apart from<br />

quality customer service, IB also<br />

offers very attractive rates, which give<br />

better returns to customers.<br />

IB’s premier banking service is the<br />

most highly sought by customers<br />

where customers enjoy the luxury of<br />

a premier lounge while their banking<br />

transactions are being attended to.<br />

In addition, many benefits awaits<br />

VIP customers.<br />

Laos has enjoyed robust growth with<br />

its GDP hovering over 7 percent for the<br />

past many years. With strong prospects<br />

for infrastructure development,<br />

hydropower, minerals and tourism,<br />

the country was poised to expand its<br />

economy. Based on this fact, IB would<br />

be a part of the present and future<br />

growth of the Lao economy.<br />

03. FEATURED STORIES<br />

BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL<br />

93


One must be able to<br />

understand the needs and<br />

wants of local people and<br />

businesses so as to cater<br />

the right products and<br />

services for them<br />

With the continued growth and<br />

economic expansion of Laos, IB<br />

will take advantage of this positive<br />

situation to be a partner in growth. IB<br />

will strive to be present in all provinces<br />

of the country in order to serve both<br />

urban and rural communities. IB will<br />

also strive to be the trendsetter in our<br />

own niche market as well as things we<br />

set out to do. Last but not least, IB will<br />

continue to strive for excellent service<br />

when dealing with our customers<br />

while churning out the best returns to<br />

our stakeholders.<br />

Doing business in Laos depends on<br />

an understanding of the local culture<br />

and the working environment of<br />

businesses here. One must be able to<br />

understand the needs and wants of<br />

local people and businesses so as to<br />

cater the right products and services<br />

for them. Although the banking sector<br />

was not as advanced as in some other<br />

Asean countries, the progress made<br />

by the Bank of the Lao PDR over the<br />

past years have brought the standard<br />

of banking up many notches.<br />

There was definitely strong progress<br />

with legislation as well as banking<br />

practices introduced by the Bank of the<br />

Lao PDR in recent years and it would<br />

be in a short span of time that banking<br />

standards would be on a par with the<br />

rest of the Asean region. The success<br />

of IB boils down to its manpower. A<br />

young and dedicated staff force that is<br />

willing to stick together for a purpose.<br />

The team spirit has never waivered<br />

and the systematic planning and<br />

grooming of staff helps to reinforce<br />

the management team. The next credit<br />

should go to the customers of IB. Their<br />

confidence, trust, and loyalty in the<br />

way IB is managed has made the bank<br />

what it is today. And of course the<br />

support of the shareholders as well as<br />

the Board of Directors has smoothen<br />

the work of the management team in<br />

the daily running of the bank.<br />

Last but not least, we would like to<br />

congratulate our business partner,<br />

BlueGrass Design Group Co., Ltd on<br />

their 21st Anniversary. The company<br />

had assisted IB since its inception<br />

in the Bank’s branding and image<br />

building. From brochures to billboard,<br />

it had been instrumental in the<br />

designing and presentation for IB.<br />

Professionally led by Mr. Praseuth<br />

Banchongphakdy, an experience<br />

entrepreneur who is also a Graphic<br />

Designer, the company has been<br />

very well established in Lao PDR. Not<br />

only are they very professional with<br />

their work Blue Grass Design Group<br />

Co. have a great eye for design and<br />

conception. Accommodating, patient<br />

and providing sincere feedback<br />

are their added strength in serving<br />

customers. We would not hesitate to<br />

work with or recommend Blue Grass<br />

Design Group Co. to anyone in need of<br />

its professional service.<br />

Tay Hong Heng<br />

Managing Director<br />

Indochina Bank<br />

94 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


MINISTRIES<br />

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 021 216 004, 021 254 702, 021 216 007 www.maf.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Authority for Science and Technology 021 213 470-148, 021 217 706, 021 213 472 www.most.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Education and Sports 021 216 004, 021 254 702, 021 216 007 www.moe.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Energy and Mines 021 413 000, 021 413 007, 021 414 351 www.mem.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Finance 021 412 409, 021 412 406, 021 911 336 www.mof.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Foreign Affairs 021 415 822, 021 454 175, 021 414 021 www.mofa.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Home Affairs 021 212 545, 021 213 648, 021 213 649 www.moha.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Industry and Commerce 021 453 490, 021 021 453, 021 412 434 www.moic.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism 021 212 412 , 021 212 411 www.micat.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Justice 021 451 920, 021 415 523, 021 414 102 www.moj.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare 021 213 003, 021 254 314, 021 213 287 www.molsw.gov.la<br />

Ministry of National Defense 021 970 089, 021 911 111, 021 900 708 www.mod.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment 021 263 799, 021 263 437, 021 911 281 www.monre.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Planning and Investment 021 217 020, 021 216 562, 021 217 010 www.investlao.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Post and Telecommunications 021 215 877, 021 216 858, 021 219 857 www.mpt.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Public Health 021 214 001, 021 214 002, 021 214 000 www.moh.gov.la<br />

Ministry of Public Security 021 970 089, 021 970 142 www.laosecurity.gov.la<br />

Minstry of Public Works and Transport 021 412 255, 021 412 252, 021412 250 www.mpwt.gov.la<br />

BANKS<br />

State - Owned Commercial Bank<br />

Agricultural Promotion Bank 021 713 060 www.apb.com.la<br />

Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur du Laos 021 213 200 www.bcel.com.la<br />

Lao Development Bank 021 213 300-04 www.ldblao.la<br />

Specialized Bank<br />

Nayoby Bank 021 264 407-21 www.nbblao.org<br />

Joint State Commercial Bank<br />

Lao China Bank Co., Ltd 021 418 888 www.laochinabank.com<br />

04. DIRECTORY<br />

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Lao Viet Bank Co., Ltd. 021 251 416 www.laovietbank.com.la<br />

Private Bank<br />

Booyoung Lao Bank Ltd 021 454 500-2 www.booyoungbanik.com<br />

Indochina Bank Ltd 021 455 000 www.indochinabank.com<br />

Joint Development Bank 021 213 531-6 www.jdbbank.com.la<br />

Lao Construction Bank Ltd 021 285 555 www.lc-bank.com<br />

Maruhan Japan Bank Co., Ltd 021 266 000 www.maruhanjapanbanklao.com<br />

Phongsavanh Bank Ltd 021 212 666 www.phongsavanhbank.com<br />

ST Bank Co., Ltd 021 241 559-62 www.stbanklaos.com<br />

Subsidiary Bank<br />

Acleda Bank Lao Ltd 021 264 994 www.acledabank.com<br />

ANZ Bank Lao Ltd 021 222 700-703 www.anz.com<br />

Bangkok Bank Co., Ltd 021 213 560 www.bangkokbank.com<br />

Bank of Ayudhya Public Co., Ltd 021 213 521 www.krungsri.com<br />

Bank of China Ltd 021 228 888 www.boc.cn<br />

Canadia Bank Lao Co., Ltd 021 227 999 www.canadiabank.com.kh<br />

Cathay United Bank 021 255 688; 031 255 6916 www.cathaybk.com.tw<br />

CIMB Thai Bank Public Co., Ltd 021 255 355 www.cimbthai.com<br />

First Commercial Bank Ltd 021 415 318 www.firsbank.com.tw<br />

Foreign Commercial Bank Branch 021 410 885 www.kasikornbank.com.la<br />

Industrial and Commerce Bank of China Ltd 021 258 888 www.vientiane.icbc.com.cn<br />

International Commercial Bank Lao Ltd 021 419 018 www.icb-lao.com<br />

Krung Thai Bank Ltd 021 213 480 www.ktb.co.th<br />

Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) 021 263 100 www.maybank.com<br />

Military Commercial Joint-Stock Bank 021 990 901 www.mbbnank<br />

Public Bank Berhad 021 223 394 www.pbebank.com<br />

RHB Bank Lao Ltd 021 455 117-19 www.rhb.com.la<br />

Saigon Hanoi Bank Lao Ltd 021 968 888 www.shb.com.vn<br />

Saigon Thuong Tin Bank Lao Co., Ltd (Sacombank) 021 260 400 www.sacombank.com.vn<br />

Siam Commercial Bank 021 213 500 www.scb.co.th<br />

Thai Military Bank Public Co,. Ltd 021 216 486 www.tmbbnak.com<br />

VietinBank Lao 021 263 997 www.vietinbank.com.kh<br />

96 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


04. DIRECTORY<br />

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INSURANCE<br />

COMPANIES<br />

Prudential<br />

Assurance General du Laos 021 215 903, 021 215 904<br />

Dhipaya Insurance 020 5231 1717, 020 2283 7522<br />

Lanexang Assurance Public Company 021 265 567, 021 264 789<br />

Lao-Viet Insurance Co., Ltd 021 264 972, 021 264 971<br />

PCT Asia Insurance Co., Ltd 021 315 053, 021 315 054<br />

Prudential 020 5859 7888<br />

ST Muang Thai Insurance 021 253 079<br />

Toko Assurance Co., Ltd 021 812 231, 020 7777 7364<br />

EMBASSIES<br />

Embassy of Australia 021 353 800<br />

Embassy of the United Kingdom 021 487 000<br />

Embassy of Brunei Darussalam 021 255 231<br />

Embassy of Cambodia 021 314 950, 021 314 951<br />

Embassy of Canada 021 353 834<br />

Embassy of Republic of China 021 315 105, 021 315 100<br />

Embassy of Cuba 021 453 813<br />

Embassy of France 021 267 400<br />

Embassy of Germany 021 312 110<br />

Embassy of India 021 352 301<br />

Embassy of Indonesia 021 413 909<br />

Embassy of Japan 021 414 400<br />

Embassy of Korea (Democratic Republic) 021 315 261, 021 315 260<br />

Embassy of South Korea 021 352 031, 021 352 035<br />

Embassy of Kuwait 021 454 700-2<br />

98 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


Embassy of Luxembourg 021 417 320, 021 417 321<br />

Embassy of Malaysia 021 414 205, 021 414 206<br />

Embassy of Mongolia 021 315 220, 021 315 221<br />

Embassy of the Philippines 021 452 490-1<br />

Embassy of Russia 021 312 219<br />

Embassy of Singapore 021 353 939, 021 353 936<br />

Royal Thai Embassy 021 214 581<br />

Embassy of Timor - Leste 021 410 044<br />

Embassy of Vietnam 021 453 871, 021 413 409<br />

Embassy of the United States 021 487 000<br />

Delegation of the European Union to Lao PDR 021 241 134, 021 241 137<br />

Other Groups<br />

United Nation Children's Fund 021 315 200, 021 314 852<br />

United Nations Development Programme 021 267 777-9<br />

United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime 021 413 204, 021 413 203<br />

United Nations Population Fund 021 315 547, 021 353 051<br />

ORGANIZATIONS<br />

Agence Française de Développement 021 227 005<br />

Action with Lao Children 021 416 064<br />

Association for Aid and Relief, Japan 021 241 467<br />

Basic Needs 021 480 983-9<br />

Care International 021 217 727, 021 212 991<br />

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 021 413 205, 021 414 500<br />

Handicap International 021 412 110, 021 416 242<br />

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation 021 263 189, 021 263 190<br />

International Monetary Fund 021 213 105, 021 214 986<br />

Japan International Cooperation Agency 021 241 100-2<br />

Korea International Cooperation Agency 021 263 331-2<br />

04. DIRECTORY<br />

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Lux - Development 021 218 405-6<br />

Mekong River Commission Secretariat 021 263 263-4<br />

SOS Children's Villages Laos 021 710 544, 021 710 163<br />

UXO Lao PDR 021 415 767<br />

World Bank 021 450 010, 021 266 299<br />

World Food Programme 021 330 300-7<br />

World Health Organization 021 353 902-3<br />

Cope Visitor Center 021 218 427, 021 241 972<br />

Germany-Lao Development 021 414 753, 021 413 076<br />

Health and Poverty Reduction 021 364 960, 021 264 961<br />

Japan International Volunteer Center 021 243 530<br />

Mines Advisory Group 021 252 004, 021 217 505<br />

Oxfam 021 264 224, 021 264 225<br />

Room to Read 021 254 577, 021 263 850<br />

Save the Children 021 415 432, 021 314 471<br />

Wildlife Conservation Society 021 215 400, 021 243 602<br />

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES<br />

Accounting<br />

ASA Accounting & Auditing Services 021 415 015<br />

ACE Consultancy Co. 021 219 888<br />

Legal Services<br />

DFDL 021 242 068<br />

LS Horizon 021 217 762<br />

Sciaroni 030 918 3067<br />

Rajah and Tann 021 454 239<br />

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COMPUTERS & TELECOMMUNICATIONS<br />

IT and Telecommunications Equipment<br />

ALO! Technology 021 253 130, 030 539 9947-8<br />

DataCom 021 417 234<br />

Guru 020 7799 9965<br />

ME Shop Sihom 030 777 4873, 020 7770 9642 / Phonsinuan 030 777 4875, 030 576 1145<br />

Internet Providers<br />

Beeline 123<br />

ETL 021 260 012<br />

Lao Telecom 020 5672 4679<br />

Planet Online 021 218 972<br />

Unitel 020 9990 3535<br />

EDUCATION<br />

Schools<br />

Lycée Français Josué Hoffet (French School) 021 260 926<br />

Vientiane International School 021 486 001<br />

Kittisack International School 021 314 979<br />

Panyathip International School 021 412 825<br />

Kintergardens & Pre-schools<br />

Tukata Nursery 020 9997 4085<br />

Aariya Daycare 020 5552 9715<br />

102 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


HOTELS<br />

Crowne Plaza Vientiane<br />

Ansara Hotel 021 213 514, 021 213 523<br />

AV Hotel 021 265 085, 021 265 084<br />

Chanthapanya Hotel 021 241 451, 021 244 283<br />

City Inn Vientiane Hotel 021 218 333, 021 218 444<br />

Crowne Plaza Vientiane 021 908 888<br />

Dhavara Boutique Hotel 021 222 238<br />

Don Chan Palace Hotel 021 244 288, 021 244 111<br />

Green Park Boutique Hotel 021 264 099, 021 263 064<br />

Ibis Vientiane Hotel 021 262 050, 021 263 230<br />

Khamvongsa Hotel 021 223 257, 021 217 712<br />

Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel 021 266 888, 021 266 899<br />

Lao Plaza Hotel 021 218 800, 021 218 808<br />

Mercure Vientiane Hotel 021 213 570, 021 213 572<br />

Rashmi Plaza Hotel 021 315 088, 021 315 089<br />

Salana Boutique Hotel 021 254 254, 021 254 250<br />

Settha Palace Hotel 021 217 581, 021 217 582<br />

APARTMENTS<br />

La Residence de Pakham<br />

BANSACK Residence 020 29292929<br />

Capitol Risidence 021 255811-2<br />

Domon Apartment 020 55526452<br />

KC Residence 021 254974<br />

La Residence de Pakham 030 500 6097, 020 5659 9168<br />

Le Petit Jardin 021 241 968<br />

Manola Residence 020 56236669<br />

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103


SC Apartment 020 99454545<br />

Sengvanthong Apartment 021 212179<br />

Sirina Apartment 020 55512452<br />

Kiriya Café by Dao Coffee<br />

PVO Vietnamese Restaurant<br />

RESTAURANTS AND CAFES<br />

American<br />

Ray’s Grille 020 5896 6866<br />

Scorpion Wings 030 5945 367<br />

Bakeries<br />

Bakery by Boris 020 7779 2228<br />

JOMA Bakery and Café 021 215 265<br />

Le Banneton 021 217 321<br />

Bistro<br />

Masa Spoon Café and Bistro 021 261 634<br />

Brazilian<br />

Samba 021 261 777<br />

Cafes<br />

Café Vanille 030 916 0515<br />

Chokdee Café 021 263 834, 020 5610 3434<br />

Kaogee Café 030 595 0000<br />

Benoni 021 213 334<br />

Dao The High Tea 030 588 1488<br />

Kiriya Café 030 500 6097<br />

Kung's Café 021 219 010<br />

Le Petit Jardin 020 2223 3858<br />

Le Trio Coffee 020 2255 3552<br />

104 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


Naked Espresso 030 538 3391<br />

Parisien Café 021 417 233<br />

Chinese<br />

Azor Chinese Restaurant 030 911 6999, 020 5666 6779<br />

Fou Man Lou Restaurant 021 262 249, 021 262 247<br />

Guangdong Restaurant 021 217 364<br />

French<br />

L'Addresse – Cuisine by Tinay 020 5691 3434<br />

La Cave des Chateaux 021 212 192<br />

La Signature at Ansara 021 213 514<br />

Le Vendome 021 216 402<br />

Fusion<br />

Khop Chai Deu Restaurant 021 263 829<br />

Kongview Restaurant 021 520 522,021 520 533<br />

Sen Sen Restaurant Nongbone 030 5777 377, Haysok 030 9850 789<br />

Senglao Café 021 580 588<br />

Suntara Restaurant 021 251 564, 030 280 0789<br />

Tummour Restaurant 021 255 549<br />

International Buffets<br />

Dok Champa at Lao Plaza 021 218 800<br />

Le Café at Mercure Vientiane 021 213 571<br />

Mosaic at Crowne Plaza 021 908 888<br />

Indian<br />

Curry Tree 030 933 1114<br />

Nazim Indian Restaurant 021 223 480, 021 217 958<br />

Dehli Durbar 021 410 013<br />

Flavours and Spices 021 316 617<br />

Italian<br />

Aria Italian Restaurant 021 222 589<br />

L'Opera Italian Restaurant 021 215 099, 021 215 028<br />

Lao Luna D'Oro Italian Restaurant 021 255 193, 021 255 194<br />

Japanese<br />

Fuji Japanese Restaurant 021 222 210<br />

04. DIRECTORY<br />

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L’Opera Italian Restaurant<br />

Lao Derm Restaurant<br />

Fujiwara Restaurant 021 222 210, 020 5550 6887<br />

Kiku at Lao Plaza Hotel 021 218 800<br />

Qoo Japanese Restaurant 030 527 9577<br />

Yokohama Japanese Restaruant 020 5583 8226<br />

Lao<br />

Kualao Restaurant 021 214 813, 021 215 777<br />

Lao Derm Restaurant 021 255 283<br />

Ping Kai Napong Restaurant 020 5555 2424, 020 2222 5732<br />

Poysian Restaurant 021 213 173, 020 7771 7011<br />

Sisamout Choumchim Restaurant 021 213 855, 020 5551 1853<br />

Soukvimarn Cuisine Lao 030 589 2345<br />

Tamnak Lao Restaurant 021 413 562, 021 451 854<br />

Malaysian<br />

Four Seasons Restaurant 020 2818 1118<br />

Pizza<br />

Pizza da Roby 020 5998 9926<br />

Swedish Pizza and Bakery 021 254 041, 021 454 177<br />

The Pizza Company 1112<br />

Tyson’s Pizza 021 255 272<br />

Pomodoro Pizzeria 020 9868 4371<br />

Russian<br />

Privet Russian Restaurant 020 2809 7784<br />

Vietnamese<br />

Hoi An 021 255 778<br />

Pho Zap Restaurant 020 5565 5499<br />

PVO Vietnamese Restaurant 021 214 444, 020 5551 5544<br />

PVO Phở 020 5560 1111<br />

Wines & Spirits<br />

Anoteca 021 261 518<br />

106 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


For reservation: 021 413 562<br />

04. DIRECTORY<br />

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Cloud 9 Shop 021 240 111, 020 7845 5555<br />

Gecko Wines 020 9994 3256<br />

Haven Duty Free Wattay Airport 021 512 170<br />

Haven Duty Free Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge 1 020 7750 9998<br />

Vansom Wine Shop 021 212 196<br />

SHOPPING &<br />

RETAIL<br />

Mixay Boutic’<br />

Handicraft<br />

Lao Textiles by Carol Cassidy 021 212 123<br />

KHANG 021 540 105<br />

Mixay Boutic’ 020 5550 5282<br />

Saoban 020 9634 5586<br />

Satri Lao 021 244 384<br />

Tshop Lai Boutique 021 223 178<br />

Apparel & Accessories Boutiques<br />

Elegant Boutique 020 5570 2223<br />

Ministry of Silk 021 213 776<br />

Lao Derm 021 244 384<br />

Naree 021 261 613<br />

Tyna Inspiration of Silk 021 262 348<br />

GALLERIES<br />

Eastern Art Gallery and Academy 020 5809 6984<br />

I-Cat Gallery 020 7783 9674<br />

National Institute of Fine Arts 021 314 776<br />

We Gallery 020 5599 9955<br />

108 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


ENTERTAINMENT<br />

Eighteen Nineteen Vientiane<br />

Blu- O Bowling 020 9543 9753, 021 228 093<br />

ITECC Mall Cineplex 030 969 2522<br />

Major Platinum Cineplex Vientiane Center 021 228 090<br />

Eighteen Nineteen Vientiane 020 7617 1819<br />

Galaxy Night Club 020 9563 5142<br />

GoDunk 020 5567 6550<br />

Musso 030 934 4448<br />

Zeus 020 5885 5772<br />

BOOKSTORES & LIBRARIES<br />

Books @ DK 020 5899 6523<br />

The Monument Book 021 252 100<br />

National Bookstore 021 253 153<br />

National Library of Laos 021 212 452<br />

National University of Laos Central Library 021 770 937<br />

AUTO & TRANSPORT<br />

Vehicle Rental<br />

AVIS 021 223 867<br />

SiXT 021 513 228<br />

SLV Car Rental 020 2365 5464<br />

Charter Services<br />

Sout Chai Travel 021 254 512-5<br />

Taxi<br />

Taxi Vientiane Capital Lao Group 021 454 168<br />

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PERSONAL SERVICE & CARE<br />

Beauty<br />

Chic Hair 020 5509 8996<br />

Cleo Salon and Nail Spa 020 9555 8786<br />

The Barber 020 9666 7655<br />

The New Wave 020 5561 7846<br />

Massage and Spa<br />

LV City Massage and Spa 030 525 6699<br />

Manee Spa 021 353 027<br />

Tangerine Garden Spa 021 251 452<br />

Gym<br />

Sengdara 021 254 500, 020 9999 9988<br />

Happiness Gym 020 5699 9299<br />

Sengvixay Gym by Fitwhey 030 588 9599<br />

SAFAA Gym 020 5400 9151<br />

Pet Health Services<br />

Animal Doctors International 021 316 410<br />

International Veterinary Center 021 350 658<br />

iVET 021 454 839<br />

MyVET 020 5550 5849<br />

TICKETING AGENCIES<br />

Kian Min (Laos) Co., Ltd<br />

Dao Tour Co., Ltd 021 215 822<br />

Kian Min (Laos) Co., Ltd 021 212 368<br />

Lao Air Service 021 900 241-3<br />

Lao American Enterprise 021 215 632<br />

Laovieng Travel Co., Ltd 021 222 370<br />

Next Travel and Ticketing Co., Ltd 020 2877 3772<br />

110 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


HEALTHCARE<br />

Alliance International Medical Centre<br />

Clinics<br />

Alliance Medical Centre 021 262 115, 021 312 355<br />

Australian Clinic 021 710 006, 021 710 003<br />

French Clinic 1 021 214 018, 020 5571 7418<br />

French Clinic 2 021 951 105, 021 951 106<br />

French Medical Center 021 617 051, 021 617 041<br />

Mekong Clinic 020 2245 7771, 021 970 485<br />

Dentist<br />

Watthana Dental Clinic 021 252 697, 020 5562 9341<br />

Vertex 020 5655 5505<br />

Public Hospitals<br />

Dermatology Control Center 021 262 115, 021 312 355<br />

Friendship (150) Hospital 021 710 006<br />

Mahosot Hospital 021 214 018<br />

Military (103) Hospital 021 951 105, 021 951 106<br />

Mother and Newborn Hospital 021 617 051, 021 617 041<br />

Police (109) Hospital 020 2245 7771<br />

Setthathirath Hospital 021 351 156<br />

Thongpong Eye Treatment Hospital 021 620 115, 021 612 079<br />

Private Hospitals<br />

Aek Udon International Hospital (Thailand) (+0066-42) 342 555<br />

Alliance International Medical Center 021 513 095, 021 513 096<br />

Lao - ASEAN Hospital 021 330 374, 021 330 376<br />

Lao - Viet Hospital 021 353 493<br />

Mekong River Hospital 030 980 5533<br />

Vientiane- Hanoi Friendship 030 996 6999, 020 9600 8686<br />

Pharmacy<br />

Citi Pharmacy 020 2855 1155<br />

Nou Phuek Pharmacy 021 214 715<br />

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Paramy Pharmacy 021 217 401<br />

Poppy’s Pharmacy 020 5550 4173<br />

Saysaath Pharmacy 021 216 696<br />

Red Cross Society<br />

Danish Red Cross 021 521 585<br />

French Red Cross 021 241 042<br />

Lao Red Cross 021 216 610<br />

EMERGENCY NUMBERS<br />

Rescue Units<br />

Vientiane Rescue Association 1624<br />

Rescue Unit of the Poor People's Foundation of Lao PDR 1623<br />

Nakha Rescue Foundation 1513<br />

Chinese Rescue Foundation 1628<br />

Emergency Numbers<br />

Fire Station 1190<br />

Ambulance 1195<br />

Electricity 1199<br />

Water Supply Station 1169<br />

Electricity District Station (24 hours emergency call)<br />

Xaysettha District 021 463 016<br />

Chanthaboury District 021 212 808<br />

Sisattanak District 021 316 093<br />

Sikhottabong District 021 241 588<br />

Police District Office and Immigration Office<br />

Vientiane Capital Office 1191, 021 212 702-3<br />

Traffice Police at Friendship Bridge I 021 812 044, 021 812 122<br />

Security Guard Office at Friendship Bridge I 021 812040<br />

Head Office of Friendship Bridge 021 812037<br />

Thadeua Checkpoint 021 832025<br />

112 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


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Kaoliew Checkpoint 021 670 846<br />

Sikhottabong District 021 212 712<br />

Sisattanak District 021 212 333<br />

Xaysettha District 021 412 456<br />

Chanthabouly District 021 832 062<br />

Hatsayfong District 021 632 016<br />

PakNgeum District 021 890 412<br />

Naxaiythong District 021 632 016<br />

Sungthong District 030 994 9166<br />

Xaythanny District 021 732 061<br />

Disclaimer: the listings in this directory are recommendations only<br />

BlueGrass Design Group Co., Ltd.<br />

Hom 17, Unit 23, Nongbone Village, Saysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR<br />

Tel: +856 21 416 636, +856 21 416 637<br />

Nationwide Out-of-home Hotline: 1468<br />

info@bluegrassgroup.la<br />

www.bluegrassgroup.la<br />

Reception<br />

+856 21 416 636-37 Ext: 0<br />

info@bluegrassgroup.la<br />

Administration & Finance<br />

+856 21 416 636-37 Ext: 103<br />

admin@bluegrassgroup.la<br />

Production/Maintenance Team<br />

+856 21 416 636-37 Ext: 106<br />

maintenance@bluegrassgroup.la<br />

Sales Team<br />

+856 21 416 636-37 Ext: 105, 1468<br />

sales@bluegrassgroup.la<br />

114 BLUEGRASS DESIGN JOURNAL 04. DIRECTORY


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