MISSION
We are a non-governmental, business association that works to engage in and nurture increased bilateral opportunities and connections in both academia and industry between Canada and Laos.
VISION
To meaningfully engage Canadian and Lao businesses and citizens to facilitate increased bilateral trade, prosperity and a healthy community in line with shared Canadian values.
VALUES
Candour and Integrity – We consistently operate from a place of honesty and integrity. We know that it is integral for the community, businesses and individuals to build trust through openness and transparency.
Collaboration – We know that it is imperative to work in closely with the community, businesses, governments, and individuals to foster increased bilateral academic and trade opportunities.
Responsible Leadership – Being a leader means making proactive choices that are difficult. Listening to stakeholders and the community, we are constantly learning, focused on sustainability and long term success.
Accountability – We make decisions based on facts in evidence with the benefit of the Canadian - Laos academic, business and wider communities in mind.
Fun – Beyond all the seriousness we believe that it is important to have fun. An awakened sense of awe, joy and wonder leads to a happier, healthier and more productive environment.
Board of Directors
President
Kevyn McGraw
Although he originally planned to stay for a short time, Kevyn McGraw is now going through his thirteenth year in Laos. Growing up in Canada, Kevyn developed an early interest in Asia and moved to Laos immediately after graduating from Concordia University at the age of 22.
Initially working part-time jobs, Kevyn has come a long way since his arrival and is now busy working as the CEO of ASEAN Contact Center, Founder/CEO of AiHak Solutions, Co-Founder of CK Travel as well as the Co-Founder and President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Laos. He previously worked for Aheeva Technology as their Asian Business Developer and created partnerships in over 10 countries in Asia.
He is married to a Lao national and the proud father of three children.
Vice President
Sender D. MacLean
Sender will always tell you that there was a dark reason that he came to Laos – however, he instead chose the light. In the past Sender has worked in numerous fields in politics throughout Canada and the world.
Soon after arriving in Laos he identified a need that even in Canada he knew was necessary so he became the Chief Educational Officer for an educational firm initially named Plato’s Cave but now is Good People Laos. Through English Sender has been able to work with hundreds of students in many academic fields including but not limited to; Business, Literature, International Relations, Law and Philosophy. In his capacity Sender has worked with many students who will surely be the next (and some already are) generation of leaders in multiple fields.
Sender is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of ASEAN Contact Center, still running his educational organization, Co – Founder of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Laos and an all around handy guy.
He is married to a Lao national and the proud father of three children.
DIRECTOR
Manilay Bouavong
Manilay was born in Vientiane and immigrated to Canada with her mother and sibling. She graduated from the Montreal Polytechnique, specializing in project management. She took the opportunity to return to Laos by joining Lao Consulting Group Ltd. (LCG) in 2000 to pursue a new career and to discover her birth country and renew her acquaintance with her extended family. Appointed Managing Director in 2004 under her direction the company has grown to become one of the leading Lao owned consulting companies providing project management and expert services across all sectors of Lao social and economic activities to meet the Lao Government Millennium Development Goals. She is proud that some of LCG project’s implementation are improving the quality of life of the Lao population in general.
DIRECTOR
Ken Streutker
He is a long-term resident of Thailand and Laos (32 and 7 years respectively). He worked with the Thai satellite company Thaicom before being posted to Laos and Lao Tel communication Public Company where he works as Marketing Manager. Besides his full time job, Ken is also the co-founder of The Makerbox Lao, the first community innovation/incubation/makerspace in the Lao PDR.
Director
Sam Chanpradith
He is the founder of Deluxe Food Group, and moved to Vancouver, BC, from Laos in 1980. He founded Deluxe Food Group in 2002 and has over 30 years of experience in North America and Asia's food import-export industry.
In 2009, he established Vientiane Cold Storage and Deluxe Food Service in Vientiane, Laos. He brings extensive business experience, strong relationships with executives and government representatives, and a successful track record of building international markets and forming alliances and acquisitions.
As a decision-maker, his primary role will be to navigate relations and issues between Canadian and Laotian parties. He is committed to growing membership and amplifying the voices of the Canadian business community in Laos.