LoudChat: Laos Launch First Communication App
Source: Vientiane Times
LoudChat, Laos’ first communication app was launched last week by the Ministry of Technology and Communications and Sirichalernxay Sole Co., Ltd.
The app functions in a similar way to WhatsApp and WeChat and represents another step forward in the government’s modernisation drive.
LoudChat and the associated Lao Green Code app is a joint project between the ministry and Sirichalernxay Sole Co., Ltd., under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in August 2021.
LoudChat is the first instant messaging app to be developed in Laos and allows users to send text messages, voice messages, photos and videos. Users can also make voice, video and group chat calls, and share files and locations.
The app also contains the Lao Green code, a mini app built into LoudChat to help counter the spread of Covid-19, similar to the systems used in other countries, such as TraceTogether in Singapore and WeChat’s Green Code in China.
Speaking at the launch of LoudChat last week, the Director of Sirichalernxay Sole Co., Ltd., Mr Soulixay Xayasane, said LoudChat would be a communication app owned by the Lao people to reduce dependence on the use of foreign apps with databases abroad.
“In the near future, the company will develop and add more services to the LoudChat app for use by customers in relation to hotels, restaurants, bus and plane tickets, registration of labour, payment of goods and services and other services, providing a one-stop service in one app,” Mr Soulixay said.
“The company is confident that in the future our app will develop on par with apps used in other countries such as WhatsApp, Line and WeChat, so that Lao people can be proud of developments in digital technology in line with the government’s modernisation goals,” he added.
Last week, the Ministry of Technology and Communications and Sirichalernxay Sole Co., Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Agreement on LoudChat and Lao Green Code app development and a feasibility study on a government data exchange centre (GDX).
The agreement was inked by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Technology and Communications, Mr Phoukhong Chithoublok, and the Director of Sirichalernxay Sole Co., Ltd., Mr Soulixay Xayasane.
Minister of Technology and Communications Prof. Dr Boviengkham Vongdara was present at the ceremony.
Mr Phoukhong said modernisation is one of the government’s most important tasks and that technology and communication have become the mainstay of work in all fields.
Infrastructure development and the deployment of digital systems are also part of the eight strategies outlined in the 10-year National Digital Economy Development Plan, he added.
In recent years the ministry has worked with many entities to promote development in this field, including with Sirichalernxay in the development of the LoudChat app, which is viewed as a priority for the modernisation of government administration and public service delivery.
