U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership
Program Agenda
Featured Speakers
Ambassador Heather Variava
U.S. Ambassador to Lao PDR
Heather Variava was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on January 19, 2024. She is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister Counselor. Previously, she served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines. She also served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission to Indonesia, and as U.S. Consul General in Surabaya, Indonesia.
In Washington, Ambassador Variava was Director of the Office of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Bhutan in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. Department of State; she also worked at the State Department Operations Center and served as the country desk officer for Thailand in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs. A member of the U.S. Foreign Service since 1996, Ambassador Variava has also served overseas in India, Mauritius, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Ambassador Variava worked as a newspaper reporter in Waterville, Maine. Raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ambassador Variava received an undergraduate degree in International Relations from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. She holds master’s degrees from the University of Missouri and from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. In 2012, Ambassador Variava received a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College in Washington, D.C., and in 2014 she completed a fellowship in executive leadership with the International Women’s Forum (IWF). She is the recipient of numerous Meritorious and Superior Honor Awards, as well as a Presidential Rank Award. She speaks Indonesian and has studied Vietnamese, French, and German. Ambassador Variava is married to Billy Variava, and they have two sons.
Vice Minister Manothong Vongxay
Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce
Manothong Vongxay became Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) in December 2021. Prior to that, he served as Vice Minister of Planning and Investment (MPI), Director General of Evaluation Department, Deputy and Director General of Investment Promotion Department (IPD) and consultant for World Bank. He holds a Doctoral degree in Business Administration and Master degrees in Mathematics and Physics and Economics of Development.
Valy Vethsaphong
Vice President, Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Over two years of hands-on experience as a Cyber Incident Responder, specializing in the identification and mitigation of cyber threats.
- Conducted comprehensive digital forensics investigations and monitored endpoints for potential threats, providing rapid response to cyber incidents for a wide range of SMEs and enterprises in Laos.
- Co-trainer for the USAID initiative, “The Cybersecurity Awareness Training for Lao SMEs,” aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Actively participated in multiple Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, representing Laos in ASEAN events, including the Cyber SEA Game, ACS, and ASCIS.
- Facilitator and knowledge sharer at various events such as LANOG, 2600 Laos, and Security Talk, contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity education and community awareness.
Desarack Teso
Government Affairs Director, Microsoft
Des Teso serves as Government Affairs Director for Microsoft ASEAN’s Corporate, External & Legal Affairs group, overseeing operations in Thailand and the CMLV countries. In this role, he provides strategic counsel on policy and legislative matters, as well as politics and the broader geopolitical trends that impact Microsoft’s interest in the region.
Des joined Microsoft in 2009 after working as in-house legal counsel for MNCs including PwC, Philip Morris International and Kraft Foods. His experience spans on several heavily regulated sectors: tobacco, energy, food, mining and technology. He has worked in both developed and developing countries, including Laos, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, the EU and Japan.
He earned a dual Juris Doctor and MBA from the University of Hawaii. He is qualified as a lawyer and CPA in Hawaii, and currently holds certifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), including CIPP-Asia and CIPP-Europe. His academic journey began at Linfield College, where he received a BA in Accounting on a full tennis scholarship.
Moon Nguyet Phillips
Senior Director, Government Relations and Public Policy Asia Pacific, Tools for Humanity Corp.
Moon Nguyet Phillips is the Senior Director, Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for the Asia-Pacific region at Tools for Humanity, co-founded by the OpenAI/Chat GPT CEO Sam Altman (as Chairman) and Alex Blania (as CEO). TFH is addressing one of today’s critical challenges: safely interacting in the digital world by distinguishing humans from bots.
At TFH, Moon reports directly to the Chief Business Officer Ambassador Trevor Traina, and leads public policy across all markets in Asia Pacific from Singapore. She is passionate about advancing TFH’s mission, and fostering meaningful dialogue between technology and regulatory frameworks. Prior to that, she worked for Uber, Facebook and Netflix in different leadership roles in charge of government affairs and policy campaigns in the region.
Moon has a Master’s Degree in Southeast Asian studies and has completed leadership training from prestigious universities: Improvisational Leadership (Stanford Graduate School of Business), Women’s Leadership Development (Oxford University, Said Business School), and Executive Leadership (Harvard Business School/Uber).
Nancy Jaffe
Chief Strategy Officer, MangoTango Asia
Nancy brings her global experience in technology, strategy, and sustainable development to Southeast Asia as head of strategy for MangoTango Asia, a digital transformation company working for social advancement in Asia since 2014.
Her experience includes public and private sector projects for organizations including USAID, The Asia Foundation, GIZ, UNDP, Microsoft, IBM, and many others.
Nancy has an in-depth understanding of Cambodia and has lived and worked there for ten years, working to make a difference in this rapidly changing country. Projects include digital literacy and digital transformation initiatives, digital policy advocacy, programs to support women entrepreneurs, and initiatives to promote education and vocational training.
Nancy has an M.A. in Social Psychology and Statistics from Columbia University, New York, and B.A. in Psychology from Wellesley College, Massachusetts.
Cynthia Salim
Venture Partner, Integra Partners
Cynthia Salim is an Indonesian-American entrepreneur, investor, and advisor. As a Venture Partner at Integra Partners, she focuses on the Win With Women program, supported by USAID, to help female founders become more investment ready. Cynthia has led Asia expansion for a European VC firm, a turnaround and sale of a luxury hospitality concept in Singapore, and was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 early in her career for her work as a startup founder in New York. Cynthia has spoken at institutions like Harvard Business School, Visa and Citigroup on impact investing and women’s leadership, and is an active mentor to regional sustainability leaders. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Raffles City and resides in Singapore with her Australian husband and son.
Souphaphone (Nana) Souannavong
Fina Fintech
Developer of Lao first Incubator for startups and TOHLAO Coworking Space to build an entrepreneurial community where ‘like-minded people come to work, to collaborate, to launch and grow their businesses’. Nana and the crew have been investing in startups at seed stage including outstanding startups like Bizgital and Loca. Nana has been working in financial and banking industry since 2005 in various market environments and countries such as the United States, Thailand, Malaysia and an emerging market like Laos.
- Mentored more than 80 business ideas
- Helped launch more than 30 companies
- Mentored more than 1,200 individuals through different events in Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Business Positions/Directorship
- Founder and CEO of Fina
- Founder & Managing Director – TOHLAO Group
- Executive Director – BizGital Company Limited (including subsidiary Muan.la)
- Executive Director – LOCA Company Limited (including subsidiary LOCA Gro and Joylada) Membership
- Board Member – Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Executive Vice President – Lao ICT Commerce Association
- Australian Alumni (AusAid Scholar) – Bachelor of Business (Banking & Finance)
Jamie Brennan
Chief Product Officer, DDX Insights
Jamie Brennan is a distinguished speaker and visionary leader in the realms of trade, digital transformation and AI. She has a wealth of experience and is currently serving as Chief Product Officer at DDX in Thailand and a behavioral science consultant at UNECA (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa).
In her previous roles at IOM, Amazon, CP, and Lazada, Jamie focused on facilitating businesses and ministries to access global trade and technology. Her initiatives have driven revenue growth, public policy, and digital market access for marginalized groups. In this context, she has received awards from the Ambassador of the United States and given private speaking engagements to political affairs officers for embassies in Thailand as well as emerging technologies to Fortune 100 companies. On a broader scale, Jamie has made significant impact by driving operational efficiency at Amazon, developing self-sustaining ecosystems at Lazada, and advising over 1,200 startups through public-private partnerships and government programs.
Jamie is an accomplished board member, having been elected as Governor for AMCHAM 2023, as co-chair of the Digital Economy at AMCHAM and BCCT in 2022 and previously for the Product Management Festival and Mary’s Place.
Jamie is a leader in AI, digital transformation and trade. As a published author and speaker, she has contributed to events including the UN Summit of the Future under UNU, The Global Forum of Women, Trade Winds, and the APEC SME Forum.
Jamie is dedicated to bringing her global and local experience, together with her private sector, US and United Nations experience to build a future that brings sustainable prosperity to all.
Joie (Joey) Cruz
Founder & CEO, Limitless Labs
Joie Cruz is the Founder and CEO of Limitless Lab, a social innovation company empowering people through design thinking and co-creating impactful products and services. Recognized as one of Tatler Asia’s Gen T Honourees in 2023, Joie has pioneered innovations like a digital literacy curriculum for Filipinos and Bayanivation, an innovation program for local governments.
A multi-passionate entrepreneur, Joie is passionate about design and tech, personal growth and spirituality, and helping her fellow women entrepreneurs to create both impactful and financially thriving enterprises.
Dr. Kanpassom (Eix) Suriyasangpetch
Ooca
Dr. Kanpassorn Suriyasangpetch, an army dentist turned tech entrepreneur, is revolutionizing mental wellness as the CEO and co-founder of OOCA. This pioneering anonymous video-call platform connects individuals to psychiatrists and psychologists, breaking down stigma and empowering them to seek support. With 200,000 users and partnerships with 70+ corporate clients, OOCA is Thailand’s first telemedicine app dedicated to mental health. Dr. Suriyasangpetch’s impact extends further through the Wall of Sharing Foundation, co founded with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute, Department of Mental Health. , providing free counseling services to students across Thailand. Recognized as one of BBC’s 100 most inspiring women, OOCA’s recent investment from BDMS further cements its position as a transformative force in the industry.
Suthasiny (Moh) Sudprasert
Happy Ground
Chris McCarthy
Chief Executive Officer, MangoTango Asia
Christopher McCarthy is an experienced digital transformation and technology expert with over 25 years of experience. A founder, entrepreneur, and mentor, he has worked with NGOs, governments, and leading global private companies to create innovative digital solutions. Chris has worked in Silicon Valley, New York and Singapore, and now in Southeast Asia for social advancement projects, where he is the CEO of MangoTango Asia, a management consulting and strategic communications firm that helps businesses and organizations achieve their goals by leveraging new technologies. He holds degrees in Anthropology and Education from Columbia University in New York, and a certification in Public Policy Design from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Savath Saypadith
Chief Executive Officer, Wayha Sokxay Technology
Dr. Savath Saypadith is the CEO of Wayha Sokxay Technology, a key player in digital transformation under the Sokxay Group, where he has led the development of logistics platforms and insurance systems since 2022. He earned his B.Eng. in Information Technology from the National University of Laos in 2014, an M.Eng. in Electrical Engineering from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, in 2018, and completed his Ph.D. in Information System Engineering at Osaka University, Japan, in 2022. Prior to his current role, he was a lecturer at the National University of Laos. His research interests focus on image and video processing, computer vision, generative networks, and machine learning, with an emphasis on practical applications.
Sunepha (Nunging) Detvongsa
IQURI
Sunepha Detvongsa graduated Bachelor Degree in Business Economics, Assumption University Thailand. She has experience working in both academic and business field. Sunepha had work with consultant firms in the field of government affair and business development.
Sunepha has been working with startups company both in Laos and in Thailand and had involved with the local startup’s community through Lao ICT Association. She also co-found Gubi which is food and lifestyle platform.
She has strong passion and interest in technology and innovation, who wants to build new product and services that people love. She also has strong motivation in building the tech talent of Laos to reach international standard.
Muhammad (Mas) Masthan
Investment Specialist (ASEAN), U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Embassy Singapore
Mas is responsible for the SelectUSA program in Southeast Asia region. It is a federal government initiative launched in 2011 by President Obama to facilitate the expansion of international companies into the United States. He supports companies of all sizes and industries to create a physical presence in the U.S. He provides “one stop” services which include connections to U.S. federal government agencies, state governments, as well as through market research, guidance on taxation, legal requirements, IP protection, U.S. visas and immigration laws.
Brett Joyal
Founder & CEO, mom&pop
Brett Joyal is the founder and CEO of mom&pop, a Southeast Asia technology start-up helping family owned businesses modernize and compete in a digital era. He worked in Retail and Food & Beverage for over 15 years and comes from a family of small business owners. Prior to launching mom&pop Brett held corporate roles at DKSH, Deloitte, the N.C. State Treasurer and Morgan Stanley in Asia, Europe and N. America.
Thanyalat Chaleunsouk
Co-Founder/MD, Foodie Lao Sole Co., Ltd., (Yoosay)
Thanyalat is a passionate entrepreneur and the co-founder of Yoosay, an innovative AI-powered food discovery platform revolutionizing how people connect with dining experiences. With over five years of experience managing a successful food delivery company, foodpanda, Thanyalat has navigated the challenges of the tech industry with resilience and a visionary approach. She is committed to empowering women in entrepreneurship, breaking barriers in the digital economy, and inspiring others to turn their passions into impactful ventures. Combining her extensive experience, love for food, and technology, Thanyalat creates solutions that simplify everyday decisions, positioning her as a trailblazer in the ASEAN tech landscape.
Gina Romero
Shi Mei Chin
Chief Financial Officer, Spark Systems Pte. Ltd.
Shi Mei Chin is the Chief Financial Officer of Spark Systems, a Series C FinTech eFX trading platform backed by industry giants such as Citi, HSBC, and leading venture capital firms.
Shi Mei spearheads the Finance function and has played a crucial role in Spark Systems’ journey from Series A to Series C, significantly contributing to the company’s growth and success.
Currently, she is actively involved in fundraising, SPAC and M&A negotiations, and IPO readiness, shaping the company’s future trajectory.
With seven years of experience in Audit and Assurance for Banking and Capital Markets with Big Four firms globally, where she also helped pioneer the FinTech team within PwC.
As an active participant in the FinTech ecosystem, Shi Mei has served as the Treasurer and Executive Committee member of the Singapore FinTech Association since 2021.
She was a Sub-Committee member of Women in FinTech from 2019 to 2020, an initiative aimed at profiling and recognizing women leaders in the industry.
Additionally, she mentors with Tenity, an accelerator incubator global innovation ecosystem with hubs across Europe and Asia. Shi Mei also serves as an advisor to xcube, a next-generation corporate venture studio that builds curated ecosystems for startups, corporates, and investors.
In 2019, Shi Mei was honoured with the Top 50 FinTech Leaders Asia Award.
Shi Mei is a Chartered Accountant (CA) with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and has completed her Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification.
Lattahana Douangboupha
Deputy Director, MSME Promotion Agency
Palima Sisaykeo
Acting Director, Technical Assistance Management Department, MSME Promotion Agency
Pong Limsan
Founder and CEO, Pethyoeung Healthtech Co., Ltd.
Mrs. Pong Limsan is a Cambodian entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the technology sector in Cambodia, particularly in the field of health technology. As the Founder and CEO of Pethyoeung Healthtech Co., Ltd., she has pioneered digital solutions that have transformed healthcare management in Cambodia, making healthcare services more accessible and efficient.
Mrs. Limsan’s journey in technology began after she completed her bachelor’s in computer science in 2003 and Master’s in IT at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in 2006. Over the next decade, she accumulated extensive experience working as a database specialist, web content manager, and IT consultant for prominent organizations such as the Ministry of Health and the Asian Development Bank.
In 2013, she co-founded Pethyoeung Healthtech Co., Ltd formerly as First Womentech Asia Co., LTD. with her husband. The company was established to address inefficiencies in the Cambodian healthcare system, particularly the reliance on outdated and manual processes for managing patient records and hospital operations. Inspired by a personal experience of long wait times and inefficiencies when seeking medical care for her children, Limsan developed the Pethyoeung Hospital Management System to modernize healthcare management in Cambodia.
Viengvilay Phimmasone
Co-Founder & Director, PatiHoub
Viengvilay Phimmasone is the Co-Founder and Director of PatiHoub, a pioneering plastic recycling business based in Luang Prabang, Laos. With a diverse background in sustainable tourism, hospitality, and environmental consulting, Viengvilay is passionate about promoting resource efficiency and reducing single-use plastics.
Lattana Keosihavong
Managing Director, Village Banking
Lattana Keosihavong is the Managing Director of LTS Ventures, a Lao FinTech company. LTS is running the largest digital village bank network in Asia. The network empowered over 225,000 clients to be financially included. 924 village banks provide access to loans and a safe way to deposit money.
Lattana started a fashion business before in Laos and worked with banks and in the tourism sector in diverse businesses. Her passion is to help the people in rural areas, since she grew up on an island in the Mekong river. She has a degree of business administration and an “Investment banking” certificate with the Lao Stock exchange.
Tim Sheffman
Chief Executive Officer, Village Banking
Tim Scheffmann is the CEO of LTS Ventures, a Lao FinTech company and the treasurer of the European Chamber of Commerce in Laos.
LTS is running the largest digital village bank network in Asia. The network empowered over 225,000 clients to be financially included. 924 village banks provide access to loans and a safe way to deposit money.
Tim worked as a banker in every financial hub across the world (from Frankfurt to New York, Singapore and Hong Kong). He came to South East Asia 15 years ago and has led as CEO mobile money, blockchain and FinTech companies. Tim has managed teams of 50+ people and global projects valued of more than US$25 million. With 30 years of experience in Banking and Finance he understands capital markets and digital transformation. Tim is a certified independent financial advisor. He holds also a Master degree of Banking & Finance of the Frankfurt School of Finance in Germany and a Bachelor of Business Information Systems.
Ambassador Grata Endah Werdaningtyas
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Vientiane, Lao PDR
H.E Grata Endah Werdaningtyas has been inaugurated by President Joko Widodo as the Ambassador of the Republic Indonesia to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on 26 June 2023.
Prior to this assignment, she served as the Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia in Geneva, during which she was also assigned as Charge d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission for 13 months in the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2021.
Ambassador Grata joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1997 and since then, as a career diplomat she has served in various bilateral and multilateral posts. She was the Director for International Security and Disarmament at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during Indonesia’s membership of the UN Security Council 2019-2020.
Ambassador Deena Joy Amatong
Philippine Embassy to Lao PDR
Hailing from Dipolog City, Ambassador Amatong is a Philippine career diplomat who currently serves as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. With nearly 26 years of experience in the Department of Foreign Affairs, she has made significant contributions to the country’s diplomatic efforts across various continents.
Ambassador Amatong entered the Foreign Service in 1997, marking the beginning of a distinguished diplomatic journey. Throughout her career, she has been assigned to Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; and Vienna, Austria. Her assignments have provided her with a deep understanding of global issues and diplomatic relations.
In recognition of her exceptional abilities and dedication, Ms. Amatong was appointed Chargé d’affaires, ad interim, at the Embassy of the Philippines in Vienna, Austria, and Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna before assuming her current role as Ambassador of the Philippines to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 2021.
Ambassador Amatong’s academic background has fortified her international and development economics expertise, empowering her to navigate complex economic landscapes and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s diplomatic engagements. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines (1989) in Diliman and a Master of Arts in International and Development Economics degree from Yale University (1993), New Haven, Connecticut.
Ambassador Morakot Sriswadi
Kingdom of Thailand Embassy to the Lao PDR
Khim Bun
Agility Development Group
Mrs. Khim is the General Manager and lead participatory facilitator and trainer at Agile and has over 7 years’ experience developing, designing and delivering training for major organizations and conducting qualitative research for evaluations and reports. Highly sought after as a facilitator and researcher. Her key focus areas include women (financial literacy, sexual health, Digital literacy, Digital Marketing), disability (employment and access to services), rural farmers (low literacy financial literacy training), and youth (skills, knowledge, economic empowerment, cyberbullying). Working across gender, disability and age brackets she has experiences running micro-enterprises and also mentors other women entrepreneurs. Khim has recently created and delivered incubators and accelerators under ACCESS for Women Entrepreneurs with Disabilities and has consulted for World Vision, SHEInvestment, APLE, Marie Stopes International, UNWomen, API, The Asia Foundation, Catholic Relief Services, and MAG Cambodia.
Fatima Yambao
CEO/Co-Founder, Digiteer
Fatima Yambao is a creative entrepreneur and the CEO and Co-Founder of Digiteer, a technology solutions provider specializing in custom software development. With over a decade of experience, Digiteer delivers innovative digital solutions to businesses across industries. Fatima is also the Co-Founder of TechShake, a startup ecosystem enabler that connects ASEAN startups with global investors, governments, and corporations. Through initiatives like IGNITE, the Philippines’ premier international innovation conference, she helps bridge the gap between local startups and global opportunities.
Beyond her work in tech, Fatima is involved in her family’s poultry farm and Generika Drugstore franchise, applying her entrepreneurial expertise across traditional and tech-driven ventures. An advocate for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth, she is committed to empowering businesses and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship in the Philippines and the ASEAN region.
Courtney Hayslett, M.S.
Operations Analyst, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Courtney Hayslett works as an Operations Analyst for The Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative Chief of Operations Office at The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). A distinguished graduate of Hampton University, she holds a master’s degree in Information Assurance. Ms. Hayslett manages the triage and analysis of actionable data shared by federal, industry, and international partners. She has years of expertise protecting critical infrastructure and evaluating risk associated with ICS/SCADA. Before stepping into her current role, Ms. Hayslett functioned as the Deputy Mission Coordinator and Incident Manager on CISA’s Threat Hunting team. Last fall, she supported The U.S. Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta as the Embassy Science Fellow. Driven by a passion for cyber defense, Ms. Hayslett aims to inspire and educate others in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
Vilaysack (Edward) Vorachack
Cyberus Technologies
Dilip Jesuthasan
Best Telecom
Juergen Piechotta
DataVerse
DataVerse Consulting Sole Co., Ltd. is a Laos based International Consulting Firm, specializing in supporting International Development organizations and businesses in various ways. Focusing on management support, we design, develop, and operate (online and/or offline) management & monitoring systems as well as surveys & assessments.
Phonepasong Mixab
LOCA Company Ltd
Souliyo Vongdala
Co-Founder & CEO, LOCA Company Ltd.
Souliyo is the Co-founder and CEO of LOCA, the leading ride-hailing service in Laos. Under his leadership, LOCA has significantly enhanced the transportation landscape by offering a safe, reliable, and transparent service, creating over 1,000 sustainable jobs. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the ASEAN Business Award and inclusion in Forbes Asia’s 100 Companies to Watch.
Souliyo is a strong advocate for electric vehicles (EVs) in Laos. Souliyo is committed to transitioning LOCA’s fleet to 100% EVs by 2030. He spearheads the development of the nation’s EV charging infrastructure, with over 27 stations currently installed and an ambitious target of 40 by the end of 2024. Today, 60% of LOCA’s drivers use EVs, contributing to a fleet of over 1,000 active drivers.
Souliyo has also launched LOCA PAY, facilitating payments for tourists to local SMEs via existing QR codes. In his public roles, he serves as President of the American Lao Business Association, Vice President of the LAO ICT & Digital Association, and Board Member of the Lao Automotive Industry Association.
Mylene Abiva
President & CEO, FELTA Multimedia Co.
Mylene Abiva , is currently the President/ CEO, FELTA Multi-Media Inc., a 58 year old company engaged in introducing innovative instructional materials and educational devices for school technology. FELTA is the Education Solution Provider of INTEL Education since 2012. She occupies a throne in the Seat of Knowledge. Being a Past President, Philippine Marketing Association (2009), Certified Professional Marketer, Organizer of the Philippine Robotics Olympiad , Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines (Women Entrepreneur) (2009), ASEAN Business Leader (Woman Category) (2014) , ASEAN Woman Entrepreneur (2015), 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World (2016), ASIA CEO Most Innovative Company (2017) . World Robot Olympiad Ambassador (2018 to 2021) GO NEGOSYO Pioneer Mentor since 2005 (Expertise on MARKETING) United Nations Women Empowerment Awardee for Leadership Commitment and Gender Responsive Marketplace (2020) Women’s Business Council Philippines CHAIRPERSON (2022 -2024) , Asia’s Top Outstanding Woman Marketer of the Year (2020) , ASEAN Special Women Entrepreneur Awardee (2022) . She is the Co-Chairperson , Design Advisory Council Philippines . She is a mother, a model entrepreneur, a mountain climber, a Master in Multi-tasking. She is Powerful, Relevant, Graceful, Instinctive and Compassionate.
Kate Rebholz
Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Mission to ASEAN
Kate Rebholz is the Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. at the U.S. Mission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Prior to arriving in Jakarta, Ms. Rebholz was the Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Ms. Rebholz has served in a combination of State Department domestic and overseas assignments. In Washington, she worked in the Office of Korean Affairs on North Korea policy, as the economic unit chief in the Office of India Affairs, as a special assistant to the Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, and as a foreign policy fellow in the Office of Senator Edward J. Markey. Her previous overseas assignments include consular work in India and political and economic work in Indonesia.
Before joining the State Department, Kate was the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at the University of Michigan Medical Center. A graduate of Amherst College, Kate holds an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and is a Fellow of the Thomas J. Watson Foundation.
