Future Skills: Creative Economy and the Mekong Region
The Mekong Cultural Hub and Helvetas Laos are presenting the online discussion ‘Future Skills: Creative Economy and the Mekong Region’ on 19 June 2025.
The Creative Economy currently represents approximately 3% of global GDP, with predictions suggesting this share could triple by 2030. With a young population and a strong and vibrant legacy of cultural heritage and creativity, the Mekong Region should be in a position to benefit from this trend. However, in reality there are significant skills gaps, and systemic issues to be addressed before we can do so. What are the skills that young people need today in order to navigate tomorrow? How can creativity, technology and culture be integrated into the future of the Mekong Region?
Mekong Cultural Hub and Helvetas Laos are delighted to be joined by Sopheap Im, Chief People Officer, Digital Divide Data a social enterprise working across Cambodia, Lao PDR and Kenya, and Souliya Phoumivong, New Media Artist and university lecturer in Lao PDR, for a discussion on experiences facing young people entering employment, and their perspectives on what skills need to be nurtured in order to see a vibrant creative economy flourish in the region.
After a brief introduction from Mekong Cultural Hub, Jesper Lauridsen (Country Director, Helvetas Laos) will kick off the conversation with Souliya and Sopheap, before opening the floor for questions and contributions from attendees.