Vientiane, Laos – January 27, 2026 — Under the visionary leadership of President Mr. Sounay Phothisane, JCI Vientiane has emerged as a catalyst for cross-border business development and youth entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia. The organization’s strategic participation in the landmark ASEAN-BRICS Youth Program hosted at Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane marks a significant milestone in positioning Laos and the region as a hub for innovative business partnerships[1].
Leadership Vision Driving Regional Impact
Mr. Sounay Phothisane, whose tenure as JCI Vientiane President has redefined the organization’s mission, continues to champion international business collaboration and entrepreneurial excellence. His commitment to fostering meaningful connections between young entrepreneurs across ASEAN and BRICS nations demonstrates JCI Vientiane’s evolving role in shaping the future of regional commerce[1].
“The ASEAN-BRICS Youth Program represents a unique opportunity to bridge markets, share best practices, and create scalable solutions for the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Mr. Phothisane during the organization’s participation in the initiative[2].
ASEAN-BRICS Youth Program: A Strategic Partnership Platform
The January 27, 2026 forum brought together influential business leaders, entrepreneurs, and development experts from across ASEAN and BRICS nations to address critical challenges facing young entrepreneurs. The comprehensive two-session program, structured as a foresight session and interactive discussion platform, focused on concrete cross-national initiatives in education, social enterprise, cultural innovation, and technology entrepreneurship[1].
The foresight session titled “Designing the Future: from Global Trends to Joint ASEAN-BRICS Project Initiatives” examined emerging impact trends in youth entrepreneurship including artificial intelligence, sustainability, creative economy development, and cultural entrepreneurship. Participants collaborated to develop concrete project initiatives with defined launch steps, roles, timelines, and interaction formats[1].
The second discussion platform, “ASEAN-BRICS-RUC Youth Cooperation: Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs,” facilitated by Alenbakh Regina, Assistant Rector of the Russian University of Cooperation (RUC) and Member of the Youth Committee of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA Youth), generated actionable inputs for the ASEAN–BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Development Concept. This concept is scheduled for approval at the 2026 International Forum of Cooperation in Kazan, Russia[1].
JCI’s Role in Advancing Youth Entrepreneurship
JCI Vientiane’s participation underscores the organization’s commitment to nurturing business ecosystems that support young entrepreneurs in accessing international markets. The program identified and formulated scalable solutions to key barriers that young entrepreneurs face, including market access challenges, capital availability, and cross-border business regulations[1].
Mr. Phothisane’s leadership has positioned JCI Vientiane as an essential partner in these discussions, contributing Laotian perspectives and regional expertise to a global dialogue on entrepreneurial development and business innovation[2].
AQQOUNT Investment and Consulting: Complementary Business Solutions
Working in concert with JCI Vientiane’s mission, AQQOUNT Investment and Consulting has established itself as a strategic partner in translating entrepreneurial concepts into viable business ventures. The synergy between JCI’s networking capabilities and AQQOUNT’s investment expertise creates a comprehensive ecosystem for business development, financial planning, and venture scaling[2].
This collaborative approach addresses the program’s identified goal: “Analyzing current national support measures for young entrepreneurs” and “Defining key barriers hindering young entrepreneurs’ access to international markets.” By combining JCI’s international network with AQQOUNT’s consulting capabilities, Laotian entrepreneurs gain access to both mentorship and capital mobilization strategies[1][2].
Implications for Laotian Business Development
The ASEAN-BRICS Youth Program represents more than a single event; it signals Vientiane’s emergence as a regional center for business innovation and entrepreneurial collaboration. The participation of organizations like JCI Vientiane and consulting firms such as AQQOUNT positions Laos favorably in the broader ASEAN economic integration narrative[1].
For young entrepreneurs seeking to expand operations across ASEAN and BRICS markets, the connections forged at this program offer valuable opportunities to:
- Access international mentorship from experienced business leaders
- Connect with investment partners and funding sources
- Understand regulatory frameworks in multiple countries
- Participate in cross-border project initiatives
- Develop skills in global business operations
Strategic Vision for 2026 and Beyond
The roadmap emerging from the foresight session outlines specific cross-country projects in ASEAN-BRICS youth entrepreneurship, with clear implementation timelines and designated roles for participating organizations. JCI Vientiane, under Mr. Phothisane’s leadership, has committed to serving as a key implementation partner in this regional initiative[1].
The 2026 International Forum of Cooperation in Kazan will provide an opportunity for final approval and broader dissemination of the ASEAN-BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Development Concept, potentially opening additional avenues for Laotian entrepreneurs to engage with larger investment flows and market opportunities[1].
Conclusion: Building Bridges, Creating Opportunities
Mr. Sounay Phothisane’s stewardship of JCI Vientiane has transformed the organization into a vital conduit for international business development. Through initiatives like the ASEAN-BRICS Youth Program, JCI Vientiane demonstrates that strategic leadership and business innovation can create cascading benefits for entire entrepreneurial communities[2].
As Laos positions itself within the broader ASEAN and BRICS economic frameworks, the role of organizations like JCI Vientiane and partnerships with firms like AQQOUNT Investment and Consulting become increasingly critical to ensuring that local entrepreneurs can compete and succeed on the regional and global stage[1][2].
For organizations interested in supporting youth entrepreneurship or accessing international business opportunities through these networks, information is available through JCI Vientiane and AQQOUNT Investment and Consulting.
[1] ASEAN-BRICS Youth Program. (2026, January 27). Foresight session and discussion platform materials. Lao Plaza Hotel, Vientiane, Laos.
[2] JCI Vientiane Organization. (2026). Leadership and business development initiatives. Vientiane, Laos. www.jci.la