On September 1, 2025, the Lao National Digital Technology Group (LADT) and its third-party digital payment platform NewPay held a grand opening ceremony in Vientiane. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone attended the ceremony and delivered an important speech. Minister of the Prime Minister's Office Khankhen Umprosit, Party Central Committee Member and Minister of Justice Phevi Siporippa, Party Central Committee Member and Minister of Finance Sandipa Phomvihane, Party Central Committee Member and Vice Chairman of the Central Front for National Construction Khampong Wannasak, Party Central Committee Member and Vice Chairman of the Central Party Prosecutor's Party Khamlyn Sipak, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Sulisak Tanuwang, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Krisut Soraphong, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Manongthong Wangxay, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Phongsam Ilawat and many other senior Laotian government officials, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Myanmar to the Lao People's Democratic Republic Aung Ko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Malaysia to the Lao People's Democratic Republic Edi Irwan Mahmud, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to the Lao People's Democratic Republic Elizabeth T. Te, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Thailand to the Lao People's Democratic Republic Morakot Sriswasdi and many other ASEAN diplomatic envoys and experts, scholars, partners, merchant representatives and media reporters from the global payment and Web3 industries, totaling 400 people. Hundreds of people attended the opening ceremony and witnessed an important milestone in the development of Laos' digital asset sector.
At the ceremony, LADT signed several strategic cooperation agreements with well-known Web3 industry partners such as the Bitcoin Cash Foundation and OOKC Group. With the strong support of the Lao government, all parties will jointly promote the issuance of the ASEAN Stablecoin (USDA) and the construction of the Lao National Blockchain.
(Photo taken by the Prime Minister of Laos, senior government officials, ASEAN envoys, and experts, scholars, and partner representatives from the global payment and Web3 industries)
Speech by the Prime Minister of Laos: NewPay supports national strategy and digital economy vision
In his speech, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone highly praised NewPay's steady development since its launch in 2020. He noted that the emergence of NewPay and LADT not only marks innovation in financial technology but also significantly contributes to Laos' strategic development in the digital economy and modern financial services. The Prime Minister emphasized that NewPay's QR code-based multi-channel payment system, including integration with international e-wallets such as WeChat Pay, Alipay, and Alipay+, provides convenient, secure, and compliant payment services to domestic and international users, providing a solid foundation for attracting foreign investment and enhancing financial transparency.
The Prime Minister also noted that Laos is fully committed to digital transformation and the development of a cashless society. The implementation and development of NewPay demonstrates the government's forward-looking policies and strategic vision in financial technology, cross-border payments, and digital asset regulation, laying the foundation for Laos to secure a leading position in the digital financial landscape within ASEAN and globally. The Prime Minister expressed hope that NewPay and LADT will continue to collaborate with the government to shoulder a greater responsibility in Laos' sustainable development.
Speech by a representative from the Laotian Ministry of Science, Technology and Communications: NewPay empowers the creation of a national digital financial infrastructure
In his speech, the Director of the Digital Technology Department of the Lao Ministry of Science, Technology, and Communications stated that NewPay has passed rigorous technical certification and has established a mature, secure, and reliable third-party payment system. This system will provide core support for Laos' digital financial ecosystem. The Digital Technology Department noted that the application of NewPay will promote the development of Laos' national blockchain infrastructure, digital identity verification systems, and digital asset management systems, enhance the resilience of the country's financial system, promote the development of e-commerce for small and medium-sized enterprises, safeguard the public's right to convenient and secure financial services, and effectively reduce cash management costs.
The Department of Digital Technology emphasized that the collaboration between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Communications, LADT, and NewPay demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships. The government will continue to provide policy guidance and technical support to NewPay to ensure the long-term security and reliability of its system, providing a solid technical foundation for the efficient development of the Lao economy and its digital transformation.
CEO's Speech: LADT and NewPay Build a Global Digital Finance Layout
In his speech, LADT Founder and CEO Mr. Richard Ma stated that the opening ceremony marked a significant milestone for LADT and NewPay, marking a new phase for blockchain payments in Laos. He noted that Laos, located in the heart of the Indochina Peninsula, has the potential to become the "Switzerland of ASEAN," poised to become a regional hub for logistics, talent, capital, and information.
NewPay, a digital financial company cultivated in Laos, is gradually developing into a financial infrastructure connecting the region and the world. Starting with the integration of local and global mainstream bank payments, NewPay has since integrated into the Alipay, WeChat Pay, and Alipay+ global ecosystems, supporting e-wallets in multiple countries and providing support for cross-border payments and the expansion of the digital ecosystem.
He pointed out that against the backdrop of major economies around the world successively introducing stablecoin regulatory frameworks, LADT and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Communications of Laos are cooperating on the construction of Laos' national public chain and the research and development of ASEAN stablecoins. The goal is to promote Laos' cutting-edge exploration in the ASEAN and international digital financial systems, and to make LADT and NewPay a new payment platform integrating Web2 and Web3.
He emphasized that LADT and NewPay's development strategy is not to compete, but rather to collaborate and cooperate to expand the overall scale of Laos' digital economy. Going forward, the companies will continue to collaborate with the government and local financial institutions, upholding the philosophy of "Born in Laos, Serving ASEAN, Impacting the World." Leveraging blockchain and stablecoin technologies, they will build a smooth and efficient cross-border payment and digital financial ecosystem, helping Laos enhance its status and influence in the region's digitalization process.
NewPay CEO Mr. Meksavang Phommaly stated that the company will leverage its multi-channel payment system and international cross-border payment network to provide efficient and secure payment services to domestic and international users. The company will also collaborate closely with governments and financial institutions to ensure compliance with business regulations. He emphasized that the company will continue to innovate its products and services to promote the influence of Lao digital finance in ASEAN and globally.
International Partners' Speech: Laos Has Broad Development Prospects in Web3 and Digital Finance
Chairman of the BCH Foundation: Building Laos' national public chain and financial infrastructure
In his speech, Wang Peng, Chairman of the Bitcoin Cash Ecosystem Fund (BCH Foundation), stated that blockchain technology is more than just cryptocurrency; it is also a core driver of trust, transparency, and efficiency. The Laotian national public blockchain will serve as the foundation for a national digital economy, providing a trusted technological foundation covering government affairs, finance, trade, and intellectual property management. This will enable efficient data flow, transparent business operations, and convenient public services, laying a solid foundation for Laos' digital development. The BCH Foundation will continue to provide technical, financial, and strategic support to help Laos build an independent, controllable, secure, and efficient national public blockchain, and promote the adoption of stablecoins and digital assets in ASEAN.
Deputy Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Web3.0 Association: Promoting the development of stablecoins and cross-border payments in ASEAN
Caspar Wong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Hong Kong Web3.0 Association, Executive Chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Listed Crypto Asset Companies, and CEO of Hong Kong Web3Labs, stated in his speech that Hong Kong, with its mature financial system and regulatory experience, can provide Laos with stablecoin issuance, cross-border payment technology, and compliance solutions. Through collaboration with LADT and NewPay, the two parties will explore digital asset application scenarios across Southeast Asia, providing innovative impetus for inclusive finance and cross-border trade.
Hong Kong Legislative Council Member: Deepen Digital Asset and Blockchain Cooperation in Laos
Dr. Wu Jiezhuang, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, and Chair of the Hong Kong Legislative Council's Web3 and Virtual Assets Committee, emphasized in his video address that Hong Kong plays a key bridging role in the Belt and Road Initiative, providing financial, legal, professional services, and talent support for the development of Laos' digital economy. Through technical exchanges, joint research, and entrepreneurial incubation, Hong Kong and Laos will forge long-term cooperation in the fields of digital assets, blockchain applications, stablecoins, and cross-border payments.
Signing Ceremony: Strategic Cooperation Opens a New Chapter for Laos Web3
At the ceremony, LADT signed key partnership agreements with several globally renowned Web3 and blockchain organizations, marking substantial progress in Laos' digital finance and blockchain ecosystem development. The conclusion of these three important agreements not only demonstrates the high level of optimism among international investment institutions and Web3 companies about the development prospects of Laos' digital economy, but also lays a solid foundation for national public blockchains, stablecoin issuance, and cross-border payment innovation.
● BCH's investment fund signed a strategic investment agreement with Laos National Digital Technology Group
As a growth and expansion company registered in Singapore and headquartered in the UAE, 42X Fund, a BCH investment fund, focuses on supporting innovative companies and emerging technologies, actively promoting the development of the global blockchain ecosystem. At the ceremony, Director Mr. Johnson Teh and LADT COO Ms. Humble Wu signed a strategic investment agreement. The two parties will jointly promote the investment, implementation, and ecosystem development of Laotian fintech and blockchain projects, injecting international capital and technological power into the development of Laos' digital economy.
● OOKC Group and LADT signed an MOU
Founded in 2018, OOKC Group is headquartered in Dubai, with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Toronto. As an innovative institution deeply rooted in the Middle East, OOKC leverages its close ties with the UAE government and industry to actively promote the development of digital capital market infrastructure and Web3. The organization is committed to fostering the development of Web3 and has accumulated extensive experience in investment consulting, fundraising, liquidity, and technology incubation. At the ceremony, OOKC Founder Mr. Xiaojun Lau and LADT Founder and CEO Mr. Richard Ma signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deepen collaboration on Web3 and digital asset infrastructure development. Leveraging OOKC's Middle Eastern government resources and LADT's ASEAN presence, the two parties will jointly promote the Laos model across ASEAN and the Middle East, accelerating the implementation of the digital economy in emerging markets.
● BCH Ecological Foundation and LADT signed an MOU
The BCH Foundation is committed to promoting the sustainable development of the Bitcoin Cash and CashTokens ecosystems. It provides financial support, resources, and strategic guidance to exchanges, wallets, applications, and infrastructure projects, fostering innovation, enhancing BCH's practicality, and promoting the development of an open and resilient Web3 economy. At the ceremony, Foundation Chairman Wang Peng and LADT CEO Richard Ma signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish long-term collaboration on national public blockchain development, stablecoin issuance, and blockchain ecosystem cooperation, further enhancing Laos' influence in the global Web3 ecosystem.
The Prime Minister and LADT CEO exchanged views on the development of digital finance
During the ceremony, LADT CEO Mr. Richard Ma exchanged views with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on cross-border payments and the development of digital finance. Richard briefed the Prime Minister on the company's positive development trends and challenges. The Prime Minister encouraged the company to continue exploring new approaches based on Lao conditions. He also stated that he would continue to monitor the progress of related work and provide policy support for further exploration and implementation.
Technology for Good: Special Charity Session - Donating to a School for the Visually Impaired in Vientiane, Laos
The opening ceremony featured a special charity event, where guests voluntarily scanned the NewPay payment code on the table. While experiencing the smooth payment process, they also donated money to the Vientiane School for the Visually Impaired in Laos. All proceeds will be used to support the learning and well-being of visually impaired students. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone also participated in the event, demonstrating the application of digital payment technology in the fields of social responsibility and public welfare, connecting love and action.
Looking to the future: LADT and NewPay lead a new era of digital economy in Laos
LADT and NewPay will continue to advance development in the following key areas:
● Technological innovation : comprehensively promote the implementation of national public chains and blockchain applications, and build a secure and efficient digital infrastructure;
● Policy support : Under the guidance of the Lao government, build a compliant and standardized digital financial ecosystem;
● International Cooperation : Deepen cooperation with strategic partners such as the BCH Foundation and OOKC, and actively expand strategic cooperation with governments, enterprises, and organizations in Hong Kong, ASEAN countries, and the Middle East;
● Cross-border payments and stablecoin applications : Improving payment convenience in the ASEAN region and enhancing the security and transparency of the financial system;
Talent and technology exchange : Strengthen cooperation with financial technology talents and R&D institutions in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and around the world to promote the implementation of innovation.
(The leaders and guests who personally opened the NewPay and LADT opening ceremony with handprints included: Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Lao Finance Minister Sandipa Phomvihane, Lao Justice Minister Phevi Sipripa, Lao National Bank Deputy Governor Sulisak Tanouvong, LADT Founder and CEO Richard Ma, NewPay Chairman Sengaloun Souphanouvong, NewPay CEO Meksavang Phommaly, NewPay CFO Diana Cui, BCH Foundation Chairman Wang Peng, Hong Kong Web3.0 Association Deputy Secretary-General Caspar Wong, and OOKC Group Founder Xiaojun Lau.)
The opening of LADT and NewPay not only highlights Laos' strategic position in the ASEAN and global digital economies, but also signals the comprehensive advancement of Laos' national public blockchain, ASEAN stablecoin, cross-border payment, and digital identity systems. Going forward, the two companies will become a core force driving digital financial innovation and international cooperation in Laos, accelerating Laos' development into a digital financial hub for ASEAN and the world, and injecting sustained momentum into the regional digital economy and financial technology development.
