Lao engineer has designs on housing market

 

She always works closely with her clients before planning their dream house and coming up with the perfect design. 

 

“First, I offer my ideas, then I ask them to tell me everything they have in mind so that I can create a house that they will love,” said the director of SC Design and Construction Vidaly Chanthaphasouk.

 

She was recently honoured for her work in the industry and named an excellent entrepreneur at the 2nd Asean Women Entrepreneurs Forum held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on March 4. 

 

Vidaly studied engineering in Vientiane for five years before 2001, when she created a construction company.

 

“I loved painting houses when I was young, and I have a good idea of what people want in a house, but of course the end product must reflect the customer’s wishes,” she says, explaining that this is the focus of her work.

 

"Everyone, including me, wants a beautiful, modern house, but wants to save money, she added.

 

At present, she is working as a consultant for people who want to build their dream house while helping them to save money in the purchase of materials.“I try to understand and share ideas with customers so I can give them a worthwhile and good value design, even though there is strong competition in engineering and architecture right now.”

 

Of course, there are both Lao and foreign construction companies operating in Laos, but her company doesn’t focus too much on competition.“I’m more interested in giving customers satisfaction than on securing new projects,” she says with a smile.

 

But Vidaly said the growing competition will impact on her company and other construction companies, especially with the onset of the Asean Economic Community. 

 

Most foreign companies who set up business in Laos use engineers from their home country for design and construction. Unfortunately this does not benefit Lao engineers, even though they are constantly improving their standard of work.

 

She hopes the government will issue strict regulations to encourage foreign investors to comply with Lao laws to ensure Lao engineers have a fair chance of being employed in their projects. 

 

Vidaly said several design and construction companies are looking to partner with construction companies overseas to expand their opportunities.

 

Lao construction companies can also help their partners with consultation services to help them through the investment process in Laos, thus furthering their contribution to design and construction.

 

However, Lao engineers need to improve their knowledge of technology, English, and overseas investment laws as this will help them to compete with engineers in other countries. 

 

The construction business will undoubtedly continue to grow over the next five years as Laos develops further, attracting even more foreign companies to Laos.

 

This should help to drive investment in the construction industry, with foreign companies spurring the growth process.

 

Vidaly has attended meetings with other Asean construction companies, and believes her company has the potential to grow through stronger connections with Asean members.

 

Recently, construction companies from Malaysia, Cambodia, and Singapore expressed interest in partnering with her company. 

 

Lao companies have provided consultancy services to their partners to help them through the investment process in Laos, which will further drive cooperation.

 

One issue is that foreign construction companies can invest in Laos, but local companies are unable to invest overseas, partly because they lack basic knowledge of investment procedures. 

 

Vidaly believes the Asean Economic Community will create new chances for companies to invest in other countries but says Lao firms must improve in all aspects of quality if they hope to expand overseas.

 

The Asean bloc has created joint investment regulations which will make it easier for companies to seek cooperation and investment opportunities.

 

Vidaly has been learning about investment overseas and this is a strong sign that she will be able to raise her company’s profile outside of Laos.

 

“If my company can be accepted in other countries, it will not only benefit me but also help other Lao engineers to improve their efficiency, which will result in more foreigners wanting to employ Lao companies,” she said.