2026 Winner: Outstanding Alumnus Award, Griffith Business School
Doctor of Philosophy, 2016
Dr Bounthanongsack (Bo) Chanthalath is Director General of Asia Pacific and Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR. A Griffith PhD graduate, he has built a distinguished diplomatic career spanning more than two decades, strengthening international partnerships and advancing regional cooperation across Asia, the Pacific and Africa.
How do you describe what you do in one sentence?
I serve my country with pride and honour by building bridges between Laos and the international community through diplomacy and cooperation.
What inspired you to pursue your current career path?
I have always been passionate about building friendships and fostering cooperation among people. My current work provides me with the opportunity to connect with individuals, diplomats from different countries, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Every interaction broadens my perspective and allows me to learn from their experiences, wisdom, values, and ways of thinking.
Why does your work matter?
My work matters because it helps strengthen Laos’ relationships with the international community. Diplomacy is about more than representing a country—it is about building trust, fostering cooperation, and creating opportunities that support national development and improve people’s lives.
Through my work, I help facilitate dialogue, promote mutual understanding, and support partnerships in areas such as trade, education, investment, and development cooperation. While the impact of diplomacy is not always immediately visible, the relationships we build today can lead to long-term benefits for our country and future generations.
What motivates me most is knowing that my work, even in a small way, contributes to advancing Laos’ interests, promoting peace and cooperation, and creating opportunities for my fellow citizens. That sense of purpose makes my work both meaningful and rewarding.
Can you share a valuable lesson you learned from a setback or failure in your career?
Early in my career, I sometimes believed that careful preparation and strong arguments would naturally lead to the desired outcome. However, I came to realise that diplomacy is as much about patience, timing, and understanding others' perspectives as it is about presenting your own position.
That experience taught me not to view setbacks as failures, but as opportunities to reflect, adapt, and improve. I learned the importance of listening more carefully, building trust over time, and remaining resilient when progress is slow.
Today, whenever I encounter challenges, I ask myself, “What can I learn from this experience, and how can I approach it more effectively next time?” That mindset has made me a more patient, adaptable, and effective official.
How do you see your industry evolving?
I see the foreign affairs industry becoming more interconnected and fast-paced. Global challenges can no longer be addressed by countries acting alone, so multilateral cooperation will become even more important. I also believe technology, especially artificial intelligence and digital communication, will transform how we analyse information, engage with stakeholders, and shape foreign policy. As a diplomat, I think continuous learning and adaptability will be essential to remain effective in this evolving environment.
What’s a book you would read again and why?
I would read the book “Getting to Yes” again because it offers timeless lessons on negotiation, communication, and finding common ground. The book reinforces the idea that successful diplomacy is built on listening, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground. It has influenced how I approach negotiations and cooperation, reminding me that lasting agreements are achieved through trust, respect, and mutually beneficial outcomes rather than confrontation.
What’s your favourite Griffith story to tell friends, family or colleagues?
My favourite Griffith story is how welcomed and supported I felt as an international student from Laos. When I first arrived, I was adjusting to a new country, a different culture, and studying in English. My supervisor, Professor Andrew O’Neil, along with my lecturers and classmates, created a supportive environment that gave me the confidence to succeed.
What I often share with friends and colleagues is that Griffith was much more than a place to earn a degree. It was where I built lifelong friendships with people from around the world, expanded my global perspective, and developed both personally and professionally. Those experiences continue to influence how I approach my work in diplomacy today, where understanding different cultures and building strong relationships are essential.
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