My name is SMI MALAVONG PHONNIKONE, also known as Kevin Chen. I am of Lao nationality and am a 2021 Master's degree student in International Law at Southwest University of Political Science and Law. I was also an undergraduate student in Law (International) in the class of 2017. Currently, I am employed at the Northeast Asia Department, Asia-Pacific Non-Proliferation Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos.

During my study at Southwest University of Political Science and Law, I worked hard to learn legal knowledge and actively studied Chinese, going from recognizing no Chinese characters to successfully passing the HSK Level 6. I not only made academic progress but also significantly improved my language skills. Through my experience studying in China and living in Chongqing, I gradually grew into a bridge of friendship between China and Laos, and I am committed to contributing to building a community of common destiny between China and Laos, as well as the future of the comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries.

During Lao's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, I volunteered at the Ministry of Health of Laos as a member of the epidemic prevention committee. I provided services through the COVID-19 hotline platform of the Ministry of Health, sharing China's experience in epidemic prevention with both urban and rural residents. I also served as a translator for the Chinese medical team providing pandemic assistance in Laos.

In 2023, I obtained my master's degree from Southwest University of Political Science and Law and successfully joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos, working in the Northeast Asia Department, specifically responsible for China-related affairs. In November 2023, I accompanied the leaders of the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs to attend the Belt and Road Security Cooperation Conference held in Beijing, where I served as a translator for the bilateral meeting between the leaders of the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Afterward, upon the invitation of the Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government, I accompanied the Foreign Affairs leaders to Chongqing for a working visit, where we visited the Chongqing Waterless Port, part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor project.

In October 2023, I accompanied the Lao Foreign Minister for a visit to Beijing, serving as a translator during the meeting with Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.