Govt awards Singaporean businessman
Govt awards Singaporean businessman
The government of Lao PDR awarded the prestigious Development Medal Class II and a Certificate of Merit to Singapore's Thakral Group of Companies Executive Director Dr Rikhi Thakral for his contribution to the development of Laos, especially in the education sector.
Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Ms Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun on behalf of the government presented the medal and certificate to Dr Thakral, who has contributed to the development of education sector since 1995 and working closely with the education sectors.
Dr Thakral provided funding to improve primary school buildings in the capital and the provinces of Xieng Khuang, Saravan and Khammuan as well as clean water supply in the respective areas, worth over US$200,000.
These have contributed significantly to improve the education in terms of the quality and quantity as well as to contribute to the human resource development and socio-economic development in Laos.
In recognition of the tireless efforts, achievements, support and contributions made by Dr Thakral for the close collaboration and cooperation with the ministry and other stakeholders concerned, the Lao government has unanimously agreed to decorate him by awarding a medal and a certificate.
“The ministry would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr Thakral for the great effort to support the education framework during his mission in Laos,” Ms Sengdeuane said.
Mr Thakral said it was a great honour and pleasure to accept this award on behalf of the company in recognition of the work the agency has done to improve the education of school children and young students in Laos.
“It has been a privilege and honour for me to have been given the opportunity to work in Laos. I will take with me many treasured memories of a special country and special people,” Dr Thakral said. Dr Rikh Thakral is a Singaporean by nationality and Permanent Resident (PR) of Thailand.
During his growing up years, he was frequently in the office after school and observed his father Mr Kartar Singh Thakral managing the business of the Thakral Group. A devout Sikh, the teachings and beliefs of the Sikh Religion are deeply imbued in him.
At the young age of 17, he joined the family business (Thakral Group) under his father's guidance and assisted in the fast expanding business. The Group started their business in Thailand in 1905 and presently has its headquarters in Singapore.
Being highly motivated, energetic, positive team player with a “roll-up the sleeves” attitude, soon he gained the confidence of customers, employees and the senior management. As an Executive Director of the Thakral Group of Companies, his portfolio covers a vast area, across various industries and countries.
He loves being with his parents, five loving children and his supporting wife. Behind an astute and successful businessman, is a kind heart, which reaches out to the less fortunate people. He believes that Children are the foundation stones and future of a Nation and the development of society as a whole.
He founded In-Sewa (which means ‘God's Work'), a non-profit, humanitarian and social foundation, supporting causes primarily in Indo-China (Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam) and other Asian countries, focusing especially on disadvantaged Children. He has spent countless time, effort and resources over the past thirty years to bring about significant improvement to Society.
All the projects are done in remote areas, away from the public eye, where support from other institutions are not forthcoming and 99 percent of all donation amounts allocated for a project are actually spent in the front line.
The work ranges from child welfare, education, disability and alleviation of poverty to name a few. Dr Thakral's main focus has been in the field of education (such as building of schools, providing tables and benches for classrooms, providing scholarships, computers and books), health (providing food and clean drinking water, toilets for sanitation, mosquito nets, medicines, sports equipment for children's enjoyment and physical health), as well as in creating new means of livelihood.
Dr Thakral's humanitarian support over the past 30 years has made a direct positive impact in the lives of over 60,000 children.
In recognition of his relentless work in the field of education and support to the underprivileged, physically and mentally challenged children throughout Indo-China countries, he has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including Development Medal from the Prime Minister of Lao People's Democratic Republic, Honorary Doctorates from leading universities in Cambodia and Vietnam, Honorary Title of ‘Bhai Sahib' from the Sikh Community in India, Highest Awards from the King of Cambodia and Medal of Friendship from the President of Vietnam.
