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Sunlabob a finalist at the Sankalp 2012 Social Enterprise Awards
Apr 19, 2012
Sunlabob is proud to have been one of 5 finalists in the South East Asia category selected for the final awarding of the 2012 Sankalp Award, the largest Social Enterprise Awards in India. Over 1000 people attended the summit and key themes across panels, workshops and round table discussions included job creation, re-imagining the current model of capitalism, and aid effectiveness among others.
The awards was held during the annual Sankalp Summit, the largest collaborative platform to bring together social enterprises, policy makers, academicians, investors and market players in India and South East Asia.
Read moreSunlabob wins second national tender contract in four months
Apr 11, 2012
Sunlabob has once again obtained a national tender for an Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded contract, managed locally by the Ministry of Health, to supply and install solar fridge and freezer systems in several provinces of the south of Laos.
This installation will allow health posts located in forty-four villages across Southern Laos to store vaccines and keep medical supplies sterile, thus improving national standards of health.
This is the second time in the past four months that Sunlabob wins a national tender for an ADB funded contract. In December 2011, Sunlabob installed electrical supply material at Champasak University in Southern Laos for another ADB project.
Similarly, Sunlabob is constantly providing services aimed at improving the health sector. In November 2011, Sunlabob installed a Solar Water Pump to provide constant supply of water to a district health post in Attapeu province, as part of a UNICEF funded project.
This current ADB contract will allow...
Read moreSunlabob signs The Declaration of Rio+20 at the first International Convention of Environmental Laureates
Apr 06, 2012
On Mar 8 – 11, Sunlabob Director Andy Schroeter participated in the first International Convention of Environmental Laureates held in the Green City of Freiburg, Germany.
Organised by the European Environment Foundation, the convention gathered 65 environmental prize winners from 37 countries. Andy, winner of numerous international awards including the Ashden Award for sustainable energy, was honoured to have been the only invitee from a Lao organisation.
Read moreUrgently Seeking HR Manager
Apr 05, 2012
Sunlabob is seeking a qualified, dynamic individual to join its Human Resources department. His/her primary responsibility is to align and execute the HR strategy to influence business success. The successful candidate will work closely with management on the development and implementation of company policies and procedures, talent development, performance and compensation management, and other employee relation matters.
For more information, please read the placement opportunity.
Read moreMore Mozambicans now have access to communications systems
Apr 03, 2012
Sunlabob has won yet another United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) contract in Mozambique, this time to supply and install photovoltaic generators to complete a hybrid power station.
Using renewable energy, the hybrid power station will supply power to a radio transmitting station and telecentre, improving communication systems in the district. In addition, the communities will have access to modern communication technology, such as the internet, thus raising literacy levels.
Implemented by United Nations (UN) partners and the Ministry of Energy, the purpose of the project is to help rural communities in Chicualacuala district, located 500 kms northwest of Maputo (capital of Mozambique), adapt to climate change and diversify their livelihoods.
The project also has a training component for local members, majority of which are women.
Read moreNew website launched!
Mar 27, 2012
Sunlabob is pleased to announce the launch of its brand new website.
The newly redesigned website features expanded content, bold colors, a clean uncluttered design and completely new navigational tools.
In its efforts to make the website more user friendly, Sunlabob has introduced large icons on the homepage so as to allow users to access key online content areas easily.
Read moreSunlabob featured alongside fellow global social innovators in prominent directory
Mar 15, 2012
Sunlabob Director Andy Schroeter has been featured in a social entrepreneurs directory published by the Schwab Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation founded with the purpose of advancing social entrepreneurship and to foster social entrepreneurs as an important catalyst for societal innovation and progress.
In 2010, Mr Schroeter was awarded with the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the year award (Asia region) at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2010, held in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China. The World Economic Forum is an independent international organisation committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
Read moreSunlabob is only Lao company to win international CSR award
Mar 02, 2012
Sunlabob has won yet another international award, this time for its exceptional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The company holds the honour of being the only one from Laos to be presented with a Best Practice in CSR award at the Blue Dart World CSR Day held on February 18 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.
The objectives of World CSR Day are to unite for a common cause - Making the world come together to observe this day as a World CSR Day each year and to spread the message of Sustainable CSR, that makes a difference to the community at large. The CSR awards attempt to recognise the Best practices in Corporate & Social Responsibility. The awards merit recognition to contributions made by an organisation which has made a difference to the people and the community.
Read moreSolar Lanterns featured in UNESCO publication on innovative technologies benefiting developing countries
Feb 27, 2012
Selling Hours of Solar Lighting in the Evening is the title of a paper on Sunlabob’s Solar Lanterns Rental System recently featured in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) publication. The publication, which shows how innovative appropriate technologies can benefit emerging and developing countries, is a reflection of the outcomes from the first International Scientific Conference organized by the UNESCO Chair Technologies for Development at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in 2010, which focused on four priority sectors: Technologies for Sustainable Development of Habitat and Cities, ICTs for the Environment, Science and Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Technologies for the Production of Sustainable Energy.
The publication also provides some significant orientation and success criteria for the effective implementation and use of innovative technologies, their aims, their particular applications in the context of developing countries, their accessibility to users, and their appropriation by producers and stakeholders in...
Read moreJoin our team as Senior Electrical Engineer
Feb 16, 2012
Sunlabob is currently seeking to recruit a senior electrical engineer for its commercial engineering department. The ideal candidate should possess a degree or diploma in electrical engineering and have at least 5 years experience in an Electrical Engineering or Renewable Energy Role. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who would like to enhance his/her engineering career by working on international renewable energy projects with one of Asia’s finest renewable energy companies. The right candidate will receive competitive remuneration, the chance to work with an elite group of professionals and the personal satisfaction of helping improve the world’s environment.
The Senior Electrical Engineer will work with a team of engineers to provide inputs in the construction of on/off grid systems, design solar power systems of varying scale, be involved in capacity building of local technicians and operators and provide technical inputs for tender submissions.
Sunlabob accepts applicants from all over the world.
For...
Read moreAfrican hat-trick for Sunlabob
Feb 10, 2012
February was an exciting month for Sunlabob as it took the African market by storm by winning 3 United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) contracts in Sierra Leone, Mozambique and Liberia.
For Sierra Leone, Sunlabob was contracted to supply and install 3 Solar Power Plant Systems (20 KW and 16 KW) to provide electricity supply to Industrial Growth Centres that have been established to promote agric-entrepreneurship development for rural youth, men and women.
Over in Mozambique, Sunlabob is to supply and provide related services for 4 Solar Power Plant Systems (8KW, 6KW and 3KW), communications and computer equipment for remote border posts so as to improve the efficiency of customs operations.
Read moreCorporate Social Responsibility Intern Wanted
Feb 10, 2012
Sunlabob is currently seeking a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) intern to assist with its corporate social responsibility initiatives. As a CSR Intern, your tasks will include conducting research on corporate sustainability standards, frameworks, and guidelines, developing a corporate sustainability strategy for Sunlabob and developing an action plan for the implementation of Sunlabob’s corporate sustainability strategy. You will scan the market to look at key players, and analyse competitors through engagement with our competitive matrix. The internship offers a learning opportunity in a multinational team for anyone who is interested in CSR activities as well as in dealing with local and international companies.
For more information, please read the job placement.
Read moreThe MMG Sepon water project: A successful private-private partnership development initiative
Feb 09, 2012
In Oct 2011, Sunlabob successfully completed the installation and implementation of clean water solutions and community development to villages in Savannakhet Province, Laos, as part of a water project developed by MMG Sepon.
In 2010, MMG Sepon undertook detailed research of community development needs based on results of regular household survey work. The research identified 12 villages in the priority development area requiring community development support, and better water quality and sanitation as a priority need. The water resources for these villages were poor; suffering from scarcities and/or quality concerns in the dry season, silting in the wet season and/or being located too far away from the villagers to be collected by hand.
Read moreUNDP features Sunlabob’s Solar Lantern Rental System as good practice in Asia-Pacific Region
Feb 01, 2012
800 million people in the Asia-Pacific region do not have access to electricity and almost 2 billion rely on the traditional use of biomass for cooking.
While some countries are nearly 100% electrified, others, including Laos, face economic, geographic and demographic obstacles to electrification. The poor often do not generate cash surpluses, limiting their purchasing power and opportunities to shift to modern energy services. As a result, they have to spend more of their income and time locating and obtaining energy.
Between 2009 and 2011, the United Nations Development Programme Asia-Pacific Regional Centre (UNDP APRC) reviewed 17 energy access programmes and projects in the region implemented by various development agencies and the private sector, as part of its work with country partners to address energy poverty issues.
Read moreSave energy and save the Mekong River
Jan 31, 2012
With its source in Tibet, the Mekong River runs through six Southeast Asian countries - China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The Mekong River, already heavily dammed, is under a severe threat as the governments of several South East Asian countries are planning to build big hydropower dams on its lower mainstream.
Edward Allen, the Technical Programme Coordinator at the Lao Institute of Renewable Energy (LIRE) and Technical Advisor at Sunlabob, recently had an article about how saving energy in turn leads to pulling the Mekong River from the many challenges it faces, published in the Bangkok Post.
Read moreSunlabob launches largest-ever solar project in Cambodia
Jan 30, 2012
From Nov till Dec 2011, Sunlabob, in collaboration with a local partner in Cambodia, successfully supplied and installed 3900 Solar Home Systems to 28 villages across Cambodia.
The project, to install 12,000 Solar Home Systems across more than 400 villages in Cambodia by 2012, is Cambodia’s biggest solar power initiative to date and the result of a World Bank financed contract that Sunlabob had won in Mar 2011.
Read moreDynamic and passionate individual wanted!
Jan 18, 2012
Are you motivated, flexible, able to meet deadlines, likes challenges, and prepared to work extra hours? If you answered yes to all, our business development unit wants you!
A background in international business and / or electrical/ renewable energy engineering is an advantage, but not essential. Ideally you should be dynamic and not bounded to a defined scope of work. For you, the sky’s the limit.
Gain experience in the ever growing renewable energy field, work in a fast paced multicultural environment and experience Laos at its very best. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
If you’re interested in this position, kindly email your CV and cover letter to contact@sunlabob.com.
Read moreSeeking PR Manager
Jan 09, 2012
Are you a specialist in communications / public relations and do you have an interest in energy efficient activities?If your answer is yes, we want you! Sunlabob is seeking a communications / PR Manager to manage its vibrant communications and Public Relations programmes and activities. We accept applicants from all over the world, and offer a unique opportunity to learn more about Laos and the renewable energy field.
For more information, please read the placement opportunity (PDF).
Read moreSolar Water Pump to supply water for health post in southern Laos
Jan 06, 2012
In Nov 2011, Sunlabob installed a Solar Water Pump System for a district health post in M.Samakisai, Attapeu province. The water pump is extremely versatile, being able to pump water from as deep as 50 metres into the borehole, and being able to pump 3000 litres of water per day.
The purpose of the project, funded by The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), is to provide a constant supply of water to the health post, where it is used mainly for cleaning health equipment.
Read moreSunlabob ends 2011 on a high with yet another contract won
Jan 04, 2012
In Dec 2011, Sunlabob won a national tender for an Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded contract, handled locally by the Ministry of Education and Sports, Department of Higher Education, to supply and install electrical supply material at Champasak University in Southern Laos.
This installation will allow the university to generate more electricity to power equipment and lighting to accommodate its growing number of staff and students.
This is not the first time Sunlabob has been contracted to provide services for an ADB related project.
Read moreSolar Home System installations in Cambodia underway
Dec 15, 2011
From Nov till Dec, Sunlabob, in collaboration with a local partner in Cambodia, successfully supplied and installed 3900 Solar Home Systems (30 and 50 watts) to 28 villages across Cambodia.
The project, to install 12,000 Solar Home Systems across more than 400 villages in Cambodia, is the result of a World Bank financed contract that Sunlabob had won in Mar 2011.
Read moreBe a part of our solar lanterns team and bring light to rural areas
Dec 09, 2011
Sunlabob is looking for motivated individuals who would like to intern/volunteer with an exceptional programme that brings affordable and sustainable lighting systems to rural Lao areas. An engineering degree is required (electrical engineering or renewable energy engineering preferred) but the most important factor is enthusiasm and dedication.
“I enjoy what I’m doing. It involves a huge range of activities from product development and report writing to installation and training. It’s the perfect way to get to know the country and its people while feeling you're making a difference,” said Avishek Banerjee, intern at Sunlabob and project manager for the solar lanterns division.
If you want to be involved in a meaningful project, get to know Laos and experience working in a multicultural environment, please send your CV and cover letter in to contact@sunlabob.com.
Read moreSingapore school donates water purification system to Lao village
Dec 08, 2011
In line with its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, School of the Arts (SOTA) from Singapore donated a Sunlabob solar water purification system to Pong Song village in Vientiane province.
The system, which enables 400 villagers to attain clean drinking water at an affordable price, comprises a solar water purification unit (FS2000-Oz) and chlorine production system (Antenna-WATA). After installation, Sunlabob also conducted a training session for the villagers, teaching them how to operate and maintain the system, how to produce the chlorine solution and disinfect the water bottle.
Read moreSunlabob at its 6th Wig Bazaar
Dec 07, 2011
This year, Sunlabob once again had an informational booth at the annual Wig Bazaar held at the Faculty of Engineering, National University of Laos.
The Wig Bazaar, organised by the Women’s International Group (WIG), is now entering its 20th year and features entertainment, a raffle, booths where vendors sell a huge variety of products, and information booths by many international NGOs and businesses. Income from the Bazaar and other sources is used to fund WIG Welfare projects to improve schools in Vientiane Province and also to aid very poor patients from all over Lao PDR who come to Vientiane for much needed surgery.
Read moreLao students now have a healthier lighting option for studies
Nov 28, 2011
On Nov 2 and 3, Sunlabob installed a Pico Solar Lantern Rental System at a secondary school in Bokeo province, Northern Laos.
In order to showcase their ‘work for light’ scheme to nearby villages, International NGO Plan International implemented a pilot system at the school with the help of Sunlabob and the financial support of the Australian Government Aid programme, AusAid. This system provides the school with 50 rechargeable lanterns that can be recharged at the photovoltaic charging station for a minimal charging fee of 1000 kip. The teachers are responsible for operating and maintaining the system, as well as collecting the charging fees, which are used to maintain the system.
Read moreSeeking business development consultant
Nov 25, 2011
Sunlabob is seeking a short term external consultant to develop a business plan and training manual for a water purification technology device. The scope of the project is to develop a strategic framework for scaling up the water purification device's expansion potential in the international market in cooperation with a large manufacturer.
The Consultant will be required to undertake the following specific activities: Conduct market research on the expansion potential for the water purification device Develop a business plan that clearly identifies the activities, outputs and outcomes to be expected during the duration of the project, as well as to estimate the overall impact of the project Develop a training manual for the water purification device. The manual should be developed in line with the overall business plan and Sunlabob operational and financial branded concept for sustainable commercialisation in rural situations Read moreSunlabob goes zip lining for its 2011 annual trip
Nov 24, 2011
In Nov, Sunlabob headed to Champasak province in the south of Laos for its annual company trip.
This year’s combined Sunlabob and the Lao Institute for Renewable Energy (LIRE) group of 60 interns, volunteers and full timers saw the largest number of staff participation since the company first started having the annual trip in 2002. Unlike previous years when most of the activities took place on the beach, the majority of this year’s activities took place in the national park where the highlight was zip lining through mountains overlooking breathtaking waterfalls, and experiencing the wonders of a luscious forest by hiking.
Read moreSunlabob Pico Solar Lantern featured in popular Japanese magazine
Nov 16, 2011
Sunlabob’s Pico Solar Lantern was recently featured in the October issue of one of the most influential free magazines in Japan - Metro Min. The magazine introduces new perspectives and ideas, and the Pico Solar Lantern was featured as a product that changes the lives of people living in rural areas.
Here is the English translation of the article:There are 1.4 billion people who live without electricity and most of them live in developing countries, in rural areas with low income levels. Typically, all family members are forced to work during the day and sleep at the same time after sunset. Children cannot go to school because they have to work, and they cannot study at home because there is no electricity for light. The Pico Solar Lantern solves these problems as it has many uses for the outdoors, and enables studying and house work after dark.
To view the article (in...Read moreThe quiet energy revolution in Laos
Nov 08, 2011
Edward Allen, the Technical Programme Coordinator at the Lao Institute of Renewable Energy (LIRE) and Technical Advisor at Sunlabob recently had an article, which talks about how a quiet energy revolution is taking hold in Laos, published in the Bangkok Post.
The article also mentions how 20,000 Lao households have power from Solar Home Systems, an impressive statistic for a poor country.
To read the Bangkok Post article, please click here.
Read moreVillagers report up to 75% savings in lighting bills with Pico Lanterns
Nov 04, 2011
In Sept, Sunlabob headed to Salavanh province for a checkup and follow up visit on some Pico Lantern Rental Systems that were installed in Ban Vang Ngoua and Ban Keng Khoum a month ago.
The goals of the visit were to: Train the Village Energy Committee (VEC) / Village Technician (VT) again if needed; Check the accounting log and rental log; Conduct survey and get feedback from villagers; Install an additional Solar Lantern System with 17 extra lanterns at Ban Vang Ngoua Read more
Events Sunlabob is attending
Jun 11-14, 2012 in Munich, Germany:
Intersolar Europe Conference
Jun 14, 2012 in Singapore:
TEDxWWF
Our international awards
Sunlabob newsletter
