In 2014, two families living in Singapore decided to shake things up, trading their corporate lives for what they thought would be a simpler like in Laos.

The Laos Buffalo Dairy, a sustainable farm aimed at improving the welfare and nutrition of Luang Prabang's rural population, is the perfect place to stop for a scoop of gelato to cool down after a day of adventures.

This time, we would like to report about the "Online Pro Bono" program. This is a program which participants allocate about 20% of their work time to tackle social issues in Asia remotely from Japan.

Moemi and Maya who are working in Astellas Pharma Inc., joined this program for three months from December 2020. The recipient organization was Laos Buffalo Dairy (LBD), which is a social enterprise working to improve the livelihood of small farmers in rural Laos.

“We want to utilize our skills and take on challenges to tackle social issues in Laos society, without visiting on site”

From Africa to Thailand, Avani Hotels have been encouraging ecominded tourists to explore game-changing community projects helping to make sustainable travel mainstream.

BANGKOK - As we become more conscious of how we travel, we tend to choose experiences that not only feel good but also benefit the locals all while minimising negative environmental impacts.

Milking Buffalos and Growing Sticky Rice with Avani+ Luang Prabang, Laos
A countryside gem in the outskirts of Luang Prabang, many tourists passby the Laos Buffalo Dairy an unassuming spot en route to the Kuang Si Waterfall, arguably one of Laos’ most famous attractions.

On this episode, we talk to Jo Smith about Ock Pop Tok, the textile workshop and visitor center she and her Lao partner, Veomanee Douangdala, established there over a decade ago, and why it’s important to preserve traditional crafts from the area. Next up is a discussion with Susie Martin, the Australian expat who co-founded the Laos Buffalo Dairy, which not only produces delicious cheeses and ice creams for restaurants in town, but does so with a sustainable business model that helps local farmers breed and care for their animals. Finally, co-founder Michael Vogler tells us why they embrace a no-riding approach on the treks they offer at MandaLao Elephant Conservation.

The Business Partnerships Platform creates partnerships between the Australian Government and inclusive businesses for social impact. A partnership in Laos is scaling a commercial buffalo dairy - connecting with small holder farmers and promoting the benefits of buffalo milk. Hear more on the business challenges and COVID-19 pivot from founder and entrepreneur, Susie Martin.

Episode 7 visits the Laos Buffalo Dairy in northern Laos and explores the concepts of Economic Agroecology, such as social enterprises.