Tether & Bitqik: Teaching Laos to Love Bitcoin (And Why You Should Too! 🪙)

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Key Highlights (Or How to Lose Your Money While Feeling Empowered)

  • Tether and Bitqik would run a nationwide education program in Laos, focusing on Bitcoin and stablecoins. Because nothing says “empowerment” like learning how to lose your savings in a digital jungle.
  • The initiative aims to educate over 10,000 people through online content and quarterly city events. Because who doesn’t want to learn about digital money while sipping Lao coffee and wondering if their savings are safe?
  • Tether recently acquired 8,888 Bitcoin, which brought its total holdings to over 96,000 BTC. A move that has left many scratching their heads, but also wondering if they’ve finally found the secret to eternal wealth… or just a really expensive paperweight.

Tether, the issuer of USDT stablecoin, and Bitqik, a licensed cryptocurrency exchange in Laos, have announced a joint education program to teach people about Bitcoin and stablecoins. Because nothing says “financial inclusion” like a seminar in a country where the local currency is a mystery to most.

As per the official release, the program will run across Laos throughout 2026 and is meant to help people understand how digital money works and how it can be used in daily life. Or, as we like to call it, “the future of finance, but with more confusion and fewer actual benefits.”

– Tether (@tether) January 19, 2026

Bitqik believes that digital currencies can help people get more control over their money and take part in the global economy. Which is all well and good, unless you’re in a country where the government might not appreciate your newfound “control”… or your digital assets.

Activities targeting local communities

The program will focus on students, young workers, business owners, and local communities. Because who wouldn’t want to learn about blockchain while their parents are busy wondering why their savings are now a digital mystery?

Bitqik plans to hold events every three months in major cities such as Vientiane, Pakse, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang. Because what’s a vacation without a side of financial education and the occasional existential crisis?

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said the partnership will focus on building understanding at the community level. “Financial inclusion is not only achieved by access but by having a clear understanding. This collaboration with Bitqik reflects our commitment to grassroots education and to empowering communities in Laos with the knowledge and tools to participate meaningfully in the digital economy,” he said. Because nothing says “empowerment” like a 10,000-person seminar in a country where the concept of “digital economy” is still a bit of a stretch.

Bitqik CEO Virasack Viravong said the company is pleased to work with Tether on this effort. He explained that Bitqik Academy will lead activities to educate the Lao community about blockchain, Bitcoin investment, and the use of stablecoins, especially USD₮. He added that the program will help Lao people gain better access to digital assets through different learning activities in 2026. Because nothing says “progress” like teaching people to trade digital tokens in a land where the concept of “progress” is still a bit of a stretch.

Tether expands Bitcoin holdings and reserves

The education initiative comes as Tether continues to expand its presence in the digital asset. Earlier this month, CEO Paolo Ardiono confirmed in a post on X that the company bought 8,888 Bitcoin in late 2025, valued at roughly $800 million at the time. Because who needs a stablecoin when you can have a Bitcoin hoard that’s just as stable… probably?

The purchase brought Tether’s total Bitcoin holdings to more than 96,000 BTC, which is worth around $8.4 billion at the current market price. This makes Tether one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin in the world. Or, as we like to call it, “the financial equivalent of a dragon hoarding gold in a cave, but with more spreadsheets.”

Tether has also shared that it puts around 15% of its quarterly profits into Bitcoin purchases. This means the company adds to its Bitcoin holdings every few months rather than making one large, one-time bet. Because if you’re going to risk your entire business on a single asset, you might as well do it in installments. Or maybe that’s just how they roll in the world of digital finance.

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2026-01-19 19:28