Lao Media Modernization: Laos is gearing up for its First National Media Conference, with officials saying the event will update the media policy framework after nearly three decades and push professionalism, digital transformation, and higher journalism standards. AI Skills for Journalists: A Lao media training program with Vietnam is underway in Vientiane (June 22–26), focused on using AI tools for multimedia and mobile journalism. Media Cooperation with Vietnam & Australia: Lao and Vietnamese media leaders are deepening cooperation, including AI and digital journalism training, while a Lao delegation recently visited Australia to exchange ideas on information integrity and media literacy. Economic Resilience Watch: A Vientiane expert warns that the Middle East crisis is raising oil prices and disrupting supplies, urging Laos to diversify energy sources and strengthen trade links to protect the economy. Digital Connectivity Along the Railway: Lao Telecom and the Laos-China Railway have signed a deal to build and operate a 4G network along the 224 km Vientiane–Luang Prabang corridor. Cybercrime Crackdown: Vientiane police arrested 40 suspects in a telecom fraud raid, seizing thousands of devices, as authorities push to dismantle online scam networks. EV Boom, Charging Gap: Global reporting highlights that Chinese EV sales are rising as fuel prices climb, but charging networks lag—an issue Laos will likely face as electrification accelerates.