Media Modernization: Laos is set to hold its First National Media Conference, with officials saying the event will update the country’s media policy framework and push digital transformation and higher journalism standards. AI Skills for Newsrooms: A Lao-Vietnam training programme in Vientiane (June 22–26) is equipping media professionals with AI tools for multimedia and mobile journalism, aiming to help outlets stay competitive as audiences shift online. Economic Resilience & Energy: A Vientiane seminar warns the Middle East crisis has driven oil prices above US$100 and disrupted fuel and agricultural input supply chains, urging Laos to diversify energy sources and deepen trade integration. EV Market Pressure: Rising fuel costs linked to the Iran war are boosting Chinese EV exports into developing markets including Southeast Asia, but charging networks lag—an issue Laos planners will need to watch as electrification accelerates. Cybercrime Spillover Risk: A report flags China-linked scam syndicates shifting operations beyond Southeast Asia, raising concerns for countries tightening crackdowns and for Laos’ broader digital-economy security. ASEAN-Russia Trade Push: At the Russia-ASEAN summit in Kazan, leaders—including Laos—backed expanded cooperation on energy, food, nuclear and trade, including moves toward national-currency transactions.