Electricity Policy Update: Laos is reviewing its 2017 Electricity Law in a seven-day process, aiming to support greener power, allow households and businesses to generate or buy directly, and prepare for concession renewals as the sector modernizes. Education & Dropouts: Laos is pushing to cut student dropout rates and raise teaching quality, with stronger teacher training, better school leadership, and more use of digital tech and AI, while targeting disadvantaged and ethnic minority learners. Rare Earths: Laos says it has identified two new rare earth target areas across four provinces, adding momentum to the country’s strategic-minerals push. Rail Connectivity Boost: Vietnam’s National Assembly approved a major increase for the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway, lifting planned investment to about $11.05b and targeting completion by 2030—another step for regional connectivity. Youth Skills & Jobs: Attapeu is expanding employment services as more students leave school, focusing on job matching, skills training, and coordination with local businesses. Digital Identity & Credit: Seoul Labs’ SuperWallet HACS targets financial inclusion by linking verifiable digital identity with AI-based alternative credit scoring. Regional Tech & Energy: A youth gathering in Shenzhen discussed how the green energy transition can shape Asia-Pacific futures, including visits to a zero-carbon substation. SCO Summit Countdown: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation prepares for its 25th-anniversary summit, with a broader agenda spanning security, connectivity, and digital development.