Laos–China Security: China has begun operating a Joint Support and Training Center and Friendship Aviation Academy at Ban Keun Airport, a move analysts say deepens Beijing’s air-power reach in mainland Southeast Asia. Laos–Thailand Trade & Tech: The two countries reviewed cooperation at their 23rd Joint Commission meeting, including border security, digital economic development, science and technology, and connectivity projects like bridges and rail links. Education & Literacy in Laos: MoES and Australia’s BEQUAL program are piloting new multigrade primary guidelines in 30 Lao schools, aiming to help teachers plan and teach mixed-grade classrooms more effectively. Teacher Research Partnership: A new study partnership is investigating what early-years teachers need to strengthen Lao language and literacy development, targeting persistent Grade 1 speaking gaps. Tourism & Digital Economy: Malaysia and Lao PDR are exploring growth in Muslim-friendly tourism, hospitality, and the digital economy as they mark 60 years of diplomatic ties. Crypto & AI Tools: Binance launched “Binance Intelligence” to help users understand finance via AI, while CoBALT signed an MOU with IBEForuM to expand REALIZER’s AI sales engagement reach across APAC and the Middle East. Wildlife Crime Watch: A regional report says tiger trafficking cases in Southeast Asia often end without convictions or penalties, leaving organized networks largely undeterred.