Laos Digital Identity: Laos is moving from paper household registration books to a digital population registration system, with the Ministry of Public Security ending new issuance of traditional books and shifting to Census Data Certificates as the main proof of identity; citizens without the new certificate can keep using the old book until an official cancellation notice, and national ID holders can use it for transactions with public institutions. AI for Local Languages: Chinese AI firms are backing home-grown large language models for emerging markets, with iFLYTEK highlighting multilingual speech tech and an ASEAN-focused multilingual model base aimed at underserved languages. Scam Crackdown: The FBI says it’s targeting Southeast Asia-linked scam operations through global takedowns and victim-focused disruption, including seized funds and shutdown of scam infrastructure. Autonomous Transport Testing (HK): Hong Kong approved a pilot autonomous vehicle trial linking West Kowloon and Kowloon stations, using four cars with a backup operator onboard. Biopharma Lab Expansion (Singapore): Merck is expanding biosafety and next-generation sequencing testing capacity in Singapore to serve Asia-Pacific biopharma customers. ASEAN Trade & Logistics: DHL launched a new direct Shanghai–Bangkok freighter route to boost China–Indochina–Middle East–Europe connectivity. STEM Education (Laos): NUOL held 2026–2027 entrance exams for 7,867 candidates, with STEM and non-STEM tracks and results due later in August.