AGP Executive Report

Cybercrime Crackdown: A U.S.-led operation with the FBI and partners says it shut down 1 million scam-related online accounts and froze millions in crypto, arresting 63 people tied to scam compounds in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Healthcare Digital Skills: France and Laos’ Ministry of Health ran a June 9–11 workshop for hospital administrators, pushing digital transformation like electronic health records, telemedicine, and cybersecurity. National Tech Push: Laos launched a 2026–2040 science, technology, and innovation strategy plus a national teacher policy, setting 17 programs and 85 projects to boost productivity and innovation. Laos–Japan Cooperation: Lao and Japanese leaders pledged deeper ties in clean energy, technology, agriculture, tourism, and modern industries under their comprehensive strategic partnership. Tourism + Waste Upgrade: Luang Prabang plans a major facelift with about US$45M for waste management and wastewater treatment, supported by the ADB and the Lao government. Regional Tech Diplomacy: The ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi highlighted innovation and digital transformation as ASEAN’s next growth focus.

Cybercrime Crackdown: The U.S. DOJ and FBI say they dismantled Southeast Asian scam networks, taking down 1M+ scam-related online accounts and freezing millions in crypto; 63 people were arrested, with operations targeting scam compounds in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Healthcare Digitalization: France Embassy and Laos’ Ministry of Health run a June 9–11 workshop to upgrade hospital administrators’ management skills, with heavy focus on digital health systems, cybersecurity, electronic records, telemedicine, and hospital strategic planning. National Tech Push: Laos launched a 2026–2040 National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy plus a teacher policy, setting 17 programs and 85 projects to boost innovation, productivity, and self-reliant development. Laos–Japan Cooperation: Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone met Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo, agreeing to expand cooperation in clean energy, mining, tourism, technology, and emerging sectors. Energy Transition Risk: A Zurich Insurance report warns about US$165B of ASEAN renewable assets face climate hazards by 2030, with most sites at severe risk unless resilience spending scales up. Smart Infrastructure Spotlight: A delegation including Laos visited Tianjin Port’s intelligent, carbon-neutral terminal, showcasing 5G/Beidou navigation, AI operations, and faster cargo handling.

Laos Tech Policy: Laos has launched a National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy and Development Plan (2026–2040) plus a national teacher policy, setting 17 programs and 85 projects to boost productivity, value-added growth, and self-reliant development. Digital Health Training: The Ministry of Health ran a digital-age hospital management course in Vientiane, covering hospital leadership, quality and risk management, budgeting, information systems, procurement, and telemedicine for central and provincial hospitals. Public Health & Environment: Xiengkhouang province started a US$560,000 healthcare waste management project aimed at cutting risks from open burning and improving safeguards for public health. Security & Tech Crime: A U.S.-led DOJ/FBI crackdown says 63 people were arrested and over 1 million scam-related online accounts taken down, with Laos named among targeted scam compounds and millions in crypto frozen. Energy Resilience Risk: A Zurich Insurance report warns about US$165B in ASEAN renewable assets face climate hazards by 2030, with most sites at severe risk unless resilience spending scales up.

Cross-border Cybercrime Crackdown: A U.S.-led operation with the FBI and international partners says it took down 1.4M scam-related online accounts and froze millions in crypto, arresting 63 people tied to scam compounds across Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. FBI on Chinese Links: The FBI also says it found clear links between Chinese criminal enterprises and scam compounds across Southeast Asia, moving people, money, and technology—while seeing no sign of direct government direction. Laos Tech Push: Laos rolled out a 2026–2040 national strategy to boost science, technology, and innovation, plus a teacher policy to strengthen human resources for sustainable development. Digital Hospital Training: Laos ran a hospital management course for leaders on digital health systems, telemedicine, risk management, and emergency readiness. ASEAN Innovation & Digital Policy: At the ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi, leaders—including Laos—pushed for ASEAN to shape new rules on AI, energy security, and digital transformation, with cities urged to lead innovation. Railway-Tourism Integration (China): China plans to expand railway tourism, including cross-border tourist train design with Laos among other partners. Green Mobility in the Region: VinFast and Green SM announced a plan to scale EV ride-hailing, while Green SM expands further into India with fully electric services.

National Tech Push: Laos rolled out a 2026-2040 National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy plus a new teacher policy, aiming to boost human resources and innovation through 17 programs and 85 projects. Digital Health Training: The Ministry of Health ran a “hospital management in the digital age” course in Vientiane, covering digital health systems, telemedicine, risk management, budgeting and emergency preparedness for central and provincial hospitals. ASEAN Tech Policy Talks: The ASEAN Future Forum 2026 opened in Hanoi with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in attendance, focusing on AI, energy security and innovation—plus calls for ASEAN to shape new rules, not just follow trends. Fintech for Cross-Border Growth: ASEAN leaders discussed building an open, secure fintech ecosystem, with Lao Deputy PM Thongsavan Phomvihane pushing for cross-border payment infrastructure and trust in the digital economy. Sports Tech & Media: Star Telecom (Unitel) in Laos secured FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasting rights and will stream all 104 matches free on LaoTV and other digital platforms. Cybercrime Crackdown Spillover: A U.S.-led operation reported taking down 1.4M scam-related accounts and arresting 63 people, with Laos named among targeted scam compounds. Regional Connectivity: Vietnam and Cambodia agreed to speed up cross-border infrastructure and explore expanded air links involving Laos, as part of broader economic integration.

Cross-border Cybercrime Crackdown: A U.S.-led operation with the FBI and partners says it took down 1M+ scam-related online accounts and froze millions in crypto, arresting 63 people tied to scam compounds in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. ASEAN Future Forum 2026 (Hanoi): Vietnam’s PM To Lam and other leaders pushed for ASEAN to move from “adapting” to “shaping” new rules, with a focus on digital transformation, AI, and people-centered development. ASEAN Cities & Digital Transformation: Vietnam’s National Assembly chair urged ASEAN cities to accelerate innovation, digital transformation and science/tech progress. Fintech Ecosystem Push: A regional seminar backed an open, secure fintech ecosystem, positioning financial technology as strategic infrastructure for ASEAN’s digital future. Laos Sports Tech: Star Telecom (Unitel) in Laos secured FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights and will stream all 104 matches free on LaoTV and other digital platforms. Laos–Vietnam Cooperation: Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone’s Vietnam visit highlighted expanding cooperation across trade, defense, education, technology and social development. Scam Education Research: New research describes how job scams can funnel victims into scam work in Laos/Myanmar/Cambodia and introduces an AI-based training tool to help older adults spot scams.

ASEAN Policy & Tech: Vietnamese PM Le Minh Hung urged ASEAN to become an active rule-maker by 2045—shifting from consuming tech to creating it—at the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi, where Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone also attended. Regional Connectivity: Vietnam and Cambodia agreed to push cross-border economic integration via faster transport links, air connectivity, and special economic zones, with digital transformation also on the agenda. Scam Crackdown Fallout: A U.S.-led operation reported taking down 1M+ scam-related online accounts and arresting 63 people tied to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, while Amnesty says Cambodia’s crackdown hasn’t shut down scam compounds (86 still operating as of April). Cybercrime Tactics: Police uncovered a script used in Cambodian scam compounds to impersonate AFP officers and coerce victims into sharing bank details via encrypted calls. Laos Education Research Call: Tetra Tech is seeking service providers for a Laos classroom observation study on Lao language curriculum delivery and support for non-Lao speakers (EOI deadline June 29, Vientiane time). EV Mobility in India: VinFast-backed Green SM launched Green SM Limo in India with a fully electric ride service expanding from Vietnam and Laos.

Cross-border Cybercrime Crackdown: A U.S.-led operation with the FBI and international partners says it disrupted Southeast Asian scam networks tied to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, taking down 1.4M+ online accounts and freezing millions in crypto while arresting 63 people. Scam Tactics Exposed: Separate reporting details a Cambodian scam script that impersonates AFP officers, using encrypted video calls and “confidentiality agreements” to push victims to share bank details. Cambodia Enforcement Under Scrutiny: Amnesty says Cambodia still had 86 scam compounds operating (up from 53) and that authorities intervened in only 24 sites, despite official claims of major shutdowns. ASEAN Tech & Energy Policy: ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi spotlights AI, energy security and governance of emerging development models, with Mekong subregion cooperation and youth roles also in focus. Laos–Vietnam Cooperation: Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone’s Vietnam visit highlights expanded ties across technology and education, while Vietnam hosts Lao leaders ahead of the ASEAN Future Forum. Laos Education Research Call: Tetra Tech seeks service providers for classroom observation research on Lao language curriculum delivery and support for non-Lao speakers. China–Laos Connectivity: New coverage frames China–Laos ties as shifting toward capability-driven cooperation, with security, connectivity and innovation emphasized.

Cybercrime Crackdown Reality Check (Cambodia): Amnesty says 86 scam compounds were still operating in Cambodia as of April, up from 53 a year earlier, and claims state intervention happened at only 24 sites—while Cambodia disputes the findings. Scam Tech Playbook (Cambodia→Australia): Police revealed a script used in Cambodian scam centres to impersonate AFP officers, push victims into encrypted video calls, and extract bank details via staged “investigations.” ASEAN Tech & Policy Forum: ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Hanoi (June 9–10) will focus on reshaping growth models, harnessing emerging tech like AI, and strengthening regional resilience. Laos Development & Education: Laos launched its National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (2026–2040) and a National Teacher Policy, aiming to boost innovation capacity and support the 2026–2030 plan. Laos Connectivity (5G): TPlus ran a 5G roadshow in Vientiane to showcase faster connectivity and digital services as Laos expands 5G rollout. Disaster Response (Xaisomboun Cave): Lao-Thai rescue teams found a water outflow point to improve drainage in the cave operation, using scanning tech to map underground flows. Environment & Health (Mekong malaria): Health experts warn climate change could complicate malaria elimination progress across Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Green Mobility (Regional EV push): Green SM launched Green SM Limo, a fully electric taxi service in India, expanding beyond Vietnam and Laos.

Cybercrime Tactics Exposed: Cambodian scam operators used a scripted “AFP officer” phone-and-video-call routine to pressure victims into “confidentiality agreements” and detailed bank disclosures, with Thai authorities tracing the scheme after a compound raid. Digital Safety for Youth: Laos launched a EU-supported campaign training young content creators to counter online scams and human trafficking, linking media skills with law-enforcement guidance. Science & Education Push: Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone officially rolled out a National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy plus a National Teacher Policy, aiming to strengthen long-term research capacity. Laos–China Cooperation: President Thongloun Sisoulith met Xi Jinping in Beijing and signed 32 deals across trade, energy, infrastructure and human resources, while also highlighting cybercrime cooperation and the Laos–China power transmission line. Connectivity in the Capital: TPlus held a 5G roadshow in Vientiane to showcase faster mobile internet and digital services as Laos expands 5G coverage. Health Watch: Malaria is nearing elimination in parts of the Greater Mekong, but experts warn climate change could raise mosquito-borne risks. Rescue Update: Lao-Thai teams found a water outflow point in the Xaisomboun cave operation, improving drainage plans as they race to reach two missing people. Archaeology Breakthrough: New research suggests Laos’ Plain of Jars stone urns were used as multigenerational crypts, not rice-wine vats.

Laos–China Partnership: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith met Xi Jinping in Beijing and the two sides signed 32 cooperation deals, pushing an “all-weather” Laos–China community and deeper work on trade, energy, connectivity and cybercrime. Science & Education: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone launched Laos’s National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (2026–2040) and a new National Teacher Policy, aiming to strengthen long-term R&D capacity. Cave Rescue Tech: Lao-Thai rescue teams in Xaisomboun found a natural water outflow point to improve drainage in the flooded cave search for two missing people, using mapping and scanning while pumping operations continue. Health & Climate: Asia nears malaria elimination, but experts warn climate change could raise mosquito-borne disease risks, complicating the final push for Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Digital Safety for Youth: A Vientiane campaign trained young content creators to counter online scams and human trafficking, backed by EU, Germany and SDC with Lao ministries. Cross-border Trade Connectivity: Vietnam–Cambodia–Laos border trade talks highlighted faster corridors and logistics links to move goods and services more efficiently. Electric Mobility in the Region: Vingroup-backed Green SM launched its all-electric Green SM Limo ride-hailing in India, expanding from Laos and positioning AI-backed safety as a differentiator. Archaeology in Laos: New research on the Plain of Jars supports the idea that stone urns were used as crypts, not for rice wine.

Science & Education Policy: Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone launched the National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (2026–2040) and a new National Teacher Policy, aiming to strengthen STEM capacity and long-term development. Rescue Tech in Action: Lao-Thai teams in Xaisomboun found a water outflow point beneath a flooded cave, using scanning tools and drainage pumping to push the search deeper toward two missing people. Public Health Under Climate Pressure: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are nearing malaria elimination, but experts warn climate change could raise risks for mosquito-borne diseases as weather patterns shift. Archaeology Breakthrough: A new study on Laos’ Plain of Jars suggests the stone urns were multigenerational crypts, not rice-wine vats. Digital Safety for Youth: A EU- and embassy-supported campaign trained young content creators in Vientiane to counter online scams and human trafficking. Laos–China Cooperation: President Thongloun Sisoulith met Xi Jinping in Beijing, signing 32 deals across trade, energy and human resources, and highlighting cybercrime cooperation. Mobility & EVs: Vietnam’s Green SM launched its all-electric Green SM Limo in Delhi-NCR, targeting 10,000 EVs and using AI-backed safety monitoring.

Science Policy Launch: Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone officially rolled out the National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (2026–2040) and a new National Teacher Policy, aiming to strengthen STEM capacity and long-term development. Education & Governance: The same push links science and human resources to the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2026–2030), with UNESCO and partners attending. Digital Safety for Youth: In Vientiane, a EU- and embassy-supported campaign trained young content creators to fight online scams and human trafficking, working with Lao ministries and law enforcement. Laos–China Tech & Security Ties: President Thongloun Sisoulith met China’s Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, highlighting cooperation on energy connectivity, infrastructure, and cybercrime-fighting between public security agencies. Agriculture Modernization: A Lao agricultural exhibition at Lao ITECC showcased cooperatives and urged more science, technology and innovation in farming; officials cited 3,705 producer groups and 114 cooperatives nationwide. Cross-border Trade Connectivity: Vietnam–Cambodia–Laos border trade talks focused on logistics networks and corridor links to speed up goods movement. Mobility Tech (Regional): Green SM launched its all-electric Green SM Limo ride-hailing service in India, with AI-backed safety features and a plan to scale EV fleets.

Science & Education Policy: Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone launched the National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy (2026–2040) and a National Teacher Policy at the National University of Laos, aiming to strengthen STI capacity and align with the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan. Digital Safety for Youth: A EU- and embassy-supported campaign in Vientiane trained young content creators to fight online scams and human trafficking, with Lao ministries and tech experts joining law enforcement-led sessions. Laos–China High-Level Tech Cooperation: President Thongloun Sisoulith met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, highlighting progress in trade, energy, connectivity, and cooperation against cybercrime, including benefits from the 500kV Laos–China power line and the Laos–China Railway. Mobility & EV Expansion (Regional): Vietnam’s Green SM launched its all-electric Green SM Limo ride-hailing service in India’s Delhi-NCR, targeting 10,000 EVs and positioning corporate and airport trips as major revenue drivers. Agriculture & Innovation: An agricultural exhibition at Lao ITECC showcased cooperative growth and pushed science, technology and innovation in farming, citing the 2024 Law on Cooperatives. Cross-Border Fraud Crackdown: A major international operation reported 63 arrests and disruption of 1.4M scam accounts, with Meta, Microsoft, Coinbase and Starlink involved—relevant for Laos’ ongoing scam prevention push. Ancient Heritage Research: New reporting on Laos’ Plain of Jars revisits archaeological findings that may explain the jars’ purpose, adding fresh context for science-led heritage tourism.

EV Mobility in India: Vietnam’s Green SM launched its electric taxi service “Green SM Limo” in Delhi-NCR with VinFast Limo Green EVs, using in-car cameras, emergency buttons, and an app/hotline booking model, aiming for phased expansion and a ~10,000-vehicle fleet. AI for Industry (ASEAN–China): A matchmaking conference in Nanning flagged 30 industrial AI application needs from ASEAN firms, including Laos priorities in smart agriculture and agricultural processing. Cross-border Payments: Tencent’s TenPay Global opened a “Remit to China for Non-Chinese Citizens” service, letting foreign passport holders send money to mainland China via WeChat-linked numbers for near-instant spending in the Weixin ecosystem. China–ASEAN Connectivity: China’s Pinglu Canal reached full-channel connectivity after water testing, a move framed as boosting regional cooperation beyond shipping. Laos–China Tech & Space Visits: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith visited China’s Party School and the China Academy of Space Technology during a Beijing-bound state trip, highlighting innovation and aerospace links. Cybercrime Crackdown: A DOJ-led “Disruption Week” with major tech firms disrupted 1.4M+ scam accounts and infrastructure across Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, with 63 arrests. Laos Cave Rescue: Search efforts resumed for two men still missing after flash flooding trapped gold miners in a Laos cave.

Laos–India Tech & Trade Push: Lao Deputy PM Thongsavanh Phomvihane met India’s President Droupadi Murmu, calling for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and technology on the 70th anniversary of ties, with a strong focus on practical outcomes and tackling transnational internet scam hubs. AI Cooperation Move: Laos’ Ministry of Technology and Communications discussed joining China’s proposed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation, with a treaty opening for signature in July 2026. Digital Fraud Crackdown: A regional operation (“Disruption Week”) disrupted scam infrastructure across Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, taking down 1.4M social media accounts and freezing $3.8M in crypto-linked assets. China–Laos Connectivity Boost: China–Laos Railway logistics hit 107,900 tonnes of cross-border fruit since the start of the year, with durians and mangosteens moving faster and cheaper. Space-Tech Diplomacy: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith visited China’s Party School and the China Academy of Space Technology during his state visit, signaling interest in innovation and aerospace know-how. Cave Rescue Update: Search resumed for two men still missing deep inside a flooded Laos gold mine after earlier rescues.