AI Rivalry & Trade: A panel in Indonesia warned ASEAN countries to tread carefully as US and China push competing AI initiatives that shape access to chips and AI capacity. CAFTA 3.0 for Laos: Laos is using CAEXPO in Nanning to turn China-ASEAN ties into real gains, with a focus on standards, logistics, and digital tools for MSMEs. Road Upgrade in Savannakhet: An MoU was signed to study, design, build and maintain a 75.212 km stretch of National Road 13 South, aiming to improve cross-border connectivity. Digital Forms, Real Trust: FormFest 2026 highlighted that better government service forms depend on trust and trauma-informed design—not just technology. Disaster Response Digitalisation: Malaysia’s fire and rescue agency is moving toward data sharing and AI support for faster, smarter urban emergency decisions, with Laos and China involved in knowledge exchange. UXO Strategy 2027–2036: Laos unveiled a second 10-year UXO plan targeting faster survey and clearance, new detection tech trials, and a shift toward more self-reliant funding. Healthcare Tech Link: Vietnam and Laos inaugurated an interventional radiology unit in Vientiane with modern DSA equipment to expand minimally invasive cardiac and vascular care. Digital Finance in Laos: Umoney (Star Fintech/Unitel) won a tech award and says it now serves 1.8M users, expanding QR payments and agent-based access nationwide. Education Materials at Oxford: Laos, with Australia, showcased Spoken Lao materials at Oxford, built from classroom research to help Grade 1 learners—especially non-Lao speakers. Regional Connectivity Watch: The Pinglu Canal’s opening in China is expected to cut shipping distances and logistics costs, with potential spillovers for ASEAN trade routes.