Dr Santisouk Simmalavong addresses a news conference on Lao Digital Week, which will be held in October.

Lao Digital Week to drive digital transformation

Lao Digital Week 2026 will promote digital solutions to improve public services, support businesses and develop skills as Laos works to expand digital services and prepare its workforce for the artificial intelligence era.
The event will run from October 21 to 25 at the Lao-ITECC Exhibition Centre in Vientiane under the theme of “Accelerating Digital Governance, Cultivating a Digital Workforce, and Driving Innovation into the AI Era”.
The exhibition aims to show how technology can make public services faster and more convenient, help businesses reduce costs and reach new markets, and give people skills for the digital economy.
The Ministry of Technology and Communications and the Lao ICT and Digital Association announced the event at a news conference in Vientiane last week. The event was attended by representatives of government agencies, research institutions, businesses and the media.
More than 200 booths at the exhibition will showcase products and solutions from technology companies, startups and other organisations. Displays will cover artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data, blockchain, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, telecommunications and other emerging technologies.
The event will provide a platform for businesses and government agencies to explore partnerships and investment opportunities. A business-to-business and government networking hub will connect public agencies, companies, research institutions, universities, software developers and investors.
The Minister of Technology and Communications, Dr Santisouk Simmalavong, said technology is rapidly changing the way people work and access services.
“Technology is rapidly redefining how we produce, govern, trade, educate, deliver healthcare, communicate and live,” he said.
Laos needs to look beyond simply adopting new equipment and make wider changes to its approach to governance and public services, he noted.
“Our ultimate goal is to foster convenience, speed, transparency and efficiency, empowering businesses to reduce costs and expand into new markets, while guaranteeing equitable access to opportunities and essential services for all citizens,” he said.
Dr Santisouk said digital transformation should help businesses reduce costs, reach new markets and improve their services, while ensuring people have fair access to digital opportunities.
He highlighted the need to narrow the digital gap between urban and rural areas, improve service quality at affordable costs, develop national digital talent and build public trust in the digital ecosystem.
The exhibition will place strong emphasis on digital governance. The Lao Digital Forum will bring together ASEAN leaders, government ministers and provincial authorities to discuss digital governance, modernising public services and improving cooperation between government agencies.
Academic and industry sessions will cover digital governance, Industry 4.0, smart technologies, blockchain, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and skills needed for the digital labour market.
Young people and technology enthusiasts will have opportunities to compete in innovation hackathons, esports tournaments, cybersecurity Capture-the-Flag challenges, robotics competitions and startup pitching sessions.
These activities are designed to support students, innovators and skilled professionals in developing practical experience and competing in national, regional and international technology programmes.
The ministry said Lao Digital Week also aims to support the 10th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030 and the National Digital Economy Development Strategy.
The event is intended to turn these national strategies into practical action by encouraging wider use of digital technology across the central and local government and economic sectors.
It also seeks to help diversify economic activity, develop higher value products and services, and strengthen Laos’ competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, the event will provide a platform for Laos to assess new opportunities while preparing people and institutions for changes brought on by the digital economy.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 17, 2026)