Khon Kaen, Thailand, 17 July 2026 — An online workshop brought together 44 alumni of the Mekong Institute’s (MI) regional training on AI-enabled digital transformation for cities and institutions to synthesize and evaluate the early results of post-training action plans implemented across all six Lancang–Mekong countries.
As the final component of the Enhancing Digital Innovation Ecosystems for Accelerating Sustainable Development in the Lancang–Mekong Countries project, supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the workshop generated practical insights that will feed directly into a high-level regional policy dialogue at the Mekong Forum 2026.
Ms. Guohua Liu, Director of MI’s Sectoral Development and Integration (SDI) Department, highlighted how the project has translated into measurable impact through six alumni-led action plans implemented in Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Together, the initiatives engaged more than 1,000 participants and reached over 31,000 additional stakeholders through AI training, entrepreneurship programs, national innovation events, digital awareness campaigns, and ecosystem-building initiatives.
“Beyond the knowledge and skills we have gained, the most valuable achievement of this project is the partnerships and connections we have built among institutions and professionals across our region,” said Ms. Liu.
She added that the successful implementation of the action plans reflects growing momentum for AI-enabled digital transformation and demonstrates how regional collaboration can accelerate inclusive and sustainable development across the Lancang–Mekong countries.
From regional learning to national impact
During the online workshop, alumni representatives from each Lancang–Mekong country shared how regional capacity development has been translated into country-led initiatives that support national development priorities while strengthening digital innovation ecosystems.
- Cambodia fostered AI awareness, mapped local AI solutions, and strengthened collaboration among government, academia, youth, and technology partners to advance its national AI ecosystem.
- China showcased AI applications that accelerate entrepreneurship in Yunnan Province and advance digital transformation in higher education in Guangxi through government-university-industry collaboration.
- Lao PDR integrated AI entrepreneurship into its first National Startup Fest, expanding opportunities for innovators while supporting the country’s emerging startup ecosystem.
- Myanmar promoted responsible AI through nationwide awareness campaigns and capacity-building activities focused on AI ethics, governance, privacy, and entrepreneurship.
- Thailand equipped local government officials with practical AI knowledge to improve public service delivery through problem-driven innovation.
- Viet Nam piloted AI-enabled solutions to support smart tourism and the green transition in Phu Quoc Island, improving municipal services and sustainable destination management.
While each country responded to its own priorities and context, the initiatives reflect a shared commitment to harnessing AI as a practical enabler of inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered development.
From action to regional policy dialogue
By consolidating practical experiences and lessons from the six Lancang–Mekong countries, the online workshop serves as a key precursor to Technical Session 4 of the Mekong Forum 2026, MI’s flagship annual regional platform for dialogue and partnership. Scheduled for July 22, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, the technical session will focus on “Building Integrated Development Pathways: Governance, People, Technology and Strategic Investment in the Greater Mekong Subregion.”
Insights, lessons, and recommendations emerging from the online workshop will help inform Technical Session 4’s high-level regional discussions on digital transformation and sustainable development.
The Mekong Forum will also provide an opportunity to connect practitioners with policymakers, development partners, academia, and the private sector, creating a platform to elevate successful pilot initiatives into broader policy dialogue. Through this engagement, the project aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration, foster new partnerships and investment opportunities, and support the scaling of digital innovation across the region. Through this, the project also seeks to ensure that practical country experience continues to shape regional cooperation and future development.
