The Mekong Institute (MI) successfully concluded the Regional Training Program on “AI-Enabled Digital Transformation for Cities and Institutions in the Lancang–Mekong Region”, held from 16–20 March 2026 in Khon Kaen and Bangkok, Thailand. Organized as a Special Event of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Week 2026, the program was supported by the People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China and co-organized in collaboration with the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Khon Kaen, the Centre for International Studies on Development and Governance (CiSDG), Zhejiang University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Innovation Cooperation Center in Bangkok (CAS-ICCB).
The five-day program convened 47 policymakers, practitioners, private sector representatives, and academic experts from six Lancang–Mekong countries—Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. It aimed to strengthen institutional capacity and accelerate the translation of AI strategies into practical, scalable solutions for sustainable and inclusive development.
Driving Regional Vision Through Leadership
Opening the program, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of MI, underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence as a strategic enabler of inclusive growth and regional resilience. He emphasized MI’s role as a trusted regional platform for capacity development and multi-stakeholder collaboration, highlighting the need to move beyond policy dialogue toward practical implementation.
Mr. Zhang Zheng, Deputy Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Khon Kaen, reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing digital cooperation under the LMC framework, emphasizing technology sharing, innovation, and strengthened regional partnerships.
Prof. Wang Ren of CiSDG, Zhejiang University, further stressed the importance of bridging global knowledge with local application, encouraging participants to translate technical insights into context-specific, actionable initiatives that improve governance and public service delivery.
From Knowledge to Practice: Learning from Real-World Applications
To bridge theory and practice, participants engaged in Structured Learning Visits (SLVs) to Chinese Academy of Sciences Innovation Cooperation Center in Bangkok (CAS-ICCB) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).
At CAS-ICCB, participants explored models of AI-driven research, innovation platforms, and cross-border collaboration, gaining insights into how technology ecosystems can be scaled across the region. At DEPA, participants examined Thailand’s national digital strategy, including practical approaches to smart city development, AI adoption, and public–private partnerships.
These experiences enabled participants to identify replicable models and adapt proven approaches to their national contexts—reinforcing the program’s focus on implementation and scalability.
Delivering Results: From National Roadmaps to Regional Action
A key achievement of the program was the development of six country-specific action plans, each reflecting national priorities while contributing to a shared regional vision:
- Cambodia – Establishing a national AI ecosystem directory to connect developers and MSMEs
- China – Strengthening cross-border innovation platforms and talent exchange mechanisms
- Lao PDR – Promoting AI-driven entrepreneurship and youth innovation hubs
- Myanmar – Advancing ethical AI through education and responsible innovation frameworks
- Thailand – Enhancing smart city ecosystems through integrated data platforms and AI-enabled services
- Viet Nam – Applying AI to accelerate circular economy solutions in waste and resource management
Collectively, these national roadmaps converged into eight regional action priorities, including:
- Strengthening AI governance and ethical frameworks
- Developing robust data ecosystems and digital infrastructure
- Enhancing digital skills, particularly for youth and MSMEs
- Expanding AI applications in public services and smart cities
- Supporting MSME innovation and competitiveness
- Advancing green and circular economy solutions
- Promoting cross-border collaboration and talent mobility
- Strengthening multi-stakeholder and public–private partnerships
Together, these outcomes demonstrate a clear shift from knowledge acquisition to action-oriented, regionally aligned implementation, reinforcing the role of AI as a driver of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development.
Looking Ahead
The program marks a significant step toward building a regional community of practice for AI-enabled transformation. By equipping stakeholders with practical tools, fostering cross-country collaboration, and aligning national priorities with regional goals, the initiative lays a strong foundation for scaling AI solutions across the Lancang–Mekong region.
Moving forward, MI will continue to support the translation of these roadmaps into concrete actions—ensuring that AI-driven innovation delivers tangible benefits for institutions, economies, and communities across the region.
