In recent years, countries in the Lancang–Mekong region have accelerated digital transformation across cities, public institutions, and key development sectors, with growing efforts in digital government, public service delivery, and sectoral modernization. At the same time, many countries face common challenges, including limited institutional capacity, weak cross-departmental coordination, underdeveloped data governance frameworks, and gaps between digital strategies and practical implementation. As a result, translating digital and AI-related policies into actionable and sustainable solutions has become a shared priority across the region.

Against this backdrop, China has advanced large-scale digital transformation through the integrated development of digital infrastructure, institutional innovation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), accumulating experience that is both replicable and scalable. Practical applications of digital platforms, data governance systems, and AI-enabled solutions across sectors such as agriculture, energy, and tourism demonstrate how emerging technologies can be effectively aligned with national development priorities and local conditions to improve efficiency and support sustainable development.

Building on the development needs of Lancang–Mekong countries, and drawing on Chinese experiences with clear reference and transfer potential, this Regional Training Program is designed and organized by the Mekong Institute (MI), in collaboration with Zhejiang (Zhejiang University) Centre for International Studies on Development and Governance (CiSDG), and the Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS-ICCB), with the support of the Chinese Government. The program aims to combine Chinese experience, practice-oriented learning, and regional exchange to support policymakers and practitioners in strategically applying AI at city and institutional levels, thereby promoting inclusive and sustainable digital transformation across the Lancang–Mekong region. This training program will be implemented through three integrated phases to ensure continuous learning, application, and reflection: