ANN/VIENTIANE TIMES – Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly vital role in Laos’ digital transformation, with its impact spanning multiple sectors and contributing to socio-economic development.
The Ministry of Technology and Communications is leading efforts to integrate AI into government operations and private industries, focusing on key areas such as labour, education and media.
During a recent workshop on AI workforce, governance, and ethics in Laos, Bounpasith Phisamay, who is drafting the national AI strategy, highlighted the progress being made.
The event was part of the country’s implementation of the UNESCO AI Ethics Readiness Assessment Methodology, which aims to establish a robust regulatory framework for AI use.
Bounpasith outlined AI’s role as a transformative digital technology, emphasising its potential to enhance governance and drive development across various fields.
As part of its modernisation drive, the Ministry of Technology and Communications has also introduced 37 digital government systems to improve public administration.
These systems are already improving the efficiency of essential services, such as tax collection and identity verification. The government is also developing a national digital identity system.
The initiative aims to seamlessly integrate services from both the public and private sectors, marking a significant step towards a fully digital public infrastructure.
AI is also making notable inroads into Laos’ retail and manufacturing sectors, driving improvements in efficiency and productivity.
In retail, AI-powered technologies are enabling personalised customer experiences through tailored recommendations, as well as improving inventory management by analysing customer behaviour.
In the manufacturing sector, AI applications are being used for predictive maintenance, quality control, and optimising supply chains.
These applications are not only enhancing operational performance but also contributing to cost reductions, allowing businesses to remain competitive and improve their output.
The media is playing a crucial role in educating the public about the opportunities and risks associated with AI.
Journalists are increasingly focusing on AI ethics and governance issues, raising awareness about the ethical implications of widespread AI use. As Laos continues to incorporate AI into various sectors, the media can help to ensure that citizens remain informed and engaged with these transformative technologies.
In an exciting development for Laos’ legislative framework, the National Assembly recently held discussions on how AI could be integrated into parliamentary operations, and how digital tools and AI can improve legislative processes, including policy assessment, decision-making, and efforts to combat misinformation.
The government’s strategy for AI adoption reflects a comprehensive approach, balancing the promotion of technological innovation with the careful consideration of ethics and governance.
