VIENTIANE, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- As Laos accelerates its digital transformation, the government is placing a strong focus on equipping both civil servants and citizens with the skills needed to navigate and adapt to a rapidly evolving digital landscape, with the goal of building a digital government, economy, and society.
Across various ministries and government departments, workshops, training sessions, and meetings are being actively organized to strengthen officials' digital skills. Laos is also launching a project to establish a digital-human resources development center. Scheduled to run from 2025 to 2029, this initiative aims to build a strong foundation for digital governance and improve public services.
Looking toward a digital future in Laos, Sayasith, a 29-year-old white-collar worker, noted that significant challenges remain in fully equipping both officials and citizens with the necessary digital skills. The current lack of skilled workers and digital knowledge could slow the country's digital transformation.
"Equipping every government official with the necessary digital skills, which are still new to many, isn't easy. That's why initiatives like workshops and training sessions are crucial for building officials' capacity. They lay the groundwork, so officials can confidently manage digital systems, while residents across Laos can adapt to this rapidly changing era," Sayasith told Xinhua on Friday.
He also emphasized the importance of focusing on the younger generation, especially students, by spreading AI and digital knowledge in schools to build a strong human resource base. Sayasith believes that empowering youth with digital skills will accelerate Laos' progress and unlock the full potential of its digital future.
Laos is advancing AI integration in education through workshops and training aimed at building foundational knowledge and equipping school educators with practical skills to enhance teaching in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Sengtavanh, a Lao businessman from Vientiane province, believes that effective management of digital transformation by the government could significantly improve daily life across the country. He emphasized the benefits of easier access to public services and stressed the importance of keeping pace with global technological advancements.
"Digital technology could become a powerful tool for a small country like Laos to create new opportunities and build a better future for all Lao people," he said.
The government is intensifying efforts to boost the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by developing digital skills through information and communication technology (ICT) training and innovation. It is also empowering female entrepreneurs with targeted programs in digital business, e-commerce, and cybersecurity to reduce risks, promote sustainable growth, and strengthen their role in the digital economy. ■
