VIENTIANE: The Lao government has launched a pioneering national Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiative, centred on developing its first large-scale AI system, to accelerate digital innovation and socio-economic development.
This initiative is a core component of the country’s broader Digital Economy Strategy 2030.
The initiative, led by the ALO Technology Group in partnership with the China-Lao Information Communication Centre, involves the development of the Lao National Large Language Model.
Unveiled in Vientiane on Tuesday (Oct 14), the project aims to harness AI to drive progress in key sectors such as agriculture, education, public health and tourism, to support the government’s long-term goals of industrialisation and modernisation.
The event gathered over 100 participants, including deputy ministers and representatives from universities, international organisations, and technology companies.
Deputy Minister of Technology and Communications, Santisouk Simmalavong, said development of the Lao Artificial Intelligence System reflects a strong commitment to the future of technology and innovation development in Laos.
Creating a quality AI system that is in line with the national technology development strategy is crucial for reducing development gaps, opening up opportunities, enhancing competitiveness, and moving Laos forward on the path to industrialisation and modernisation, he said.
President of the ALO Technology Group, Thanousone Phonamat, said the group is committed to promoting technological innovation and economic development.
They were honoured to make a contribution to this mission and were deeply grateful to the Lao and Chinese governments for entrusting ALO and the China-Asean Information Harbor with this important responsibility, he added.
He noted that ALO is committed to integrating world-class AI technologies with the real needs of the Lao context, aiming to create an AI system that is uniquely Lao.
This will not only improve the intellectual capacity of Lao society but also strengthen the country’s economic development, drive transformation, and upgrade its industrial base.
Thanousone said the initial phase of development involves a prototype being trialed in real-world environments to test its efficiency.
Development of the Lao Large Language Model is taking place in close cooperation with the National Library, publishing houses, and educational institutions, to collect and process diverse Lao-language datasets.
Collaboration has also been established with the Ministry of Technology and Communications, the Ministry of Education and Sports’ ICT Centre, and the National University of Laos.
Professors at the Faculty of Letters and other faculties have helped with the development of educational content from preschool to high school to ensure that training is delivered appropriately.
The initiative reflects a strong commitment to building a national AI system tailored to the Lao socio-economic and cultural environment, contributing to modernisation, innovation, and long-term digital transformation. - Vientiane Times/ANN
