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Celebrate Mother’s Day with Custom Laser Engraved Gifts Using Monport Laser Technology

NEW YORK, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mother’s Day 2026 is driving a strong rise in personalized gift creation, as more consumers and small businesses turn to laser engraving to produce meaningful, custom-made presents. From engraved jewelry and wooden keepsakes to acrylic photo displays, personalization is becoming the preferred way to celebrate the occasion.

Monport Laser is joining this seasonal trend with a limited Mother’s Day promotion running from April 29 to May 11, 2026, offering discounted machines and free creative bundles to support gift-making and small business production.

Laser Engraving and the Rise of Personalized Gifts

A laser machine has become a key tool for creating custom Mother’s Day gifts. Users are turning to technologies like the fiber laser engraver, CO2 laser engraver, and desktop CO2 laser to design unique products at home or in small workshops.

The fiber laser engraver is widely used for metal engraving such as jewelry and keepsakes. The CO2 laser engraver is popular for wood, acrylic, and leather projects. For beginners and home users, the desktop CO2 laser offers an easy entry point into personalized crafting.

More advanced creators are also using the MOPA fiber laser engraver, which allows color marking and detailed engraving for higher-end custom gifts.

Featured Laser Machines and Mother’s Day Offers

During the promotional period, customers purchasing selected laser machines will receive exclusive bonuses designed to support creative gift production.

Free 6W Handheld Diode Laser Engraver Offer

Every purchase of the following machines includes a free 6W handheld diode laser engraver:

  • GT 200W fiber laser engraver
  • GT 100W fiber laser engraver
  • GA 100W MOPA fiber laser engraver
  • Effi13S industrial CO2 laser cutter
  • Effi16S industrial CO2 laser cutter

These systems cover a wide range of applications, from metal engraving with a fiber laser engraver to high-volume production using a CO2 laser engraver.

Buy a Laser Machine, Get Free Gifts

Monport Laser is also offering additional free bundles depending on laser machine series:

  • GM Pro systems: Free protective goggles
  • GA Series (fiber laser engraver / MOPA fiber laser engraver): Free protective goggles
  • GT Series fiber laser engraver: Free M85 field lens upgrade
  • Reno Series & Mega S systems (laser machine lineup): Spray kits + wood material bundle
  • CO2 Series (CO2 laser engraver systems): Spray kits + acrylic sheet bundle
  • Effi Series industrial CO2 laser cutter systems: Spray kits + acrylic sheet bundle
  • Conveyor Belt systems: $200 OFF discount

These bundles are designed to help users start producing Mother’s Day gifts immediately, whether working with a desktop CO2 laser, industrial CO2 laser engraver, or advanced fiber laser engraver system.

In addition, all customers who purchase any laser machine during the promotion will also receive a free Mother’s Day-themed engraved SVG file, helping users quickly create personalized designs

See full details of the Mother’s Day 2026 promotion on Monport Laser’s official website.

Supporting Small Businesses and Creators

More entrepreneurs are using laser machine systems to build small businesses around personalized gifting. The desktop CO2 laser and entry-level CO2 laser engraver models are especially popular among home-based creators, while advanced users rely on the fiber laser engraver and MOPA fiber laser engraver for commercial production.

This Mother’s Day campaign is designed to help both beginners and professionals create meaningful products quickly and efficiently.

Turning Creativity Into Meaningful Gifts

From engraved photo frames to custom jewelry and decorative plaques, laser engraving allows users to turn ideas into emotional, one-of-a-kind gifts.

With the combination of discounted laser machines, free accessories, and bundled materials, Monport Laser aims to make it easier for creators to deliver personalized Mother’s Day products using a fiber laser engraver, CO2 laser engraver, or desktop CO2 laser.

About Monport Laser

Monport Laser provides advanced laser engraving and cutting systems designed to support precision manufacturing, customization, and creative applications across industries.

Closing

The 2026 Mother’s Day promotion highlights the growing importance of personalization in gifting. With free machine bundles, discounts, and accessible laser tools, Monport Laser continues to support creators in turning everyday materials into meaningful, customized gifts.

The promotion runs until May 11, 2026.

Media Contact:
Monport Laser
Email: official@monportlaser.com 
Website: www.monportlaser.com

China to Tighten Control Over Micro-Drama Content

A picture used for illustration of Chinese micro-drama. (Photo by Kazinform International News Agency)

China is stepping up regulation of micro-dramas, with new measures introduced on 2 May targeting content that often features rich–poor romance storylines and dramatic social mobility plots.

The move focuses on a fast-growing short-form video sector that has attracted large audiences and revenue with limited oversight. Authorities aim to restrict content considered inappropriate and bring the industry under closer regulation.

Micro-dramas are short, vertically filmed series, with episodes typically lasting one to three minutes. They are produced at low cost with quick turnaround times and widely distributed on platforms such as Douyin, Kuaishou, Bilibili, and Tencent QQ

These shows often feature exaggerated storylines, including plots where wealthy individuals fall in love with people from poorer backgrounds. Authorities say such content can promote unrealistic ideas about love, wealth, and social mobility. 

Officials have also warned producers against storylines that encourage marriage for wealth, emphasize luxury lifestyles, or focus heavily on family conflict.

While the official notice did not specify penalties for violations, current regulations require platforms to remove content that does not meet approval standards, while producers must obtain licenses before distribution.

Industry Faces Removals and New Licensing Rules

Authorities have steadily increased enforcement across the sector.

In February 2025, regulators introduced a requirement for all micro-dramas to obtain distribution permits before being released online. Platforms are not allowed to host or promote content without official approval.

The policy forms part of broader efforts to guide online content and promote state-backed values.

Between late 2022 and early 2023, regulators removed more than 25,000 micro-dramas, covering nearly 1.4 million episodes, for violations including explicit, violent, or low-quality content.

In early 2024, platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou also removed multiple titles and hundreds of related clips for breaching content standards.

The new licensing system signals tighter long-term oversight of one of China’s fastest-growing entertainment sectors, with authorities placing greater focus on both scale and content.

KuCoin Launches PROOF: Tomorrowland Edition, Connecting Fair Trading Competitions with Real-World Experiences at Tomorrowland Belgium 2026

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today announced the launch of KuCoin PROOF: Tomorrowland Edition, introducing a new phase of its flagship trading campaign with diversified competition formats, expanded rewards, and the opportunity to experience Tomorrowland Belgium 2026. Building on the initial rollout of KuCoin PROOF — which attracted over 55,000 participants globally and drove over 500 million USDT in trading volume — the campaign continues to evolve as a multi-stage initiative designed to deliver sustained engagement through structured and verifiable trading experiences.


The Tomorrowland Edition reflects the shared vision between KuCoin and Tomorrowland to create globally connected experiences that bring communities together across digital and real-world environments. As the exclusive crypto and payments partner of Tomorrowland Winter and Tomorrowland Belgium (2026–2028), KuCoin recently extended its presence into a cultural setting through Tomorrowland Winter 2026, bringing crypto participation into a broader community context.

Running from May 4 to May 31, 2026, the campaign introduces a series of multi-format trading competitions, including spot and futures activities, designed to accommodate different trading styles and user segments.  

Key activities include:
May 4–10: Spot Lucky Draw
May 11–17: VIP Lucky Draw
May 18–31: Futures Competitions
May 20–31: Grand Lucky Draw

These activities contribute to a total reward pool of up to 500,000 USDT, combining performance-based trading, team participation, and incentive-driven mechanisms. The addition of VIP Trading Competitions further expands the campaign by offering more structured participation pathways. Participants will also have the opportunity to access Tomorrowland Belgium 2026, linking trading participation with a globally recognized cultural event. This approach connects digital asset activity with real-world experiences.

KuCoin PROOF continues to operate under a framework focused on verifiability and fair participation, with transparent rules, standardized leaderboards, and defined reward distribution processes. As the campaign develops, KuCoin aims to further connect structured trading participation with real-world engagement, reinforcing a more transparent and inclusive ecosystem.

Users can visit the KuCoin PROOF landing page to explore the campaign and participate in the ongoing competitions.

About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.

Learn more at www.kucoin.com.

Disclaimer
The information is for corporate PR purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or investment advice.

 

139th Canton Fair: Rising Sleep Economy Accelerates Innovation in Home Textiles

GUANGZHOU, China, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the global sleep economy continues to expand, rising consumer expectations around comfort, health, and sustainability are reshaping the home textile industry. Against this backdrop, the 139th Canton Fair’s Home Textile category highlights a range of bedding innovations that integrate advanced materials, smart technologies, and design-driven thinking. The latest offerings reflect how Chinese manufacturers are delivering solutions tailored to modern lifestyles and increasingly sophisticated sleep needs.

Several patented products demonstrate a strong focus on material-driven research. A moisture-absorbing duvet cover, protected by a utility model patent, enhances sleep comfort through advanced moisture-management capabilities. A modified cotton fiber material, supported by an invention patent, improves durability and functional performance, serving as a core material for high-performance textile applications.

An anti-mite and antibacterial quilt, developed with specialized technologies, effectively inhibits the growth of mites and bacteria. Professionally certified, it supports a cleaner and more hygienic sleep environment through reliable protective performance.

In the field of intelligent heating, several solutions demonstrate enhanced safety and user control. A smart zoned-temperature electric blanket allows independent temperature adjustment for different parts of the body and meets multiple international certification standards. It has gained strong market traction across Europe and other regions.

Cooling-sensation textiles further expand comfort innovation, featuring air-conditioning quilts and dual-sided blankets engineered to deliver measurable cooling effects exceeding industry benchmarks. These products have received innovation and design awards, alongside recognition for their technical standards.

Sustainability also plays a key role, with bio-based ergonomic pillows made from renewable materials. Designed for biodegradability and structured support, they integrate ergonomic zoning for the head, neck, and shoulders, while breathable variants enhance airflow and long-term comfort.

Together, these innovations underscore a broader shift in China’s home textile sector toward higher-value, technology-driven development, where performance, sustainability, and user-centric design converge. As a key platform for global trade and industry exchange, the 139th Canton Fair continues to connect international buyers with forward-looking solutions, reinforcing its role in shaping the future direction of the global sleep and home textile market.

For pre-registration, please click: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

Hongkong Land Unveils Phase Two of Westbund Central Flagship in Shanghai

  • US$8 billion ultra-premium integrated commercial property debuts new lifestyle destination located along Shanghai’s iconic Huangpu River waterfront
  • New “Enjoy Life” brand theme highlights premium tenant mix of designer retail and lifestyle brands

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 May 2026 – Hongkong Land Holdings Limited (“Hongkong Land” or the “Company”) marked a key milestone with the opening of Phase Two at Westbund Central, its flagship ultra-premium integrated commercial property in Shanghai’s Xuhui District that is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the world. This stage of the US$8 billion project’s rollout is complemented by its new “Enjoy Life” brand theme, reinforcing the district’s role as a dynamic environment for work, living and leisure.

Photo 1: (From left to right) Mr. Raymond Wong, Director & Head of Property Development, Westbund Central; Mr. John Simpkins, General Counsel, Hongkong Land; Ms. Alfreda Zeng, Chief Operating Officer, Ping An Real Estate; Mr. Stuart Grant, Chief Executive, Westbund Central; Ms. Gan Jin, Vice Chairman, Shanghai West Bund Development Group; Mr. Craig Beattie, Chief Financial Officer, Hongkong Land and Ms. Vera Wu, Director & Head of Commercial Property, Westbund Central.
Photo 1: (From left to right) Mr. Raymond Wong, Director & Head of Property Development, Westbund Central; Mr. John Simpkins, General Counsel, Hongkong Land; Ms. Alfreda Zeng, Chief Operating Officer, Ping An Real Estate; Mr. Stuart Grant, Chief Executive, Westbund Central; Ms. Gan Jin, Vice Chairman, Shanghai West Bund Development Group; Mr. Craig Beattie, Chief Financial Officer, Hongkong Land and Ms. Vera Wu, Director & Head of Commercial Property, Westbund Central.

The Phase Two commercial launch introduces a diverse mix of global first stores, designer labels, and flagship concepts that reinforce Westbund Central’s position as a new downtown in Shanghai. New tenants include international icons such as Issey Miyake, the multi-brand boutique SND, Leica Store & Gallery, artisanal Swiss chocolatier House of Läderach, and design houses HAY and Paulmann.

With a planned total gross floor area of more than 1.7 million square metres, Westbund Central is the Company’s largest-ever single investment and brings together a diversified commercial mix that includes more than 600 international retail and lifestyle brands, 180 food and beverage operators, more than 50,000 square metres dedicated to cultural and art facilities, as well as 650,000 square metres of premium Grade A offices that will house occupiers including globally renowned companies such as adidas and lululemon.

While Phase One centred on food and beverage, cafes, and sports and leisure facilities, Phase Two enhances the district’s prestige by focusing on designer lifestyle brands. Looking ahead, Phase Three will introduce a cluster of global luxury maison flagships to further boost the district’s international appeal. Around 12,000 square metres of retail space is already open, with an additional 30,000 square metres opening within this year.

Michael T. Smith, Group Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, said: “Westbund Central is a fresh and dynamic example of our strategic focus to develop ultra-premium, integrated commercial districts in Asia’s leading gateway cities. As Hongkong Land’s largest single investment to date and our flagship China property, Westbund Central is one of the most significant projects in the company’s portfolio and designed to deliver sustained long-term value.”

Stuart Grant, Chief Executive of Westbund Central, said: “Westbund Central is being shaped as Shanghai’s new downtown and we are incredibly proud to build one of the largest mixed-use properties in the world that redefines modern urban living. We are creating a globally renowned ‘city within a city’ where the finest quality office, retail, residential and hospitality components converge in a single vibrant destination where people can truly enjoy life.”

As further phases are delivered, Westbund Central will continue to reinforce its position as one of Shanghai’s most significant integrated commercial districts and a cornerstone of the company’s long-term growth strategy in its portfolio.
Hashtag: #HongkongLand

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Westbund Central

Hongkong Land’s Westbund Central is the Group’s largest-ever single investment. Scheduled to complete in phases up until 2028, it is an US$8 billion development encompassing approximately more than 1.7 million sq. m. of prime mixed-use property strategically located at Shanghai’s Xuhui Waterfront. It is a flagship development of Hongkong Land’s prime commercial properties’ CENTRAL Series. The ultra-premium integrated commercial property includes 240,000 sq. m of retail space, 650,000 sq. m. of premium Grade A offices, 160,000 sq. m. of high-end waterfront luxury residences, two hotels (55,000 sq. m.) and over 50,000 sq. m. of cultural and art venues.

Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land is a major listed property development, investment and management group. It focuses on developing, owning and managing premium and ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. With over US$50 billion in assets under management, Hongkong Land’s ultra-premium mixed-use real estate footprint spans over 1.97 million sq. m. lettable area in operation and 1.43 million sq. m. lettable area under development, with flagship mixed-use projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. Established in 1889, Hongkong Land takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside its capital partners and concentrating its portfolio where it can create the most value for tenants, customers and investors. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Singapore and Bermuda. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

AMRO Marks 10 Years as an International Organization

Director/CEO Yasuto Watanabe reaffirms commitment to strengthening regional resilience and financial cooperation amid growing global uncertainty

SINGAPORE, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AMRO commemorated its 10th anniversary as an international organization at the 29th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting held in Samarkand on May 3, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional resilience and financial cooperation amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.

In remarks delivered at the commemorative event, AMRO Director/CEO Yasuto Watanabe reflected on AMRO’s development since becoming an international organization in 2016.

“At that time, we had fewer than 40 staff and only a modest range of publications,” Mr. Watanabe said. “Today, AMRO has grown to more than 120 staff, with its analytical and policy work supporting a broad range of regional priorities.”

Mr. Watanabe noted that AMRO’s evolution has paralleled the transformation of ASEAN+3 over the past decade. He highlighted that the region has become more interconnected, with deeper integration and stronger regional demand, and now accounts for 28 percent of global final demand, making ASEAN+3 the world’s largest market.

At the same time, he cautioned that the region is navigating what he described as “changes unseen in a century,” marked by heightened global uncertainty and growing structural challenges.

“In this environment, AMRO’s role is clear,” he said. “We must identify risks early and provide timely, practical policy advice.”

Mr. Watanabe highlighted AMRO’s continued efforts to strengthen the regional financial safety net through its support for the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation (CMIM), expand technical assistance to strengthen policymaking capacity across the region, and advance work in areas such as cross-border digital payments and financial connectivity in alignment with the updated ASEAN+3 Finance Process Strategic Direction.

“Yet one principle remains unchanged: resilience cannot be achieved alone,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr. Watanabe reaffirmed AMRO’s commitment to its core mandate.

“AMRO will remain steadfast in its mandate to deliver rigorous and independent surveillance, to support sound policymaking, and to strengthen regional financial cooperation,” he said.

“Together with our members, we will continue building a more resilient and integrated ASEAN+3.”

Watch AMRO’s 10th anniversary video here.

ASEAN+3 members commemorated AMRO’s 10th anniversary as an international organization at the 29th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on May 3, 2026.
ASEAN+3 members commemorated AMRO’s 10th anniversary as an international organization at the 29th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on May 3, 2026.

About AMRO 

AMRO is an international organization established to support macroeconomic and financial stability of the ASEAN+3 region, comprising members of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) and China; Hong Kong, China; Japan; and Korea. AMRO’s mandate is to conduct macroeconomic surveillance, support regional financial arrangements, and provide technical assistance to the members. AMRO also serves as a regional knowledge hub and provides support to ASEAN+3 financial cooperation.

Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn for more updates.

CARiNG Pharmacy Introduces “Empowering Women, Inspiring Wellness” Campaign to Encourage Women to be More Proactive About Their Health

The new campaign focuses on a holistic approach to women’s health by connecting inner wellness, outer wellbeing and mental health in everyday life

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CARiNG Pharmacy, together with Georgetown Pharmacy and Wellings Pharmacy under BIG CARING Group, has launched the “Empowering Women, Inspiring Wellness” campaign, a long-term initiative aimed at encouraging women to take a more proactive approach to their health and wellbeing, by being an accessible, trusted and holistic community healthcare partner for women at every stage of life.

Lim Chee Mun (2nd right from center), Head of Product Marketing of BIG CARING Group launched CARiNG Pharmacy's
Lim Chee Mun (2nd right from center), Head of Product Marketing of BIG CARING Group launched CARiNG Pharmacy’s “Empowering Women, Inspiring Wellness” campaign alongside brand partners to encourage women to prioritise their health.

The campaign reflects a growing need to support women in managing their health more consistently, as many continue to balance multiple responsibilities and often place their own wellbeing on hold. While women’s overall awareness around health and wellness has increased over the years, CARiNG Pharmacy has observed that many women still delay taking action, only seeking support when something feels wrong.

Through this campaign, CARiNG Pharmacy aims to shift that mindset by making wellness and self-care more accessible, practical, and easier to integrate into everyday life. This includes a curated focus on key health and wellness categories such as vitamins and supplements, skincare, NMN and probiotics, supporting women across different needs and life stages.

Central to this is a more holistic approach to women’s health, recognising the connection between inner wellness, such as nutrition, hormonal balance, energy, and immunity, and outer wellbeing, including skin, hair, and overall confidence. This is further supported by a focus on mental and emotional wellbeing, acknowledging the impact of stress and daily pressures on overall health.

Commenting on the campaign, Wong Siew Lai, Chief Marketing Officer of BIG CARING Group said, “The reality is, most women are not ignoring their health because they don’t care, but simply because everyday they are moving from one responsibility to another, balancing work, deadlines, family and everything in between. What we see across our pharmacies is that many only take action when something feels wrong, when they’re already tired or worried. At the same time, there is also a positive shift with more women starting to ask questions earlier and take a more active role in their health. This campaign is intended to encourage women to take a more proactive and preventive approach to their health, and feel confident doing so in a way that is realistic and sustainable.”

The campaign brings together a strong network of trusted health and wellness brands to support women across different life stages. Participating brands include Herbs of Gold, Lang Bragman, VitaHealth, Kinohimitsu, BiO-LiFE, PureMed, Curatica, Swissmed, Life Factor, Lennox, Boony & Co as well as beauty and personal care brands such as La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Cetaphil and Treecell, offering a comprehensive range of solutions spanning supplements, nutrition, skincare, and personal care.

The “Empowering Women, Inspiring Wellness” campaign was launched at CARiNG’s women wellness event “Reset Your Me-Time”, which brought together health experts, partners and the community to kickstart conversations around proactive and holistic approaches to women’s health. The event featured a panel discussion with Lim Chee Mun, Head of Product Marketing of BIG CARING Group, Dr Amanda Elli also known as Dr Unicorn and DoubleWoot co-founder Helen Tan, who shared perspectives across health, confidence and self-expression, as well as a runway showcase by DoubleWoot.

Stay tuned for more exclusive offers on women wellness products, as well as specially curated activities for women by following CARiNG Pharmacy on Facebook (www.facebook.com/caring2u/), Instagram (www.instagram.com/caringpharmacy_my/) and official website (https://www.caring2u.com/).

While Exports Flow, Low-income Families Bear the Heat of an Uneven Grid

An elderly security guard holding an umbrella to shield himself from the heat at Patuxay Park 2 (Photo by Thongsavanh Souvannasane)

Additional reporting by Simmavanh Vayouphack


When temperatures climbed above 40°C across many parts of Laos this summer, Lao Friends Hospital for Children on the outskirts of Luang Prabang began losing electricity several times a week, with each outage lasting a few hours.

The blackouts left doctors, nurses and patients struggling through stifling heat. They also disrupted hospital operations that depend on constant power.

The outages came at the worst possible time. As temperatures soared, thick smoke from slash-and-burn farming spread across northern Laos and drifted in from neighboring Thailand and Myanmar, pushing air pollution to dangerous levels and sending more children to the hospital with breathing problems.

“We have seen many infants under one year old with bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways,” said Dr. Annkham Thammaseng, who runs the pediatric ward. “Heat and PM2.5 pollution can aggravate the condition. By the time they reach the doctor, their symptoms are often severe.”

Many of those young patients need oxygen support. But oxygen concentrators rely on electricity.

“When power outages occur, medical staff have to manually switch to oxygen tanks,” she said. “This is especially challenging when it happens at night.”

Rising fuel prices and inflation have added another burden, increasing the cost of running diesel generators, the hospital’s last backup when the grid fails.

The scene reflects a paradox in Laos, nearly all households are connected to electricity, yet power remains unreliable when people need it most.

Haze covers Laos’ capital, Vientiane, during the hot month of April 2026. The seasonal smoke is part of the Mekong region’s recurring transboundary haze, which returns each dry season and is driven by multiple causes, including agricultural burning. (Photo by Thongsavanh Souvannasane)

For two decades, Laos has built one of its economic pillars around electricity exports, promoting itself as the “Battery of Southeast Asia.” Hydropower dominates the energy system, supplying most of the country’s electricity, while dams along the Mekong River and its tributaries send power to neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar.

Yet many Lao families still face blackouts during the hottest months of the year, limiting their ability to cope with intensifying heat. Luang Prabang and other parts of the country have recorded temperatures of 43°C since 2023.

Structural Challenges

Laos had 12.4 gigawatts of hydropower capacity in 2025, accounting for 73 percent of its electricity mix and 71.5 percent of annual electricity generation, according to GlobalData’s recent Laos Power Outlook, cited by the International Water Power & Dam Construction report. The remainder comes from coal, solar and wind power.

Power outages and unstable electricity supply in Laos often become most severe during the hot season, when rising temperatures drive higher demand for cooling and place added strain on the grid.

The causes are multiple, but they point to structural problems in the energy sector that require reform, stronger grid management and greater diversification of power sources.

During the wet season, high river levels allow hydropower dams to generate surplus electricity, much of which state utility Electricité du Laos (EDL) exports to Thailand and other neighboring countries. In the dry season, however, river flows decline just as domestic demand rises with extreme heat and greater cooling needs.

This seasonal imbalance has forced Laos to import electricity, often from Thailand, at higher prices to stabilize supply. In 2023, a drought year, those imports cost an estimated USD 240 million, according to a report by the Lowy Institute.

The deeper challenge lies not only in seasonal shortages, but in the structure of the power system itself. Analysts say Laos invested heavily in new hydropower generation, much of it backed by foreign loans, without matching investment in transmission networks, distribution systems and realistic domestic demand growth.

The World Bank estimated that Laos had a domestic power surplus of 8,100 GWh in 2021, projected to rise to 16,900 GWh by 2025. This is enough to supply 10.1 million people based on 2023 consumption rates, well exceeding the current national population. 

In practice, this means significant generating capacity remains underused while households and businesses still face outages caused by weak grid infrastructure.

At the same time, EDL has faced mounting financial pressure from debt linked to years of expansion. Despite these challenges, Laos continues to pursue new energy projects, including solar and wind, while seeking to maintain its role as a regional power exporter.

Late last year, EDL announced reforms aimed at improving the utility’s finances and grid performance, including installing new transformers, expanding solar generation and restructuring debt repayments. The company said it cut operating costs by 21 percent and increased revenue by 12.8 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year.

While officials focus on reforms and new infrastructure, households are finding their own ways to cope with rising heat.

Cooling for Some, Not for All

In Vientiane, Odien Mall, one of the capital’s main electronics retailers, has grown busier as heatwaves have become more frequent in recent years.

“We cannot say that air conditioning is unnecessary anymore,” said Poulida Phalasayotha, the mall’s general manager. “It is very uncomfortable to live without it.”

She said demand for air conditioners has risen by around 30 percent over the past three years as temperatures continue to break records.

Outside the capital, however, the cooling boom is uneven.

Kaysone*, an air-conditioning technician who installs units in hotels, offices and wealthier homes, does not own one himself. At the family house where he lives on the outskirts of Vientiane, electricity is too unstable.

Modern inverter air conditioners need steady power to run efficiently. Frequent outages force them to restart repeatedly, increasing electricity use and shortening the lifespan of the machines. For lower-income families, that can turn cooling into an unaffordable luxury.

A resident of Viengchaleun village in Xaysettha district, Laos’ Vientiane Capital, rests in his small apartment with only a fan to cool himself. Access to air conditioning remains uneven across the country due to affordability and unstable power supply. (Photo by Thongsavanh Souvannasane)

Air conditioners are no longer only for comfort. During haze season, many families also use them to filter indoor air. Like Luang Prabang, Vientiane often experiences smoke pollution, and families without cooling or air-filtering devices can face even greater exposure to poor air quality.

At Mahosot Hospital, the country’s main referral center for lung and respiratory disease, patients often arrive in severe condition, particularly during periods of heavy haze. Doctors say cleaner indoor air and cooling can help vulnerable people, but many households cannot afford such protection.

Some improvements to the grid are underway. In 2026, major transmission projects moved forward to strengthen domestic connectivity while supporting electricity exports to China. 

These include the 230-kV Thavieng–Mahaxay transmission line managed by a joint venture of EDL and China Southern Power Grid Company that broke ground in January. The China-Laos 500-kV cross-border power line commenced operations on 30 April.

But while residents wait for a stronger and more reliable grid, they must continue coping with a strained power system amid increasingly dangerous heat and choking smoke. 


*Names are changed for the safety of interviewees.

This story was produced in collaboration with Mekong Eye and supported by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.