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Construction of Bridge in Salavanh Resumes After Nearly a Decade

Leklai Sivilay and relevent parties during the inspection of construction site and unfinished bridge . (Photo by Pathedlao)

Construction of the Nam Se Don River Bridge in Khong Se Don district, Salavanh, has officially resumed after being stalled for nearly a decade, with authorities targeting completion in 2026.

The project began in early 2015 but was suspended on 19 January 2017. 

The bridge spans 210 meters in length and 12.12 meters in width, including pedestrian walkways on both sides. To date, 56.65 percent of construction has been completed.

The remaining 43.35 percent of work includes two-layer asphalt paving of the access road, concrete works at the bridge approaches, installation of bridge railings, drainage systems, erosion prevention measures, and other structural components. 

The cost of the remaining construction is estimated at more than LAK 34 billion (approximately USD 1.57 million).

During a visit on site on 31 December 2025, the Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklai Sivilay stressed the need to complete the project in line with approved designs and technical standards to avoid implementation problems. He also urged provincial authorities to accelerate coordination and ensure smooth execution so the bridge can be completed as scheduled in 2026.

Sam Pang Stupa in Champasack Recognized as Local Cultural Heritage Site

Authorities in Champasack have officially recognized Sam Pang Stupa as a local cultural heritage site, making it the seventh site in the province to receive local-level heritage status. 01 January 2026. (Photo credit: Thatsampang Village)

On 1 January, Sam Pang Stupa, also known as That Sam Pang, in Soukhouma district, Champasack Province, has received official recognition as a local-level cultural heritage site, marking another step in preserving the province’s historic landmarks.

The ancient stone structure dates back to the 12th century and originates from the Khmer period. Although builders never completed the stupa, historians say the site holds significant archaeological value. 

It features 108 stone columns and sits along ancient routes that once connected Vat Phou to areas near the Cambodian border, offering insight into early regional transport, settlement, and architectural design influenced by Indian traditions.

The name Sam Pang Stupa comes from the Lao word “Sam,” meaning “three,” referring to the three leaders believed to have overseen its construction: Phaya Kammalo, Phaya Kammalikia, and Phaya Kammalimia, according to local belief.

Located 72 kilometers southwest of Pakse City, the stupa sits on the flatlands of the Huay Kha Nuan River, a Mekong tributary that once transported ancient communities..

Phonphiloun Norasin, President of the Soukhouma District Administration Committee, said the designation aims to preserve the ancient site for future generations while promoting cultural pride and sustainable tourism. He added that authorities expect the recognition to raise awareness among domestic and international visitors.

Despite damage over time from farming and construction activities, large sections of the stupa remain intact. 

The province holds an annual festival each January that celebrates Lao culture and promotes tourism, with visitors often combining trips to Sam Pang Stupa and nearby Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sam Pang Stupa becomes the fifth site recognized in Champasak Province in 2025, following Chomphet Temple, the stone carvings of Don Kho village, the Provincial Museum, and Ngua Daeng Temple. The province now counts seven officially recognized local-level cultural heritage sites in total.

Officials said the designation supports wider efforts to conserve historical sites while strengthening cultural tourism in southern Laos.

Cambridge International Education secures first national equivalency in Southeast Asia, as Cambodia recognises AS Level qualification

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge), has achieved a major milestone in Southeast Asia, with Cambodia formally recognising the completion of three Cambridge International AS Level subjects as equivalent to the Cambodian Grade 12 Senior High School Diploma. This landmark recognition strengthens progression pathways for students in the region and reflects growing alignment between national systems and internationally benchmarked learning.

Meeting between Cambridge and His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia.
Meeting between Cambridge and His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia.

This decision follows a constructive meeting with H.E. Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport. It represents Cambridge International’s first national equivalency agreement in Southeast Asia expanding access for Cambodian students to internationally benchmarked learning.

Under the new framework:

  • Three Cambridge International AS Level subjects are now considered to hold equivalent value to the Cambodian Senior High School Diploma for the purposes of recognition and further study.
  • Each Cambridge International A Level subject is regarded as comparable to the completion of first year of the corresponding course at undergraduate studies in Cambodian universities.
  • Cambodian higher education institutions may admit holders of these Cambridge International qualifications, provided they also meet relevant literacy and numeracy requirements.

H.E. Ambassador Dominic Williams, The British Embassy Phnom Penh, said: “Cambridge is a world-class curriculum, used in over 10,000 schools in over 160 countries. I am delighted that ever more Cambodian parents and students are choosing Cambridge AS and A levels to develop their potential and open up global opportunities, including pathways to the best universities overseas. 

I am grateful to Deputy Prime Minister Hang Chuon Naron for granting formal recognition of equivalency for AS and A levels within the Cambodian system. This makes it even easier for Cambridge students to access the best study opportunities in Cambodia, and to receive official recognition for their hard work and success. I look forward to seeing the Cambridge curriculum continue to expand opportunities in Cambodia, particularly to young people in provinces outside Phnom Penh.”

Kanjna Paranthaman, Regional Director, Southeast Asia & Pacific, for International Education at Cambridge, said: “This recognition is a powerful milestone for students in Cambodia and a significant moment for the wider region. Our mission is to help every learner develop the knowledge and skills to thrive in a changing world, and this agreement creates a more direct pathway from Cambridge classrooms into Cambodian universities. We are deeply grateful to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport for their leadership and partnership in expanding these opportunities.”

This development underscores Cambodia’s commitment to future readiness and aligns with a wider regional trend of governments recognising credible international qualifications that support mobility, quality and progression.

About Cambridge

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge. Our International Education group works with schools worldwide to build an education that shapes knowledge, understanding and skills. Together, we give learners the confidence they need to thrive and make a positive impact in a changing world.

We offer a globally trusted and flexible framework for education from age 3 to 19 (the Cambridge Pathway), informed by research, experience, and listening to educators. With recognised qualifications (such as Cambridge IGCSE and International AS & A Level), high-quality resources, comprehensive support and valuable insights, we help schools prepare every student for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Together, we help Cambridge learners be ready for the world.

To learn more, visit www.cambridgeinternational.org

Meeting between Cambridge and His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia.
Meeting between Cambridge and His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport of Cambodia.

Updated Toll Charges Begin on Vientiane–Vang Vieng Expressway

A illustration of Vientiane–Vang Vieng expressway station. (Image by Laos News - KPL)

New toll rates have officially taken effect on the Vientiane–Vang Vieng expressway. 

From 1 January, vehicle charges range from approximately LAK 1,500 to LAK 6,500 per kilometer, depending on vehicle size and weight, based on an exchange rate of LAK 20,777 per US dollar.

At the 40-ton gross load limit, the minimum toll is about LAK 10,500 per kilometer , with no fixed maximum as fees rise with weight.

A table and information of the new toll prices for each category. (Picture by Lao-China Joint Expressway Development)

The Lao–China Joint Expressway Development Company said the adjustment is based on a feasibility study approved by the Lao government and the US dollar pricing framework stipulated in the concession agreement. 

The revised rates apply to all vehicle categories, including private cars, buses, and trucks, with toll fees calculated according to vehicle size and weight. Detailed information will be displayed on toll notice boards along the expressway.

The company thanked the public for their understanding and said it will continue working to improve service quality and ensure safer, more comfortable travel for road users.

The Westin Surabaya Presents “The 19th Beauty of China” A Mesmerizing Chinese New Year Masterpiece

SURABAYA, Indonesia, Jan. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with renewed spirit, The Westin Surabaya proudly presents “The 19th Beauty of China“, its signature Chinese New Year dinner show and one of the most prestigious Chinese New Year celebrations in Indonesia. Taking place on 16 February 2026 at The Westin Surabaya Grand Ballroom & Convention Center, the largest ballroom in Surabaya, the evening will blend fine dining, grand-scale Chinese cultural performance, and a spectacular atmosphere, setting the stage at a leading five-star hotel in Surabaya.

The Westin Surabaya The Beauty of China XIX
The Westin Surabaya The Beauty of China XIX

“The Beauty of China” is The Westin Surabaya’s signature Chinese New Year dinner show, combining an exquisite multi-course Chinese menu with a world-class Chinese cultural performance on a grand immersive stage. Held annually in the hotel’s iconic ballroom, the event is known for blending fine dining, live orchestra, traditional dance, and visual storytelling, offering one of the most memorable Chinese New Year events in Surabaya.

The evening’s performance unfolds in five dramatic chapters, from the awakening of China’s natural soul and the strength of its ancient warriors, to the fusion of tradition and modernity and a celebration of unity and generational legacy, culminating in a grand red finale symbolizing joy, prosperity, and new beginnings.

The dinner showcases a refined eight-course menu rooted in Chinese tradition, featuring Prosperity Yi–Sheng; Double Steamed Imperial Soup with Sea Cucumber and Japanese Dried Scallop; Baked Lobster with Creamy Butter Egg Yolk, Corn Flakes, and Curry Leaf Sauce; Steamed Live East Star Grouper with Fa Chai, Shiitake Mushrooms, and Superior Sauce; Smoked Duck; Australian Premium Beef Wagyu with Black Pepper Truffle Sauce; Eight Treasure Fried Rice with Walnut, Cashew Nut, Pine Nut, Lapchiong, Dried Scallop, Fresh Scallop, Prawn, and Raisin; and Four Season Cheng Teng & Black Charcoal Onde. Table packages for ten guests start from IDR 20,888,888++.

For further information and table reservations, please contact the hotel at +62 31 2971 0000, and follow @westinsurabaya and @fourpointssurabayapakuwon on social media for more promotions and updates.

About Westin® Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts, hospitality’s global leader in wellness for more than a decade, empowers guests to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through the brand’s pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, and Move Well. At more than 240 hotels and resorts in over 40 countries and territories, guests can benefit from distinct wellness experiences including the brand’s iconic and award-winning Heavenly® Bed, signature WestinWORKOUT® offerings such as its 24/7 Fitness Studios, WestinWORKOUT Routes, and its versatile Gear Lending program, delicious and nutritious menu offerings on their Eat Well menu, and more. For more information, please visit www.westin.com and stay connected on X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Westin is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel platform, connects travelers to the people, places, and passions they love through an extraordinary collection of hotels and experiences worldwide. The platform features over 30 hotel brands and 10,000 destinations, including the largest collection of luxury offerings, distinctive boutique properties, premium home rentals, and more, providing renowned hospitality across the globe. With unrivaled access to the best in entertainment, culinary, sports, outdoor adventure, arts, culture, and more, Marriott Bonvoy offers transformative travel experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Marriott Bonvoy membership is free and unlocks unique benefits including the ability to earn points through travel and everyday activities, like purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for free stays, experiences and more. Visit marriottbonvoy.com for more information and download the Marriott Bonvoy app here. Travelers can connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

KDDI Spherience to Make Inaugural CES® 2026 Appearance as KDDI’s Global IoT Center of Excellence

Innovation hub showcases partner-enabled IoT use cases with Yamaha Marine, Sony Electronics, Noodoe and LOGISTEED Solutions America in Las Vegas.

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KDDI Spherience, the IoT Center of Excellence within global telecommunications leader KDDI Corporation, today announced it will exhibit for the first time at CES® 2026 in Las Vegas.

KDDI Spherience
KDDI Spherience

As KDDI’s dedicated IoT innovation hub, Spherience will demonstrate how it enables partners to bring “a multitude of use cases” to life on next-generation global connectivity – spanning devices, vehicles, infrastructure and cloud services.

“At CES 2026 we’re showing how global, high-quality connectivity becomes a real business advantage when combined with the right partners and platforms,” said Björn Qvarsell, Head of Product Portfolio at KDDI Spherience. “Spherience exists to help our partners build, launch and scale IoT services globally – faster, more reliably and with less complexity.”

Partner-Enabled IoT Across a Multitude of Use Cases

At CES 2026, Spherience will highlight real and conceptual use cases built together with four key ecosystem partners: Yamaha Marine, Sony Electronics, Noodoe, and LOGISTEED Solutions America.

Yamaha Marine

Yamaha’s U.S. Marine Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, Ga., is responsible for the sales, marketing, and distribution of Yamaha Marine products in the U.S. including Yamaha Outboards, Yamaha WaveRunners®, Yamaha Boats, G3® Boats and Skeeter® Boats. Supporting 2,400 dealers and boat builders nationwide, Yamaha is the industry leader in reliability, performance, technology and customer service.

Based in Newport, Rhode Island, Siren Marine is an industry leader in smart boat technology – allowing boaters to stay connected to their boats anywhere, anytime. The company’s vision is to transform the modern boating experience and lead the way to a fully-connected marine industry through innovative IoT Connected Boat® technology. Siren Marine provides safety, security and smart boat monitoring so boaters can remotely track their boats’ battery level, bilge activity, temperature, location and more. Siren Marine also puts actionable data at the fingertips of industry stakeholders (OEMs, boat builders, electronics, digital switching manufacturers and other marine businesses) connecting them to customers and their boats like never before. Siren Marine is a subsidiary of Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC), a subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. 

Sony Electronics 

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. 

Noodoe

Noodoe is an EV charging and energy management company whose integrated platform brings EV charging, energy storage, solar and AI together on a single dashboard. Its cloud-based software delivers predictive automation to reduce energy costs, improve uptime and optimize charging across commercial, fleet, multifamily and public parking sites.

LOGISTEED Solutions America

LOGISTEED Solutions America, Ltd. is a provider offering warehouse management solutions with multimodal freight forwarding, ocean and air freight transport, contract logistics, customs brokerage and smart logistics solutions for complex, global supply chains.

About KDDI Spherience

KDDI Spherience is the IoT Center of Excellence within KDDI Corporation, focused on accelerating partner and enterprise innovation using global IoT connectivity and cloud infrastructure. Spherience brings together connectivity, platforms and ecosystem partners to design, test and scale IoT services across industries and regions.

KDDI Spherience at CES 2026: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Stand #11063

Media Contact
KDDI Spherience – Global Communications

Web: www.spherience.io
Email: info@spherience.io

 

Samsung Unveils The Freestyle+ Ahead of CES 2026, Showcasing a Smarter AI Portable Screen

The Freestyle+ combines compact portability, enhanced brightness and AI-powered screen optimization—bringing streaming, gaming and flexible viewing to more places and moments.

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Electronics today announced the global launch of The Freestyle+, its latest AI-powered portable projector designed to deliver a more flexible and personalized entertainment experience across a wide range of spaces.

The Freestyle+
The Freestyle+

Unveiled ahead of CES 2026 in Las Vegas, The Freestyle+ builds on the distinctive design of the original Freestyle while introducing smarter AI capabilities, improved brightness and expanded entertainment features—allowing users to enjoy content more freely, with minimal setup or adjustment.

“The Freestyle+ reflects Samsung’s vision to create displays that adapt naturally to how people live and move between spaces,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “By combining true portability with intelligent AI that optimizes both the viewing environment and the content itself, The Freestyle+ makes it easier to enjoy a consistent, high-quality experience wherever you are.”

Smarter AI That Lets You Point and Play Instantly

At the core of The Freestyle+ is AI OptiScreen, Samsung’s AI-powered screen optimization technology that automatically adjusts the picture to different spaces—so users can simply point, place and start watching.

AI OptiScreen includes a set of intelligent features designed to automatically optimize the picture across different surfaces and environments:

  • 3D Auto Keystone automatically corrects distortion even when projecting onto uneven or non-flat surfaces, such as corners, curtains or angled walls
  • Real-time Focus continuously adjusts focus as the projector moves or rotates, helping maintain clear, stable images without blurring or visual noise
  • Screen Fit automatically adjusts the image to match the screen area when used with a compatible projector screen accessory
  • Wall Calibration analyzes the color or pattern of the projection surface and minimizes visual distractions for clearer viewing

This intelligent viewing experience is further supported by Vision AI Companion, Samsung’s personalized AI platform for screens, which integrates enhanced Bixby with AI services from global partners to enable more natural, conversational interaction with on-screen content.

Light to Carry, Designed for Everyday Viewing

Designed with portability in mind, The Freestyle+ features a compact cylindrical form factor that is easy to move between rooms or take on the go. With 430 ISO Lumens, it delivers nearly twice the brightness of the previous generation, helping content appear clear and engaging in everyday living environments.

Designed for everyday viewing, The Freestyle+ lets users move it freely without worrying about whether the space is “right” for projection. Its 180-degree rotating design supports projection at virtually any angle—including walls, floors and ceilings—without additional mounts or accessories, enabling flexible viewing setups that adapt naturally to different rooms and moments throughout the day.

On-the-Go Entertainment with Immersive Sound

Designed for moments beyond the living room, The Freestyle+ brings entertainment with you—without relying on external devices or fixed setups. Built-in access to Samsung TV Plus, certified OTT service partners and Samsung Gaming Hub allows users to stream, play and explore content directly from the projector without the need for external devices.

For audio, The Freestyle+ delivers immersive, room-filling sound through its built-in 360-degree speaker, tuned to produce richer, fuller audio in a compact design. Q-Symphony allows the projector to work in sync with compatible Samsung soundbars, creating a more layered and cohesive sound experience wherever it is used.

Samsung Electronics will showcase The Freestyle+ at CES 2026, taking place January 6–9 in Las Vegas, with a phased global rollout planned for the first half of the year.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Laos Prepares for February Vote Amid Regional Election Year

Candidate disqualified for elections in Laos
Elections held in Laos in 2011 (Xinhua).

Laos will hold nationwide elections on 22 February to elect members of the National Assembly and Provincial People’s Councils.

The election will be overseen by a 21-member National Election Committee chaired by National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane.

Lao citizens aged 18 and above will be eligible to vote, except those legally restricted, while authorities are currently compiling candidate lists.

The upcoming vote will select 175 National Assembly members nationwide, an increase from 164 in the current 9th Legislature.

Each parliamentarian represents approximately 50,000 citizens, ensuring proportional representation across the country. These figures are based on the 2021 election, with updated data for 2026 yet to be released.

Transition to the 10th Legislature

The 9th Legislature of the National Assembly will complete its five-year term on 22 March next year, after which the 10th Legislature will assume its duties.

Following the election, the new Assembly will elect state leaders, approve the next government cabinet, and adopt the National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026–2030.

From Party Congress to National Vote

The election schedule follows the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), set to take place from 6–8 January. Held every five years, the Congress will elect new Party leadership and define policy directions for the 2026–2030 period.

Delegates selected from provincial and ministerial-level Party congresses will elect a new Party Central Committee. The group will then convene to choose the Party Secretary General, Politburo members, and other key Party bodies. Once the Congress concludes, attention will shift fully to the national elections.

The most recent national elections were held in February 2021, resulting in the current 9th Legislature and existing state leadership.

At a recent meeting attended by all members of the Party Central Committee, leaders reviewed key documents, organisational arrangements, and measures to ensure a smooth political transition in the coming months.

Regional Election Year Ahead

Laos’ 2026 elections will take place amid a broader wave of political transitions across Southeast Asia, with several countries in the region also heading into major electoral or leadership milestones.

Thailand is expected to remain in political focus following recent electoral cycles and ongoing debates over governance reforms, while Indonesia will continue navigating the post-election transition after its 2024 polls, with policy implementation and coalition dynamics carrying into 2026.

Malaysia is likewise entering a critical period as its unity government faces economic pressures and prepares for potential electoral tests at the state or national level.

Myanmar Begins Voting Period

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s military authorities began the first phase of a nationwide election on 28 December 2025, marking the start of a three-stage voting process scheduled to continue on 11 January and 25 January.

The vote comes nearly four years after the military seized power in February 2021. Authorities have described the election as a step toward restoring civilian governance, while opposition groups and independent observers continue to raise concerns over security conditions, restrictions on political participation, and the exclusion of key parties.

Voting is taking place in selected areas, with large parts of the country affected by ongoing conflict and emergency rule, limiting the scope of polling in several regions.

In this context, Laos’ national elections and leadership transition form part of a wider regional pattern of political renewal and policy realignment.

Officials in Laos have stressed that a smooth and orderly election process will remain a priority as the country moves forward with its development agenda during a period of heightened political activity across the region.