Heat and health risks: A record-breaking Asia heatwave tied to a “super” El Niño is pushing temperatures above 40°C in parts of South Korea, Japan and China, raising heatstroke risks and also speeding up Aedes mosquito cycles that can worsen dengue outbreaks. Laos clean energy push: Vientiane is set to host Clean Energy Day 2026 on Sept 3, bringing policymakers and partners to discuss renewables, clean investment and regional connectivity to accelerate Laos’ energy transition. Golden Triangle sustainability: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urged more sustainable development in the Golden Triangle SEZ as operations expand across manufacturing, real estate, hotels, trade, banking and tourism. Urban transport governance: Vientiane held a dissemination meeting on a draft agreement for parking management and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) operations under the Vientiane Sustainable Urban Transport Project, aiming for safer, clearer rules as the city grows. Mekong fisheries support: A new ACIAR-backed FishTech Plus program will run across Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam from August 2026 to improve climate-sensitive river development and protect fish passage and food security. Boten SEZ oversight: Laos ordered tighter management of the Boten Special Economic Zone, including reviewing land allocations, coordinating power supply, ensuring local labor quotas, and streamlining border procedures.