KPL
A Lao delegation visited Australia from 7–13 June at the invitation of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The visit provided Lao media leaders with an opportunity to meet Australian government officials and visit leading national media organisations.
The delegation was led by Mr Vansy Kuamua, Vice-Chair of the Commission for Information and Education, and included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, the group met with their Australian counterparts and highlighted the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship, including progress under the Australia–Laos Comprehensive Partnership.
The delegation explored Australia’s policies and approaches to information integrity, media literacy, digital transformation, social media age restrictions, and the evolving media landscape in both Laos and Australia.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity for Lao officials to exchange perspectives and learn from Australia’s experience in addressing challenges facing the media sector. Mr Vansy described misinformation and disinformation as “one of the biggest challenges we are facing at the moment”, noting the significant influence of social media and the rapid flow of information.
While in Canberra, the delegation visited the National Gallery of Australia, which houses significant First Nations and regional collections, including works from Laos. They also toured Australian Parliament House and received briefings on Australia’s system of government and its engagement with the media.
In Sydney, the delegation visited the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) Australia to observe how national news and political reporting are produced. The delegates learned how these publicly funded media organisations operate under independent editorial frameworks to ensure audiences have access to accurate and high-quality information. In particular, the ABC outlined its ongoing transition from linear broadcasting to on-demand content, the impact of the growing number of media platforms, and the need to equip newsrooms with the skills required for digital delivery.
Mr Vansy said the visit provided valuable insights into Australia’s media and communications landscape, particularly the transition from traditional print journalism to digital media, including the tools used to track audience engagement and newsroom performance.
He also welcomed the opportunity to learn about SBS’s multilingual news model, noting that its approach to delivering content across multiple platforms and in 63 languages ensures that diverse communities across Australia can access trusted information.
KPL
