Vientiane (VNA) – A delegation from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) led by Bui Xuan Tu, head of its representative office in Laos, att꧋ended a scientific workshop on the role of journalism in the era of technology in Vientiane on August 12.

Drawing delegates from Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Australia, the event provided a platform for managers, experts, journalists, and media representatives from across the region to share experience and discuss development trends in the digital age. Amid significant changes brought about by artificial intelligence (AI), participants highlighted the essential function of journalism in shaping public opinion, protecting ideological principles, and enhancing the national image. Addressing the workshop, Tu briefed participants on the agency’s formation, development, and integration over the past 80 years. He said that as digital and AI technologies advance rapidly, the VNA has proactively adopted new tools across news production, editing, and distribution. The agency has implemented smart content management systems, user data analytics, and AI applications for translation support, fact-checking, and automation in specific production stages, aiming to improve content quality and cater to the increasingly diverse needs of the audience, he stated. While embracing modern technology, it remains committed to upholding the core values of journalism — providing accurate, reliable, timely, diverse, and well-oriented public information, along with in-depth and strategic reference materials with strong analytical and forecasting value. These attributes, Tu said, underpin the VNA’s prestige and brand as the national news agency. Thanks to these efforts, the agency has consolidated its position as a pioneer in media innovation, earning the trust of domestic readers and recognition from international media organisations. Participants at the workshop discussed topics including the application of AI in news production and publication, leveraging big data to enhance reader experience, digital transformation in media and printing, and solutions to combat online fake news. AI was highlighted as a useful tool for speeding content creation, personalising information, and detecting misinformation. However, delegates also warned of ethical and legal risks if AI is misused to create sophisticated false content, which could threaten transparency and public trust. Beyond digital transformation and AI, the workshop explored creative revenue-generation solutions for media outlets amid a challenging industry environment. Participants agreed that to adapt to the digital era, regional media organisations should strengthen cooperation, share expertise, and expand the use of modern technologies, particularly AI and big data. Such efforts, they said, would improve the effectiveness of public communication while fostering a more transparent, diverse, and humane media environment in the region and globally./.