Home Blog Page 2613

Confidence Holds, but Change is Inevitable: ANZ Construction Leaders Rethink Operation to stay Competitive

The fourth annual Kennards Hire Construction Confidence Check research shows industry leaders remain optimistic about growth but are proceeding with measured caution amid ongoing challenges.

SYDNEY, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Kennards Hire, Australia’s largest family-owned equipment hire company, released findings from its latest Construction Confidence Check, revealing that confidence in the industry remains high across both Australia and New Zealand – even as rising costs, productivity challenges, and global pressures reshape day-to-day operations.

The findings point to a sector in transformation, one that’s moving away from fixed-cost models and toward more flexible, sustainable, and circular ways of working to meet shifting expectations and maintain momentum.

Now in its fourth year in Australia – and expanding to include New Zealand for the first time – the 2025 report surveyed over 600 senior decision-makers from mid to large construction businesses. Nine in ten leaders (91%) expressed confidence in the industry’s performance over the next five years. However, it comes as no surprise that economic pressures remain top of mind, as almost all (99%) respondents are either actively implementing or exploring cost-saving strategies to maintain their competitive edge.

“We’re seeing an industry that’s optimistic, but also realistic,” said Tom Kimber, a General Manager of Sales at Kennards Hire. “Construction leaders understand that sustained growth requires transformation. While confidence in the industry remains high, so does the pressure to optimise – whether through cost reduction, tackling productivity challenges, or future-proofing their business operations. Across the board, we’re seeing a clear shift toward smarter and more agile ways of working”.

Delays and Inefficiencies Draining Industry Resources

Confidence may be high, but operational inefficiencies are still dragging down project delivery and profitability. Among ANZ business decision-makers who reported experiencing cost impacts from delays or reduced productivity, one in three estimate that these challenges affect an average of 15.5% of a typical construction project’s total cost.

Other key contributors include:

  • Lack of quality or available materials (38%)
  • Time wasted managing multiple suppliers and project managers (36%)
  • Lack of specialist project management expertise (35%)
  • Lack of skilled labour to complete specific work tasks (35%)
  • Outdated equipment (33%)

These pain points are further amplified by global pressures, with 92% of ANZ construction leaders saying they’ve been impacted by tariffs, shipping delays, and shifting trade regulations in the past year.

The Shift Towards Smarter, Circular Solutions

Under mounting pressure to deliver faster, leaner and more sustainable outcomes, the construction industry is moving away from traditional ownership-heavy models. In its place, more agile, circular, and on-demand approaches are emerging with businesses prioritising efficiency, flexibility, and long-term sustainability.

According to the 2025 report, the top priorities for ANZ decision-makers over the next 12 months include:

  • Investing in technology (60%) to improve project visibility, planning, and delivery
  • Outsourcing specialist expertise (51%) to fill capability gaps and reduce coordination overhead
  • Hiring or renting equipment (36%) to boost flexibility and avoid idle assets

“The shift towards on-demand and circular models, like equipment hire is no longer just about cutting costs,” said Kimber. It’s a strategic response to growing demands for speed, adaptability and sustainability.

“For many businesses, owning equipment simply doesn’t make sense when project timelines are tight, labour is stretched, and the pace of change is accelerating. We’re also seeing a rise in outsourcing for specialist expertise – not just to fill skill gaps, but to reduce friction and keep projects moving. These operational shifts are helping businesses stay resilient in an increasingly complex environment.”

Sustainability and Workforce Strategy Take Centre Stage

As regulatory and market pressures intensify, construction firms across ANZ are increasingly embedding sustainability and workforce development into the core of how they operate. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities are gaining momentum:

  • 59% said they would prioritise Green Building Council Australia and New Zealand Green Building Council certifications to validate sustainability credentials within their top 5 ESG factors they are prioritising or investing in.
  • While 49% are prioritising or investing in eco-friendly tools and carbon offsetting strategies, and another 48% are shifting to sustainable building materials within their top 5 ESG factors

At the same time, workforce transformation is emerging as a critical growth lever. In a competitive labour market, long-term value is overtaking short-term perks. To attract and retain talent, ANZ decision-makers identified the following as their top 3 priority:

  • Training and development programs for acquisition of new skills (65%)
  • Improved work-life balance through flexible scheduling (65%)
  • Career advancement opportunities within the industry (57%)

These dual priorities, sustainability and talent – are shaping a more resilient, future-focused construction industry.

Notes to the editor:
The findings from the 2025 Kennards Hire Construction Confidence Check are the result of a survey conducted by YouGov from 10 – 13 June 2025. The sample comprised of 608 senior business leaders/ decision makers from construction businesses with 20+ employees in Australia (n=403) and New Zealand (n=205)

About Kennards Hire – Australia
Kennards Hire is an Australian family-owned and operated company that has been in the hire industry for more than 75 years, with over 215 sites and branches across Australia and New Zealand. Since 1948, its product range extends from general hire equipment for the home renovator and professional tradesperson to specialist equipment and heavy machinery used on some of the largest civil infrastructure and commercial construction projects in two countries. Proud member of the Family Business Association, Member of Hire & Rental Industry Australia and Hire Industry Association New Zealand and Premium Partner of Sydney Football Club. kennards.com.au

APPENDIX 1. Key Findings Australia: 2025 Kennards Hire Construction Confidence Check Survey

Stability / Confidence

  • Over four in five (89%) Australian decision-makers surveyed are confident in the Australian construction industry’s growth and performance over the next five years, with almost half (44%) are very confident of the strong growth.

Macro issues

  • Among Australian decision-makers who reported experiencing cost impacts from delays or reduced productivity, the key contributors are:
  1. Time wasted managing multiple suppliers and project managers (41%)
  2. Lack of quality or available materials (39%)
  3. Lack of specialist project management expertise (38%)
  4. Lack of skilled labour to complete specific work tasks (35%)
  5. Outdated equipment (35%)
  • 91% of Australian construction leaders saying they’ve been impacted by tariffs, shipping delays, and shifting trade regulations in the past year.
  • In the next 12 months, the top priorities from Australian decision markers in construction include:
    • Investing in technology (56%) to improve project visibility, planning, and delivery
    • Outsourcing specialist expertise (53%) to fill capability gaps and reduce coordination overhead
    • Hiring more skilled labour (46%) to boost productivity

Productivity

  • Among Australian business decision-makers who reported experiencing cost impacts from delays or reduced productivity, one in three (32%) estimates that these issues affect an average of 15.5% of a typical construction project’s total cost.
  • Despite an overall positive outlook of Australian decision-makers surveyed, almost all (99%) say that their businesses are currently exercising caution by implementing or exploring cost-saving measure such as:
    • Investing in technology for better project management, improved efficiency and operation (42%)
    • Actively looking for competitive pricing of materials and services (40%)
    • Workforce training to enhance productivity and reduce mistakes (40%)
    • Focusing on increasing the quality of workmanship to reduce rework and warranty issues (38%)
    • Focusing on faster project completion to minimise labour and operational costs (39%)
    • Investing in innovative equipment to improve efficiency (34%).
  • Australian decision-makers are more likely than New Zealander decision-makers to cite workforce training to enhance productivity and reduce mistakes (40% compared to 30%) and focusing on faster project completion to minimise labour and operational costs (39% compared to 29%) as cost-saving measures their businesses are taking or exploring.
  • Australian decision-makers are more likely than their New Zealander counterparts to cite time spent on managing multiple suppliers and project managers (39% compared to 28%) as a factor leading to additional costs.

Workforce & Careers

  • Australian decision makers have identified below as the top 5 priorities to attract more individuals to pursue career in construction:
    • Training and development programs for acquisition of new skills (70%)
    • Improved work-life balance through flexible scheduling (62%)
    • Career advancement opportunities within the industry (59%)
    • Competitive salaries and benefits packages (45%)
    • Diversity and inclusion initiatives to widen the talent pool (33%)

ESG

  • Across the board, Australian decision-makers are embedding ESG deeper into their operations, the key priorities cited are:
    • Meeting mandatory ESG reporting requirements (12%)
    • Having project sites accredited and certified by Green Building Council of Australia (11%)
    • Getting to net zero/ Increase carbon offsetting (11%)
    • Waste management/ material recycling (10%)
    • Using “green equipment” or eco-friendly tools (8%)

 

Multilingual Conversational Speech Language Model (MLC-SLM) workshop at Interspeech 2025

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Aug. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As part of Interspeech 2025Nexdata will host the MLC-SLM Workshop on August 22 at Dock 14, Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre.

This workshop is dedicated to advancing multilingual conversational speech AI by addressing a pressing challenge in the field: the lack of multilingual, context-rich dialogue data for training LLM-based spoken dialogue systems.

About the Workshop

At the heart of the workshop is the MLC-SLM Challenge, a global initiative launched to promote innovation in speech language models using a newly released multilingual conversational dataset. The workshop will feature:

  • Announcement of challenge results and awards
  • Keynotes and invited talks from leading experts in the field

Workshop Highlights:

Challenge Summary & Awards Ceremony
A recap of the challenge objectives, results, and outstanding submissions that advanced the state of multilingual spoken dialogue models.

Keynote Speakers
Shinji Watanabe, Associate Professor, “Carnegie Mellon University
Hung-yi Lee, Professor, “National Taiwan University”

Invited Talks
Ming Li, Professor, “Duke Kunshan University”
Shuai Wang, Associate Professor, “Nanjing University”
Pan Pan, Director of AI Business, Nexdata

Purpose & Audience

This full-day event will bring together leading academic researchers, industry practitioners, and data providers to discuss the future of multilingual spoken dialogue systems. The workshop will also serve as a platform to explore the challenges and opportunities in building scalable, multilingual, and context-aware speech models.

About Nexdata

As the host of the MLC-SLM Workshop, Nexdata provides high-quality training data solutions for AI development. With a broad portfolio of off-the-shelf datasets and flexible data collection and annotation services, Nexdata is committed to enabling breakthrough innovation across the AI industry.

Workshop Details:

Date: August 22, 2025
Venue: Dock 14, Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre, Netherlands
For more information and updates: https://www.nexdata.ai/competition/mlc-slm

 

NING Service Experience Centers Launch in Shanghai and Bangkok, Setting a New Benchmark for the NEV Aftermarket

NINGDE, China, Aug. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On August 10th, NING Service, an independent aftermarket brand under CATL, celebrated its first anniversary alongside the 10th anniversary of CATL’s after-sales business. The NING Service Brand Day themed “Now Action” was officially launched, with the flagship experience center in Shanghai and the first overseas directly-operated store in Bangkok, Thailand, opening on the same day. Leveraging its continuous innovation in battery maintenance technology, a globally leading service network and talent system, and a full battery lifecycle ecosystem, NING Service addresses the pain points of new energy vehicle consumers, leading the new energy vehicle aftermarket into a new phase.

A Decade of Dedication: Building a Robust Triangle of Service-Talent-Standard

“As the global energy structure transition accelerates, China’s new energy industry has entered a critical turning point for large-scale development. In NEV industry, existing service systems struggle to meet new demands such as testing of the battery system, electric drive and power electronics, as well as the battery health assessment. As a pioneer in the field of new energy services, NING Service always places customer needs at the forefront, driven by technological innovation and aiming for win-win cooperation to promote high-quality development in the new energy aftermarket,” said Li Wei, President of CATL’s Aftermarket Business Department.

Originally established in 2015 as CATL’s After-Market Business Department, NING Service officially upgraded to an independent brand in 2024. Leveraging CATL’s globally leading expertise in power battery technology, NING Service provides comprehensive chain services including battery inspection, maintenance, and recycling through directly-operated experience centers, authorized service providers, and a global service network for both enterprises and consumers. After ten years of efforts, NING Service has built a robust presence across 75 countries, operating more than 1,100 service outlets and managing 67 spare parts warehouses with a total area exceeding 370,000 square meters.

Building on 24 various industry standards led or involved by CATL’s after-sales team, and supported by self-developed service systems covering passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, energy storage product lines and 6 major application scenarios, NING Service has fulfilled the promise of “general faults repaired within 8 hours, complex faults within 72 hours”, firmly holding the top position in the industry. Globally, CATL’s overseas service network has achieved 24-Hour response, ensuring seamless service experience for global customers.

Furthermore, NING Service collaborates with partners to establish professional new energy detection and repair training bases across 18 provinces and municipalities in China, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the national new energy aftermarket. It has cultivated over 8,600 industry specialists, building a complete talent ecosystem encompassing talent supply, cultivation, and management layout, continuously injecting fresh blood into the industry.

Breaking Technical Barriers: Ending the “Replace-Only, No Repair” Maintenance Dilemma

While bottom-impact incidents involving battery packs in new energy vehicles are relatively uncommon, they often result in severe damage requiring full pack replacement- a costly repair. Additionally, third-party repair processes pose safety risks, making it difficult to ensure vehicle and user safety. To address this issue, NING Service has innovatively launched its CTP repair service. Utilizing CATL original equipment components, the service strictly adheres to CATL’s technical standards and quality requirements and comes with official warranty coverage, ensuring safe and reliable repairs. The repair service is significantly more affordable than full pack replacement, saving substantial repair costs for users and breaking the industry’s “replace-only, no repair” deadlock for CTP batteries.

During the battery pack repair process, NING Service consistently upholds standardized operating protocols – conducting repairs in a professional and dust-free environment with constant temperature and humidity while rigorously following the original equipment manufacturer’s meticulous inspection and repair procedures. This stringent system precisely ensures the reliability of cell-level repairs, effectively eliminating the risk of  secondary damage caused by improper handling or substandard parts, thereby safeguarding battery performance and safety at their core.

Additionally, to further enhance service professionalism and safety, NING Service has independently developed a non-destructive testing device. This device can complete fault detection in just 15 minutes, achieving an accuracy rate of over 90%. Utilizing ultrasonic guided wave technology, the device enables precise internal damage detection without the need to disassemble the battery pack, effectively avoiding secondary damage that could result from disassembly and inspection. This not only ensures battery safety and longevity but also saves time and repair costs for users. The non-destructive testing device is expected to be officially launched by the end of this year.

Leveraging the triple advantages of OEM’s technology, genuine parts assurance, and authoritative certification, NING Service has successfully overcome the industry-wide challenges of “difficult and expensive battery pack repairs”, providing customers with professional solutions that are both reliable and cost-effective.

Closed-Loop Ecosystem: Comprehensive Management Across the Battery’s Full Lifecycle

NING Service is committed to providing new energy users with services that span the entire lifecycle of a battery – “from production and usage to recycling and regeneration”. By integrating a professional battery health assessment system comprising 45 online analyses and 28 offline inspections, NING Service delivers authoritative battery testing and maintenance, helping users promptly identify potential risks, extend battery lifespan, and simultaneously enhance transparency and residual value in the used vehicle market. At the same time, leveraging the globally leading circular supply chain of Brunp Recycling, a CATL subsidiary, NING Service has established a “72-Hour Express Recycling” network, achieving triple the regional coverage rate of third-party platforms. By establishing an efficient green recycling supply chain, NING Service actively fulfills its commitment to sustainable development.

In the future, consumers will be able to easily complete the recycling of retired batteries through NING Service’s platform. Recovered batteries will undergo strict screening and classification, followed by tailored processing based on their condition and performance – either repaired and remanufactured, cascade utilized, or broken down for reusable raw materials. Through this model, NING Service not only provides consumers with a convenient recycling channel but also maximizes battery lifecycle extension and minimizes resource waste.

Moreover, adhering to the philosophy of “co-creation”, NING Service collaborates with high-quality industry partners to expand into diversified business areas such as electric vessel operations and the low-altitude economy. This collaborative approach extends the boundaries of service offerings and creates new growth opportunities. Through an open partnership model, NING Service not only drives its own sustainable business growth but also injects fresh vitality into the broader new energy industry.

As a key strategic move by CATL in the aftermarket services sector, NING Service not only provides vehicle owners with superior technical support but also sets a new benchmark for the new energy industry through its closed-loop ecosystem approach. Currently, NING Service’s flagship experience centers have been established in seven domestic cities in China, including Wuhan and Guangzhou. The store in Bangkok, Thailand, spanning over 2000 square meters and integrating CATL’s global service standards, marks its first overseas location and serves as a crucial step for CATL’s global technology deployment and service coordination. Looking ahead, NING Service will continue to drive innovation in maintenance technology, service models, and network expansion, injecting new momentum into the healthy, stable, and orderly development of the new energy vehicle aftermarket.

Among Hong Kong’s Top 3 EVs — High-Quality Global Expansion Built on System Strength

HONG KONG, Aug. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GAC hit a new milestone by entering Hong Kong’s EV Top 3 for the first time in July, selling 303 units with 236 registrations. This achievement underscores the effective execution of GAC’s “One GAC 2.0” global strategy, particularly after launching the “Hong Kong ACTION” in June, which drove breakthrough results within two months.

July 2025 Electric Private Car First Registrations (by Brand) Source: hkevdb.com
July 2025 Electric Private Car First Registrations (by Brand) Source: hkevdb.com

As a “lighthouse market” for Chinese auto exports, Hong Kong’s breakthrough is highly symbolic. GAC sees Hong Kong as the “bridgehead” of its globalization strategy, with its rise to the Top 3 marking both a sales milestone and recognition of its product, brand, and system strengths.

Globally, GAC has built benchmark markets, creating a “lighthouse effect” that drives growth in Southeast Asia’s right-hand-drive regions. In June, it ranked fourth in Singapore’s EV market and second among Chinese brands. In Thailand, GAC held third place in H1, with the AION UT setting a record of 1,000 deliveries in 39 days. GAC also excelled in the fuel vehicle market: from January to May, it ranked third overall in Kuwait, with the GS8 second in the mid-to-large SUV segment; in Lebanon, the EMZOOM led the A0-class SUV rankings; in Egypt, the EMPOW held a 25.6% segment share; and in Bolivia, GAC topped Chinese brand sales in July.

GAC’s deep localization strategy, “In Local, For Local,” supports these achievements. In June, its Indonesian smart factory started production with a 50,000-unit capacity. At the same time, Thailand opened a flagship experience and battery service center, enabling dual-track “sales + energy services.” From January to July 2025, GAC INTERNATIONAL’s wholesale volume grew 45% year-on-year, and retail sales rose 64%, demonstrating the strength of its systematic global expansion.

Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of GAC Group, emphasized the company’s focus on four pillars: Quality, Technology, Service, and Ecosystem Globalization. Leveraging systematic competitiveness, GAC aims to build a high-quality global expansion path defined by “winning through systems.” With successes in benchmark markets like Hong Kong, GAC is accelerating toward its goal of entering 100 countries and regions, and exporting 500,000 vehicles annually, leading the global automotive ecosystem and setting a new standard for Chinese automakers’ globalization.

Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of GAC Group, Unveils GAC’s High-Quality Global Expansion Strategy at 2025 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong)
Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of GAC Group, Unveils GAC’s High-Quality Global Expansion Strategy at 2025 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong)

Among Hong Kong’s Top 3 EVs — High-Quality Global Expansion Built on System Strength

HONG KONG, Aug. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GAC hit a new milestone by entering Hong Kong’s EV Top 3 for the first time in July, selling 303 units with 236 registrations. This achievement underscores the effective execution of GAC’s “One GAC 2.0” global strategy, particularly after launching the “Hong Kong ACTION” in June, which drove breakthrough results within two months.

July 2025 Electric Private Car First Registrations (by Brand) Source: hkevdb.com
July 2025 Electric Private Car First Registrations (by Brand) Source: hkevdb.com

As a “lighthouse market” for Chinese auto exports, Hong Kong’s breakthrough is highly symbolic. GAC sees Hong Kong as the “bridgehead” of its globalization strategy, with its rise to the Top 3 marking both a sales milestone and recognition of its product, brand, and system strengths.

Globally, GAC has built benchmark markets, creating a “lighthouse effect” that drives growth in Southeast Asia’s right-hand-drive regions. In June, it ranked fourth in Singapore’s EV market and second among Chinese brands. In Thailand, GAC held third place in H1, with the AION UT setting a record of 1,000 deliveries in 39 days. GAC also excelled in the fuel vehicle market: from January to May, it ranked third overall in Kuwait, with the GS8 second in the mid-to-large SUV segment; in Lebanon, the EMZOOM led the A0-class SUV rankings; in Egypt, the EMPOW held a 25.6% segment share; and in Bolivia, GAC topped Chinese brand sales in July.

GAC’s deep localization strategy, “In Local, For Local,” supports these achievements. In June, its Indonesian smart factory started production with a 50,000-unit capacity. At the same time, Thailand opened a flagship experience and battery service center, enabling dual-track “sales + energy services.” From January to July 2025, GAC INTERNATIONAL’s wholesale volume grew 45% year-on-year, and retail sales rose 64%, demonstrating the strength of its systematic global expansion.

Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of GAC Group, emphasized the company’s focus on four pillars: Quality, Technology, Service, and Ecosystem Globalization. Leveraging systematic competitiveness, GAC aims to build a high-quality global expansion path defined by “winning through systems.” With successes in benchmark markets like Hong Kong, GAC is accelerating toward its goal of entering 100 countries and regions, and exporting 500,000 vehicles annually, leading the global automotive ecosystem and setting a new standard for Chinese automakers’ globalization.

Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of GAC Group, Unveils GAC’s High-Quality Global Expansion Strategy at 2025 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong)
Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of GAC Group, Unveils GAC’s High-Quality Global Expansion Strategy at 2025 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong)

 

Among Hong Kong’s Top 3 EVs — High-Quality Global Expansion Built on System Strength

HONG KONG, Aug. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GAC hit a new milestone by entering Hong Kong’s EV Top 3 for the first time in July, selling 303 units with 236 registrations. This achievement underscores the effective execution of GAC’s “One GAC 2.0” global strategy, particularly after launching the “Hong Kong ACTION” in June, which drove breakthrough results within two months.

July 2025 Electric Private Car First Registrations (by Brand) Source: hkevdb.com
July 2025 Electric Private Car First Registrations (by Brand) Source: hkevdb.com

As a “lighthouse market” for Chinese auto exports, Hong Kong’s breakthrough is highly symbolic. GAC sees Hong Kong as the “bridgehead” of its globalization strategy, with its rise to the Top 3 marking both a sales milestone and recognition of its product, brand, and system strengths.

Globally, GAC has built benchmark markets, creating a “lighthouse effect” that drives growth in Southeast Asia’s right-hand-drive regions. In June, it ranked fourth in Singapore’s EV market and second among Chinese brands. In Thailand, GAC held third place in H1, with the AION UT setting a record of 1,000 deliveries in 39 days. GAC also excelled in the fuel vehicle market: from January to May, it ranked third overall in Kuwait, with the GS8 second in the mid-to-large SUV segment; in Lebanon, the EMZOOM led the A0-class SUV rankings; in Egypt, the EMPOW held a 25.6% segment share; and in Bolivia, GAC topped Chinese brand sales in July.

GAC’s deep localization strategy, “In Local, For Local,” supports these achievements. In June, its Indonesian smart factory started production with a 50,000-unit capacity. At the same time, Thailand opened a flagship experience and battery service center, enabling dual-track “sales + energy services.” From January to July 2025, GAC INTERNATIONAL’s wholesale volume grew 45% year-on-year, and retail sales rose 64%, demonstrating the strength of its systematic global expansion.

Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of GAC Group, emphasized the company’s focus on four pillars: Quality, Technology, Service, and Ecosystem Globalization. Leveraging systematic competitiveness, GAC aims to build a high-quality global expansion path defined by “winning through systems.” With successes in benchmark markets like Hong Kong, GAC is accelerating toward its goal of entering 100 countries and regions, and exporting 500,000 vehicles annually, leading the global automotive ecosystem and setting a new standard for Chinese automakers’ globalization.

Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of GAC Group, Unveils GAC’s High-Quality Global Expansion Strategy at 2025 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong)
Feng Xingya, Chairman and President of GAC Group, Unveils GAC’s High-Quality Global Expansion Strategy at 2025 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong)

Over 6,200 Candidates Sit National University Entrance Exam, Up by 1,000 from Last Year

Over 6,200 candidates took the National University of Laos 2025 entrance exam, marking an increase from the 2024 numbers amid ongoing education challenges. (Photo credit: NUoL News)

Over 6,200 candidates sat for the entrance examination to the National University of Laos (NUOL) for the 2025-2026 academic year, an increase of about 1,000 from last year’s total of 5,400. 

Out of 7,010 students who registered online, 6,237 collected admission cards and completed the exam at NUOL’s Dongdok campus, which hosted the test across 13 designated venues.

The Chinese Language program attracted the highest number of applicants, with more than 1,000 candidates vying for a place.

NUOL plans to admit a maximum of 5,670 students this year, with official exam results scheduled for release on 11 September.

Falling Enrollment Numbers

Applications to the National University of Laos have steadily declined in recent years, largely due to mounting economic pressures and the shrinking job market for university graduates. 

A decade ago, NUOL was seeing up to 15,000 candidates annually. However, only a third were accepted. In the years that followed, acceptance rates steadily climbed, reaching over 60 percent by 2020.

Then the pandemic hit. In 2021, fewer than 7,000 students registered, but admissions actually rose. 

The decline continued, and by 2024 only about 5,400 students registered. In an attempt to  tackle the issue, NUOL allowed interested students to enter certain majors without going through the examination process, resulting in a total of over 7,600 admissions. 

With limited job opportunities after graduation, many students are choosing to forgo higher education and enter the workforce immediately. Increasingly, they seek employment abroad, particularly in Thailand and South Korea, where wages tend to be more attractive.

Teacher Shortage Prompts Emergency Measures

This trend is closely linked to deeper issues within the secondary education system. 

In rural areas, high dropout rates persist, driven by poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and a critical shortage of teachers. 

The scale of the problem became especially evident in 2024. Bolikhamxay Province reported a shortfall of more than 400 teachers, while Savannakhet faced over 500 vacancies. In Bokeo Province, more than 5,000 students dropped out of school during the 2023–2024 academic year alone.

In an attempt to address the worsening teacher shortage, the government dispatched 2,000 trained military personnel as volunteer instructors in mid-2025. 

Entrance exam participation at NUoL has increased this year, following a significant decline in 2024. Education authorities are closely monitoring whether the rebound marks the beginning of a broader recovery in university enrollment.

Jurassic World: The Experience, A New Immersive Walk-Through Experience Opens In Bangkok At Asiatique The Riverfront Destination


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 August 2025 – Jurassic World: The Experience has officially opened its gates at Asiatique The Riverfront Destination to explorers who have been eagerly awaiting their first opportunity to step foot inside Jurassic World and get closer to life-sized dinosaurs than ever before.

Photo

Asset World Corporation (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, celebrated this epic opening in grand style alongside NEON, a global leader in immersive and epic experiences, and Universal Destinations and Experiences.

Set in front of the iconic Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, the grand opening ceremony was attended by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), whose support reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Bangkok’s sustainable tourism and creating memorable experiences for visitors. Jurassic World: The Experience is positioned as one of Bangkok’s must-visit destinations for global travelers and families alike. Tickets are available with online and onsite ticket options at www.jurassicworldexperience.com/th or at the venue.

Journey to Jurassic World: The Experience at Asiatique Includes:

Jurassic World: The Experience, a 6,000-square-meter attraction that brings the globally beloved film franchise to life through a one-of-a-kind attraction. Guests will journey through Isla Nublar, surrounded by life-like animatronic dinosaurs and iconic environments brought to life with cinematic detail. Visitors will be immersed in unforgettable moments inspired by iconic scenes of the Jurassic World films, blending pulse-raising thrills with awe-inspiring wonder to ignite the imagination.

Jurassic World: The Experience opens daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM with last admission at 9:00 PM. Tickets are now available online at www.jurassicworldexperience.com/th. Admission tickets to Jurassic World: The Experience price starts from THB 579 for Children aged 3-10, and THB 769 for Adults aged 11 and above.

Onsite ticket purchases are also available, but advance online booking is highly recommended to secure your preferred date and time. For group bookings from organizations or schools, please contact JWEBKK@assetworldcorp-th.com.

Jurassic World: The Experience Fossil & Flame Restaurant transports guests into an atmosphere inspired by the Jurassic World films. Every element – from the meticulously designed décor to the specially curated menu – has been crafted to extend the prehistoric adventure and deliver a truly unforgettable dining experience.
With 256 seats across both indoor and outdoor spaces, spanning approximately 2,061 square meters, the restaurant provides a spacious setting for guests of all ages. It offers the perfect ambience throughout the day – from lush greenery during the day to warm, atmospheric lighting at night. The menu caters to every member of the family, featuring premium ingredients in standout dishes such as the Tree Top Nacho Tower, Rack of Bones Mesquite Baby Back Pork Ribs, and Baked Sea Bass, along with indulgent desserts like the Molten Chocolate Egg.

For dining at Jurassic World: The Experience Fossil & Flame Restaurant, reservations can be made at http://jurassicworldfossilandflamerestaurant.com/

Complete the journey at Jurassic World: The Experience Retail Store where guests can take home a piece of adventure. The store offers a curated selection of memorabilia that celebrates the legacy of Jurassic World and provides the perfect finale to this immersive experience.

This landmark initiative reflects AWC’s strategy to develop inspiring year-round lifestyle destinations that transcend seasonal tourism, strengthening Thailand’s position as a premier global sustainable tourism hub. The experience is now ready to welcome visitors from around the world, not only boosts inbound tourism and economic value but also creates a dynamic platform for young minds to explore science, biodiversity, and sustainability in an interactive, accessible way. Aligned with AWC’s mission of a “Building Better Future For All,” this destination exemplifies how meaningful experiences can spark awareness, foster long-term community impact, and create lasting value for Thailand’s people and the planet.

Stay Connected: For more information, visit www.jurassicworldexperience.com/th and follow us on social media. Be sure to follow Jurassic World: The Experience Bangkok on Facebook & Instagram and Asiatique on Facebook & Instagram. For further inquiries, please contact Jurassic World: The Experience directly at jwebkk@assetworldcorp-th.com.

Full press release can be found in the PRESS KIT and here.

Hashtag: #JWExperience #DinosinBKK #AsiatiqueTheRiverfrontDestination #AWC

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