Three new Harry Potter themed lands to be introduced at Warner Bros. World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
The three new lands are Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, and the Forbidden Forest
World-exclusive Harry Potter themed rides, created only for Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi
Construction targeted for completion in 2029
ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, has announced the addition of three new Harry Potter–themed lands at the region’s largest indoor theme park, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi.
The new themed lands, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, and the Forbidden Forest, will span over approximately 63,000 sqm (678,000 sqft), with construction works targeted for completion in 2029.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said: “The introduction of the three new Harry Potter–themed lands represents a significant milestone in the continued evolution of Yas Island and the emirate of Abu Dhabi. This expansion further reflects our long-standing partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, whose collaboration brings globally recognised stories and characters to life through imaginative and immersive design.
Aligned with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for economic diversification, enhanced tourism appeal, and the continued growth of a dynamic entertainment landscape, this expansion further reinforces Yas Island’s position as a leading global leisure and entertainment destination. It underscores our commitment to delivering world-class experiences that inspire, engage, and create lasting memories for visitors and residents for generations to come.”
The Harry Potter-themed lands will offer world-exclusive Harry Potter themed rides, created only for Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, and bring the wizarding world to life through immersive storytelling, innovative design, and engaging experiences.
Simon Robinson, President Global Experiences & Studio Operations, Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “The expansion of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi represents a significant step forward in our commitment to building world–class destinations anchored in the strength of our storytelling. Introducing three new Harry Potter–themed lands allows us to deepen the connection between our iconic franchises and the guests who cherish them. This development reflects our long–term vision for immersive entertainment experiences that set new benchmarks for the industry, and we look forward to unveiling environments that fans will love for generations to come.”
Since its opening, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi has brought some of the world’s most iconic stories and characters to life through thrilling rides and family-friendly experiences. Currently home to six immersive lands, the addition of the new Harry Potter–themed lands marks the next chapter in the park’s evolution, significantly expanding its portfolio and introducing exceptional experiences designed to inspire audiences and drive global visitation, further elevating Abu Dhabi’s position at the forefront of the international entertainment landscape.
The three Harry Potter–themed lands form part of a broader expansion of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, which also includes two previously announced DC attractions, ‘Kryptonite Collider’ and ‘Superman Up and Away’. Together, these additions will significantly enhance the park’s offering, increasing its overall size by more than 50% and adding around 70,000 sqm (753,478 sqft) of new theme park space.
This expansion represents a major enhancement to Yas Island’s world-class portfolio of attractions, reinforcing its status as a leading global destination for leisure and entertainment.
CHONGQING, China, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 24th China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition (CIMAMotor 2026) will take place from September 19–22, 2026, at the Chongqing International Expo Center, bringing together more than 1,000 exhibitors, 100+ global motorcycle and electric two-wheeler brands, and over 3,000 vehicles.
With an exhibition area exceeding 170,000 square meters, CIMAMotor 2026 will be the largest edition in the exhibition’s history, strengthening its role as a key platform for discovering China’s motorcycle manufacturing capabilities, new products and global sourcing opportunities.
Meet Leading Motorcycle Brands and Explore China’s Full Supply Chain
For international buyers, CIMAMotor offers direct access to China’s rapidly evolving motorcycle industry—from complete motorcycles and electric two-wheelers to components, batteries, intelligent systems, riding gear and aftermarket products.
Exhibitors from China, the US, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, the UK, Spain, South Korea, Pakistan and many other regions will showcase a full range of products across the complete motorcycle industrial value chain. Highlighted exhibitor brands cover ZXMOTO, VOGE, Schaeffler, Choho and Astemo, plus dozens of other leading industry manufacturers. A new general machinery zone will also debut at the 2026 exhibition.
The exhibition will feature both gasoline and electric two-wheelers, covering a wide range of applications including daily commuting, high-performance riding, off-road use and commercial delivery.
New products and technologies will highlight several major industry trends, including premiumization, electrification, intelligent mobility and personalization. Advanced technologies such as intelligent riding systems, vehicle domain controllers, AI-based safety systems and next-generation powertrain solutions will also be showcased.
A Sourcing Gateway to China’s Motorcycle Industry
CIMAMotor is strengthening its role as an international sourcing and business platform, connecting Chinese manufacturers with global buyers and creating new opportunities for cross-border cooperation.
A key highlight of the 2026 edition will be the Global Motorcycle Supply Chain & Trade Matchmaking program. Hundreds of professional buyers from major motorcycle markets and high-potential destinations—including Mexico, Argentina, the Philippines, Colombia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, the United States, Malaysia, France, Poland, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore, India, Vietnam and Russia—will be invited to connect directly with Chinese manufacturers.
Buyers from more than 20 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa have already registered, with sourcing needs covering complete motorcycles, spare parts, riding gear and intelligent electric mobility solutions. One-on-one business matching sessions will provide an efficient way for international buyers to identify suppliers, explore partnerships and develop new sourcing opportunities in China.
China’s Motorcycle Leaders on What’s Next
As Chinese motorcycle manufacturers accelerate their international expansion, CIMAMotor is also becoming an important meeting point for companies looking to understand the next stage of China’s motorcycle industry.
The 2026 China Motorcycle Chongqing Forum, held concurrently with CIMAMotor on September 19, will bring together motorcycle manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and industry experts to discuss global motorcycle market trends, new opportunities for Chinese brands, internationalization strategies, technological innovation and emerging consumer and usage scenarios.
For international industry professionals, the forum provides an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into how Chinese motorcycle companies are evolving—from product development and manufacturing to global market expansion.
Experience Motorcycle Culture in Chongqing
Beyond the exhibition floor, CIMAMotor 2026 will turn Chongqing into a city-wide celebration of motorcycle culture, with 50+ motorcycle-themed activities, an 80,000-square-meter outdoor experience area, test rides, riding challenges, stunt shows, custom motorcycle displays and lifestyle events. The CIMA Motorcycle Town and CIMAMotor Carnival Night will offer opportunities to connect with the local motorcycle community, while curated riding routes and city-wide motorcycle culture activities will allow international visitors to experience Chongqing as “China’s Motorcycle Capital.”
Join CIMAMotor 2026
From September 19-22, 2026, the global motorcycle industry will meet in Chongqing.
Whether you are looking for new motorcycle brands, manufacturing partners, components, electric mobility solutions or opportunities to expand into the Chinese market, CIMAMotor 2026 provides a direct gateway to China’s motorcycle industry.
Planning to source from China? Meet leading manufacturers and explore new business opportunities at CIMAMotor 2026.
Vientiane police have detained more than 100 suspects in four cybercrime and online gambling raids across the capital since early September.
Vientiane police dismantled four cybercrime and online gambling operations across Vientiane Capital in early September, detaining more than 100 suspects and seizing large quantities of computer equipment, mobile phones, and suspected narcotics.
In the latest arrest, on 6 September, the authorities detained 43 people at the Yuzhou Smart Hotel in Xaythany District’s Nongviengkham village. Officers seized dozens of laptops and 468 mobile phones.
Three days earlier, on 3 September, authorities cracked down on two locations, also in Xaythany District, in Nonsengchanh and Nathom villages, detaining 39 suspects in total. Chinese nationals accounted for the largest share, followed by Burmese nationals.
In another case, authorities raided the Huay Ye Hotel in Sikhottabong’s Sang Jiang Market area last week, detaining 16 suspects. Officers seized desktop computers and laptops from the scene, along with a substantial quantity of suspected narcotics, including 132 packets containing ketamine and vape cartridges containing suspected narcotic liquids.
According to Lao state media, around the same time, authorities also raided Houngheuang in Sikhottabong District, detaining 11 suspects, including one Lao national. Officers seized nitrous oxide tanks, syringes containing suspected narcotic liquid, and other drug paraphernalia.
Part of a Nationwide Campaign
Lao authorities handed over 34 Thai nationals to Thai authorities on 2 September, marking the seventh transfer batch tied to the ST Vegas case, which has now seen 366 of 373 Thai suspects returned.
A day earlier, Bokeo authorities transferred 92 Thai nationals linked to telecom fraud schemes impersonating Thai law enforcement officers. Additional raids in Oudomxay and Vientiane in late August detained dozens more suspects across several nationalities.
To date, Lao authorities have arrested at least 6,200 cybercrime and scam suspects nationwide since the start of 2026, with roughly 1,000 arrests recorded each month from June through August.
Student Flag-guard Team debuts new signature uniforms, embodying vigour and a sense of mission
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today (7 September) commenced the 2026/27 academic year with a solemn Flag-raising Ceremony this morning, with the CUHK Flag-guard Team, clad in student-designed new uniforms, conducting the ceremony – demonstrating vigour and a sense of mission. The national flag, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag and the CUHK flag were solemnly raised to the national anthem, marking the start of the new academic year.
It was followed by the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026. The events come at a landmark moment for the University, following its recent rise to 18th place in the QS World University Rankings and the official launch of its new strategic plan, CUHK 2026–2030: Leaping to Greatness.
The Flag-raising and Flag-guard Team Recognition Ceremonies
The Flag-raising Ceremony was attended by more than 130 guests, including the Hon Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government, Ms Wan Ning, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Professor Hon Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, Honorary Professor in CUHK’s Faculty of Social Science, Dr Norman Chan Tak-lam, Vice-Chairman of the CUHK Council, Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President, alongside Legislative Council members, members of the University Council, senior management, representatives of Colleges and Faculties, staff, students and alumni.
CUHK Flag-guard Team with guests
Following the Flag-raising Ceremony, the University held the Recognition Ceremony for the CUHK Flag-guard Team. Miss Mak, Dr Chan and Professor Lo presented 18 Appointment Certificates and 5 Certificates of Appreciation respectively. In addition, a student received the “Best CUHK Flag-guard Team Member Award 2025-2026” in recognition of her outstanding performance and dedication to the team.
Three awards for the Flag-guard Team Uniform Design Competition were also presented. The final design of the new uniforms was developed from the winning concepts of the champion students and further refined with valuable input from Professor Lo. Featuring CUHK’s signature purple and gold – representing devotion and loyalty, and perseverance and resolution, respectively. The new uniforms reflect the team’s professionalism and vibrant spirit, while embodying the youth’s loyalty and commitment to the nation, Hong Kong and the University, as well as their steadfast dedication to promoting patriotic values.
Navigating the AI era through virtue and ethics
CUHK holds the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026
At the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026 held at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall, Professor Lo welcomed the incoming cohort, encouraging them to regard CUHK as their second home for intellectual and personal growth.
Addressing how students could navigate the artificial intelligence (AI) era, Professor Lo emphasised the importance of developing both technical capabilities and sound moral judgement. He encouraged students to use AI responsibly, with honesty, independent judgement and respect for others. He noted that, as routine tasks became increasingly automated, human strengths such as empathy, critical reasoning and moral judgement would become even more important, highlighting why the University motto, “Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue”, was more relevant today than ever.
Professor Lo added that a journey at CUHK would open up opportunities for students to become responsible global citizens, “Social responsibility begins with an awareness that our actions and attitudes can make a difference. As an ancient Chinese saying goes, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ (「千里之行，始於足下」). The idea of changing the world may seem daunting. Yet social responsibility often starts with small, everyday actions on campus and in the local community: volunteering, supporting community initiatives, embracing sustainability or extending kindness to those around us. Meaningful change is built one step at a time: start locally while thinking globally, using knowledge and talent to contribute to the common good.”
Professor Lo invited students to actively participate in the journey of shaping CUHK’s future trajectory, adding that their curiosity, integrity, fresh ideas and willingness to contribute would play a vital role in the University’s development.
The 268-room hotel – Dusit’s third branded property in Malaysia – will provide a convenient, centrally located base for exploring Ipoh’s heritage streets, food traditions, and dramatic limestone landscapes
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will open Dusit Princess Ipoh on 1 October 2026, bringing its distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Ipoh, the capital of Malaysia’s Perak state.
A Deluxe Queen Room at Dusit Princess Ipoh, featuring contemporary comforts and locally inspired artwork that reflects the distinctive character of the city.
Located approximately 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur and shaped by the late-19th-century tin-mining boom that transformed the city into an important commercial hub, Ipoh is home to a historic centre where colonial-era shophouses, traditional kopitiams, and small local businesses preserve the character of the city’s past.
Its multicultural culinary traditions – from longstanding dim sum restaurants to celebrated Ipoh white coffee, whose distinctive flavour comes from beans traditionally roasted with margarine – have also made the city a draw for food-focused travellers. Meanwhile, the dramatic limestone formations and cave temples of the surrounding Kinta Valley invite visitors to combine cultural discovery with nature excursions and outdoor exploration.
Under its new identity as Dusit Princess Ipoh, the established 268-room property – owned by Plenitude Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia-listed group with interests in property development, property investment, and hospitality – is ideally positioned to help travellers discover the city’s heritage, culinary scene, and natural attractions, while offering the comfort and flexibility required for city breaks, extended stays, business travel, and events.
Set beside the Perak Turf Club, a long-established centre for thoroughbred racing, the hotel is less than five minutes by car from Ipoh city centre. Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is approximately 10 minutes away and offers direct flights from Singapore.
Reflecting the practical, welcoming character of Dusit’s upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand, accommodation spans five room categories, ranging from 25 sq m Superior Rooms to 58 sq m Family Suites.
Rooms offer views across the Perak Turf Club or city skyline and include high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, quality bedding, in-room safes, and dedicated workspaces. To support longer stays and give families greater flexibility, Family Rooms and Family Suites also include kitchenettes.
Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Kids Club, self-service laundry, accessible rooms, a prayer room, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Guests also have access to a 6,580 sq ft fitness centre offering extensive workout facilities and extended opening hours.
The Atrium, the hotel’s naturally lit all-day dining restaurant, offers sweeping views of Ipoh’s limestone hills and cityscape. It serves a buffet breakfast featuring local and regional favourites such as nasi lemak, roti canai, kway teow goreng, and dim sum, alongside continental options. Local and international dishes are available throughout the day. The lobby coffee shop, meanwhile, serves speciality teas, coffees, and juices alongside a selection of pastries and desserts.
For meetings, conferences, weddings, and social occasions, the hotel offers three flexible venues providing approximately 964 sq m of event space.
The principal venue is the 496.8 sq m Kinta Ballroom, which can host up to 400 guests theatre-style or 300 guests for round-table events. Equipped with an LED screen, dynamic sound system, and adjustable lighting, it is supported by the 383 sq m Kampar Hall and 84 sq m Gopeng Room, which provide additional options for smaller gatherings.
“With accommodation and facilities designed to meet the needs of leisure travellers, families, business guests, government delegations, and event groups, Dusit Princess Ipoh represents a compelling opportunity to introduce the welcoming character of the Dusit Princess brand to a city with such a strong identity and well-established appeal,” said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International. “Perak welcomed 23.6 million domestic visitors in 2025, making it one of Malaysia’s three most visited states. This strong demand, together with Ipoh’s convenient access from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, gives the city considerable potential to attract more international visitors. Working with Plenitude Berhad, we are building on the strengths of an established property to support that growth while helping guests connect more deeply with the destination.”
Madam Elsie Chua, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Plenitude Berhad, said, “Dusit Princess Ipoh marks a new chapter for this established property and for Plenitude’s hospitality portfolio. Building on the property’s longstanding presence in Ipoh, we are delighted to bring the distinctive warmth of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the city through a recognised international brand, while embracing the character, culture, and local flavours that make Ipoh unique. We look forward to creating a welcoming gateway for guests to experience Ipoh – combining the qualities and standards associated with the Dusit Princess brand with the authentic spirit of the destination.”
From the hotel, guests can easily reach Ipoh Old Town, including Concubine Lane, a lively historic alley lined with small shops and stalls, and Kong Heng Square, a restored heritage enclave housing independent businesses. Local dining districts and commercial areas are also within easy reach.
To help guests explore further, the hotel’s Discover the Soul of Ipoh programme brings together locally led activities spanning heritage, food, nature, well-being, and family experiences.
Highlights include photographic walks through Ipoh’s heritage streets, visits to Tambun pomelo orchards and limestone cave temples, food trails featuring Ipoh white coffee and traditional desserts, and workshops in Labu Sayong pottery, a traditional Perak craft. Family cooking classes and evening wildlife adventures are also available.
To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Ipoh is offering stays from RM 230 (approximately USD 57) per room per night, including RM 50 (approximately USD 12) in daily food and beverage credit. The offer is valid for stays from 1 October through 31 December 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information, please visit dusit.com/dpim. Hashtag: #Dusit
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Dusit International
Established in 1949, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Real Estate Development, and Hospitality-Related Services.
Dusit’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion, and diversification.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts, and luxury villas includes close to 300 properties operating under a total of nine brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, Dusit Hotels, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 19 countries worldwide.
In Malaysia, Dusit Hotels and Resorts currently operates Dusit Princess Melaka and ASAI Gamuda Cove, with Dusit Princess Ipoh set to become its third branded property in the country.
Dusit Princess Ipoh is owned by Plenitude Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia-listed group with core businesses in property development, property investment, and hospitality.
Since its incorporation on 6 November 2000, the Plenitude Group has built a diverse portfolio of property developments and investments, with a strong track record in the real estate industry.
Plenitude Berhad diversified into the hospitality industry in 2001 and has since grown its portfolio to over 2,400 guestrooms across Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. Today, the Group’s hospitality portfolio comprises hotel and resort properties across internationally recognised and home-grown hospitality brands, as well as two serviced residences.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today announced the launch of KCUSD, an Earn product with daily yields supported by real-world assets, designed to turn idle stablecoin balances into productive capital. Available to eligible retail, high-net-worth and institutional users, KCUSD will initially support subscriptions from as little as 1 USDT, USDC or USDG, with no subscription fee and same-asset redemption options. KCUSD will launch with a dynamic base APR of up to 4% and allow users to begin earning simply by holding KCUSD. Returns will be credited daily and automatically added to users’ KCUSD balances, enabling daily compounding without manual reinvestment. By combining its current yield-generating capabilities with planned future collateral utility, KCUSD aims to improve capital efficiency and advance yield-bearing assets as a core component of crypto market infrastructure. Eligible users who participate with qualifying new funds during the initial launch period may receive a promotional APR of up to 6%.
Stablecoins underpin much of the liquidity in digital asset markets, yet substantial balances remain idle in trading accounts to meet margin requirements or capture time-sensitive opportunities. Allocating those assets to traditional staking or standalone Earn products can interrupt their trading utility, while keeping them immediately available often means forgoing potential yield. This inefficiency is particularly significant for institutions, market makers, professional trading firms and high-net-worth users that maintain large stablecoin balances over extended periods. KCUSD initially addresses the yield side of this challenge through a straightforward hold-to-earn model, while its planned future integration as margin is intended to further reduce the trade-off between earning returns and retaining trading utility.
“Digital asset markets are entering a new phase in which infrastructure will be measured not only by the access and liquidity it provides, but by how efficiently capital can be deployed across an always-on financial system,” said BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin. “Our long-term view is that yield, liquidity and risk utility should not remain in separate silos. KCUSD begins by helping users put idle balances to work and is designed to evolve toward broader trading utility. This reflects our vision for a more efficient market architecture that gives institutions and individual users greater flexibility in how they participate in global digital markets.”
KCUSD is expected to become an infrastructure layer connecting liquidity, asset productivity and risk management across the KuCoin ecosystem. Beginning with yield generation and progressively expanding toward collateral and trading utility, KCUSD reflects a broader evolution in digital finance: stablecoins are shifting from passive settlement assets and idle reserves into productive capital that can support multiple functions across 24/7 markets. By building trusted infrastructure around this transition, KuCoin aims to make capital efficiency a native feature of the digital asset ecosystem and help establish a more integrated foundation for the next generation of global financial markets.
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 45 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.
A picture of thousands of migrant workers from Myanmar return home from Thailand. (Photo by he International Organization for Migration)
Thailand has warned employers against hiring migrant workers without valid permits or assigning them to jobs outside their legal rights as economic pressures in Laos and growing concerns over exploitation and human trafficking.
Thailand’s Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn issued the warning on 4 September, urging employers to verify workers’ documents and comply with restrictions on occupations reserved for Thai nationals.
Authorities said that employers hiring foreign workers illegally face fines up to THB 100,000 (USD 3,040) per worker, imprisonment, and a three-year hiring ban. Workers may be fined from THB 5,000 to 50,000 (USD 152 to 1,520), deported, and banned from applying for work permits for two years.
According to Thailand’s Foreign Workers Administration Office, 4.24 million foreign workers held valid work permits in July. Of these, at least 306,806 Lao workers recorded across three major permit groups.
The figures do not include Lao nationals who may be registered under other categories and working illegally.
Illegal Work and Trafficking Risks
Thai employment inspectors reported that the number of Lao workers prosecuted for working without permits or in reserved occupations increased from 178 in 2022 to 746 in 2025. Cases have included street selling, shop sales, beauty services, and massage and spa work.
The risks can be particularly serious for Lao children.
Thai media, Prachatai, documented in a January 2026 investigation that Lao children traveled to Thailand after leaving school because of poverty and low incomes at home. Some reported working 14 to 15 hours a day, unpaid wages, threats, sexual assault, and forced sexual exploitation.
Recruiters, often relatives or brokers, cover worker’s passports and travel costs upfront before recovering the money from wages; some families mistakenly believe a passport alone permits legal work.
Economic Pressure Pushes Workers Across the Border
Teachers and labor officials interviewed by Prachatai said some children leave school because families cannot afford education or believe further schooling will not lead to better jobs. One southern Lao teacher reported that 40 to 50 students out of more than 800 dropped out annually, some later travelling to Thailand for work.
The investigation also cited Lao wages of roughly LAK 900,000 (USD 40) to LAK 1.6 million (USD 71) per month, compared with reported Thai earnings of around THB 7,000 (USD 212) to THB 13,000 (USD 395), making cross-border employment financially attractive despite the risks.
Laos reported over 73,000 undocumented workers abroad illegally in early 2025, and recorded 46 human trafficking cases involving 85 victims , including 40 underage women, and authorities arrested 95 people. Still, Lao migrant workers sent home an estimated USD 366 million in the first half of 2025, as authorities push safer legal migration pathways amid persistent exploitation risks.
MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nutromics, a Melbourne-based startup leading the frontier of DNA-based sensing, has announced the appointment of Professor Kevin W. Plaxco as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). The company is preparing for the launch of its first product in 2027, while simultaneously extending its wearable platform to other targets. This extension is where Professor Plaxco’s strategic focus will lie.
Professor Plaxco invented Nutromics’ DNA-based sensing technology and has enjoyed a long association with the company. He first started collaborating with the co-founders, Peter Vranes and Hitesh Mehta, when they licensed his technology. Since then, he has served as an advisor, leading the company’s Biosensor Advisory Board. His guidance has been key to several major milestones, including the company’s world-first published clinical trial in Nature Biotechnology demonstrating the technology in humans.
Commenting on the appointment, CEO and co-founder Peter Vranes said “The field of Electrochemical Aptamer-Based (EAB) sensing or DNA-based sensing, as we refer to it, exists largely due to Kevin’s breakthrough research. Kevin has had a role in enabling almost every major breakthrough in the field, starting 1997. His work has brought continuous molecular monitoring out of the realm of science fiction and into reality. We believe that with his hands-on guidance, we can extend our platform faster into drugs beyond vancomycin and also biomarkers such as creatinine and lactate.”
Professor Plaxco has co-authored nearly 300 papers and a dozen patents on molecular biophysics and biomolecule-based technologies. For these advances, he has been elected a member of the National Academy of Inventors and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Society for Electrochemistry, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
Commenting on his decision to shift his focus to Nutromics, Professor Plaxco said “When you start your career as a researcher you hope for two things. The first is to discover or invent something that impacts the field. The second is to discover or invent something that impacts humanity. I believe that EAB sensors fulfil both of those criteria, with the team at Nutromics playing a key role in the latter. They have done a simply phenomenal job of translating my academic team’s research into a technology ready for real-world use. Moving forward, I look forward to working with Nutromics, where my role will be to broaden the applications our now-joint technology. Given its potential, I truly believe we can make it ubiquitous in the hospital and at home.”
Alongside his appointment at Nutromics, Professor Plaxco has commenced at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, as a Distinguished Professor. In the interim, he remains on leave from his position as Distinguished Professor at UC Santa Barbara. Kevin also serves on the scientific advisory boards of several companies.
Professor Plaxco succeeds Scientia Prof Justin Gooding as CSO. Professor Gooding continues to serve on Nutromics’ Biosensor Advisory Board.
About Nutromics
Nutromics is an Australian-founded advanced monitoring company that has built a wearable, DNA-based platform for continuous molecular monitoring. Its electrochemical aptamer-based sensors, integrated with minimally invasive microneedles, are designed to sense multiple proteins, drugs, metabolites, and hormones in real time. Nutromics is advancing towards regulatory clearance and commercial launch of its first product, with operations in Australia and the United States. This product is currently in development and has not yet been approved by the FDA, or any regulatory body. The company’s vision is a world with zero preventable deaths due to a lack of continuous molecular monitoring.
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