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KuCoin Launches Skills Hub, Turning Agent-Ready Skills Into Crypto Capabilities

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, March 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today announced the launch of KuCoin Skills Hub, an evolving open skills marketplace designed to give AI agents broader crypto-native access through standardized, modular capabilities. KuCoin Skills Hub is compatible with mainstream agent frameworks and development environments, helping retail users access crypto through more intuitive natural-language interactions while enabling institutions, developers, and quantitative teams to build automated research, trading, and asset management workflows more efficiently. Rooted in KuCoin’s belief that technology should serve people and be built on trusted, transparent infrastructure, the launch marks a further step in modularizing crypto capabilities for practical AI adoption in real-world use cases.


As AI agents evolve from conversational tools into execution-oriented systems, crypto infrastructure must become more accessible, composable, and action-ready. Historically, fragmented tools, complex interfaces, and technical barriers have limited advanced crypto workflows to a relatively narrow group of users. KuCoin Skills Hub is designed to help close that gap by converting complex underlying functions into structured skills that can be accessed more naturally and deployed more broadly.

Trust, security, and execution control remain central to the platform’s architecture. KuCoin Skills Hub incorporates safeguards around permission control, credential isolation, sensitive data protection, execution boundaries, and exception handling to support more secure and controllable deployment in real-world environments.

Through natural-language interaction, users can access market insights, monitor signals and market activity, and query exchange data more efficiently through the Skills Hub. Support for deeper interaction scenarios such as wallet operations, on-chain insights, liquidity provision, staking, lending, and yield strategies will be introduced in future releases, enabling a more unified workflow for insight, decision-making, execution, and broader ecosystem participation.

“AI is changing how people interact with the crypto economy, but the real value of technology lies in whether it can serve real users on top of infrastructure they can trust,” said BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin. “Built on KuCoin’s expanding ecosystem and broader crypto-native AI initiatives, KuCoin Skills Hub is designed to transform complex crypto capabilities into more intuitive, scalable, and usable modules — making crypto more accessible for everyday users while giving institutions and developers a more flexible foundation for the next generation of intelligent applications. We see this as an important step toward a more open, practical, and trustworthy AI-enabled crypto ecosystem.”

Looking ahead, KuCoin Skills Hub will continue to expand its skills library, data sources, protocol integrations, and operational capabilities, further strengthening the open infrastructure layer needed for the next phase of AI-enabled crypto innovation.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform trusted by over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. The platform delivers innovative digital-asset services, offering access to 1,000+ listed tokens, spot and futures trading, institutional wealth management, and a Web3 wallet.

Recognized by Forbes and Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to top-tier security. With AUSTRAC registration in Australia and a MiCA license in Austria, KuCoin continues expanding its regulated footprint under CEO BC Wong, building a reliable and trusted digital-asset ecosystem.

Learn more: www.kucoin.com

2026 Changan Global Testing Season Hits Mexico with Four New Models

  • Four new Changan models debuted in Mexico: CHANGAN Alsvin PLUS, CS35 MAX, new CS55 PLUS, and CS75 PLUS.
  • With responsive powertrains, intelligent safety and spacious interiors, the four models delivered proven performance and comfort.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 March 2026 – Changan has launched four all-new upgraded models in Mexico—the CHANGAN ALSVIN PLUS sedan and three SUVs: the CS35 MAX, CS55 PLUS, and CS75 PLUS—responding to growing market demand for vehicles that integrate technology and efficiency.

Following the launch, more than 150 dealers, investors, and media had a 287-km test drive across Yucatán Peninsula as part of the 2026 Changan Global Testing Season. The route, from Cancún to Playa del Carmen via Chiquilá and Holbox, spanned highways, coastal roads, and rural paths, where stability, intelligence, safety, and long-distance comfort were proven.

Performance Meets Comfort: New Models for Every Journey

Powered by the BlueCore 3.0 engine and 7-speed DCT, the new CHANGAN CS55 PLUS delivered responsive performance across the route. Its Ark Cage body structure combined with 12 intelligent safety features, including IACC, LCC, FCW, and AEB, and 540° camera assist, provided reassuring protection on the rugged and windy jungle roads and coastal highways.

The ADAS system was also integrated into the CS75 PLUS to reduce driver fatigue, while the 37-inch triple-screen display provided easy access to navigation and entertainment. The ventilated front seats ensured comfort in temperatures exceeding 30°C, and the zero-gravity passenger seat enhanced relaxation with a massage function during extended drives.

All four models feature multi-screen smart cockpits with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, voice control, OTA updates, and remote app control. Spacious interiors and the BlueCore 3.0 powertrain system also extend to the Alsvin PLUS and CS35 MAX, delivering a blend of performance and comfort.

Growth in Action: Changan’s Local Commitment to Mexico

In 2025, Changan achieved over 56% sales growth in Latin America, with Mexico growing 184%. In terms of local operations, a new 8,000+ m² parts warehouse, operational in early 2026, will further enhance service capacity and parts supply. Mexico has become increasingly central to Changan’s global footprint.

This commitment was on full display in Yucatán. The route captured the country’s iconic landscapes while reflecting real-world driving conditions: unpredictable weather and varied terrain. Changan’s expanded portfolio reaffirms its dedication to delivering products that combine global innovation with local needs.
Hashtag: #Changan

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

Ping An’s Financial LLM Ranks First in CNFinBench Evaluation

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, March 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An” or “the Group”; HKEX: 2318/82318; SSE: 601318) announced that PingAnGPT-Qwen3-32B, the Group’s financial large language model (LLM), achieved the highest overall score on the CNFinBench leaderboard, an authoritative benchmarking system for large language models in the industry, as of March 15. 

The latest CNFinBench evaluation included a range of models representing the forefront of global artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, including GPT-4o and Claude Sonnet 4, as well as mainland Chinese open-source models such as DeepSeek-R1 (671B) and Qwen3-235B-A22B.

CNFinBench is an industry leading benchmark for evaluating financial LLM capabilities in Chinese mainland, jointly developed by Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and leading authorities in the financial industry. It assesses models across five dimensions: financial expertise, business understanding and analysis, reasoning and computation, compliance and risk control, and application security.

In the latest evaluation, PingAnGPT‑Qwen3‑32B demonstrated outstanding performance across multiple core metrics, including financial factual reasoning and computation, financial knowledge Q&A, and financial compliance and risk control. The model showcased high numerical accuracy and rigorous logical reasoning, especially in application scenarios such as financial investment research and risk measurement. These strengths highlight its significant practical value and advantages in safety and controllability.

PingAnGPT-Qwen3-32B has been deployed across the Group and supports 97 real‑world business scenarios, including auto insurance claims, customer service, expense auditing, and intelligent call operations. The model continues to empower the business, driving greater efficiency and service quality.

Through strengthening its AI capabilities, accelerating model optimization and iteration, and deepening scenario‑based deployment, Ping An continues to translate technological strengths into tangible customer value. The Group remains committed to meeting the evolving customer needs by focusing on worry‑free, time‑saving, and cost‑efficient services through high‑quality, digital financial offerings.

About Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd.

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEX:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services. Under the technology-enabled “integrated finance + health and senior care” dual-pronged strategy, the Group provides professional “financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge” services to its nearly 250 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses’ quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of December 2024, Ping An had more than RMB12 trillion in total assets. The Group ranked 27th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2025, 47th in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2025, and ranked AAA in MSCI ESG Ratings in 2025.

For more information, please visit the www.group.pingan.com and follow our LinkedIn page – PING AN.

Spring Into Healthy Breathing: Varon Offers Tips for Travel and Wellness with Oxygen Support

NEW YORK, March 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Spring is here, bringing warmer weather, outdoor adventures, and family travel. For individuals who rely on supplemental oxygen, enjoying the season safely requires preparation and the right equipment. VARON is sharing expert guidance for breathing health and travel while highlighting its lineup of home oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrator for travel.

“Springtime activities can be energizing, but for those with chronic respiratory conditions, maintaining optimal oxygen levels is crucial,” said VARON CEO. “With the right strategies and reliable oxygen support, anyone can embrace the season safely and comfortably.”

Breathing Health Tips for Spring

  1. Minimize Allergen Exposure – Spring pollen can trigger respiratory symptoms. Using a home or portable oxygen concentrator ensures consistent oxygen support even during allergy flare-ups.
     
  2. Stay Hydrated – Proper hydration keeps airways moist and supports oxygen absorption.
     
  3. Exercise Smartly – Light outdoor activity enhances lung capacity and circulation; monitor oxygen levels when trying new routines.
     
  4. Travel Preparedness – Fully charge your portable oxygen concentrator, review airline oxygen policies, and carry extra batteries for extended excursions.
     
  5. Routine Device Maintenance – Clean filters and regularly inspect your devices to maintain reliable oxygen delivery.

Travel Tips with Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Traveling with oxygen doesn’t have to be challenging. Varon portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight, reliable, and supports extra replaceable battery for additional oxygen support, making them ideal for spring trips:

  • Compact and portable design for easy carrying
     
  • Adjustable oxygen flow to accommodate activity levels
     
  • Long-lasting, replaceable batteries for uninterrupted oxygen supply
     
  • Dual delivery modes for consistent and reliable oxygen

Models such as the VP-8 Lite, VP-6 Continuous Flow, and VP-8G Ultra Portable combine convenience with clinical-grade oxygen delivery, enabling users to enjoy day trips, long drives, or air travel safely.

Spring Day Sale: Enhance Your Health and Travel Readiness

VARON is celebrating spring with its Spring Day Sale, offering 18% off sitewide and up to 40% off featured models. This is the perfect time to explore portable or home oxygen solutions designed to support independence, mobility, and overall health.

VARON’ s featured oxygen concentrator machine combine high-purity oxygen delivery, user-friendly design, and advanced functionality to maintain healthy oxygen levels at home or on the go:

  • VP-8 Lite – Lightweight portable oxygen concentrator with adjustable pulse flow (1–7 settings) and dual delivery modes for travel or daily use.
     
  • VP-6 Continuous Flow – Continuous flow oxygen (1–6L) with a built-in nebulizer function, long-lasting replaceable battery, and convenient remote control.
     
  • VP-8G Ultra Portable – Ultra-light, compact design with flexible pulse flow (1–8 settings) for active users seeking maximum portability.
     
  • VH-2 Pro Home – Home oxygen concentrator with adjustable continuous flow, built-in nebulization, and an intuitive LED control panel.
     
  • Serene 3 (3L) and Serene 5 (5L) – Medical-grade home oxygen concentrators with quiet operation, adjustable flow rates, and large humidification bottles to maintain comfort and respiratory health.

These devices ensure reliable oxygen delivery whether at home, on the go, or traveling, helping users maintain healthy oxygen levels and enjoy spring activities safely.

Additional Tips for Healthy Spring Travel with Oxygen

  1. Plan Your Routes – Identify rest stops, medical facilities, and oxygen refill stations along your travel route.
     
  2. Pack Smart – Include extra batteries, chargers, and essential accessories in a dedicated travel bag.
     
  3. Temperature Awareness – Keep oxygen devices out of direct sunlight and avoid extreme heat or cold to maintain performance.
     
  4. Monitor Oxygen Levels – Use a portable pulse oximeter to ensure safe oxygen saturation while traveling.
     
  5. Stay Active Safely – Incorporate short walks or gentle exercise, pacing yourself according to oxygen needs.
     
  6. Emergency Preparedness – Carry prescriptions, device manuals, and your doctor’s contact information for unexpected situations.
     
  7. Travel Companions – Inform travel partners of your oxygen needs to provide assistance if necessary.

“Proper preparation allows individuals to enjoy spring adventures without compromising breathing health,” VARON CEO said. “With VARON oxygen concentrator machine, users can maintain independence, mobility, and confidence wherever the season takes them.”

About Varon

VARON provides a range of portable and home oxygen concentrators designed to support respiratory wellness and quality of life. Varon products empower users to remain active, healthy, and independent.

Media Contact
Company Name: VARON
Email: official@varoninc.com
Country: United States
Website: https://monportlaser.com/

Monport UV Laser Now Available for High-Precision, Multi-Material Micro Marking

NEW YORK, March 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Monport Laser has made its GM UV Laser Engraver available for businesses seeking high-precision micro marking across a wide range of materials. The new UV laser marking system, offered in 6W and 10W configurations, is designed to support detailed engraving applications while maintaining surface integrity on delicate or heat-sensitive materials.

High-Precision Laser Engraving with UV Technology

UV laser engraving is a marking process that uses a short-wavelength ultraviolet laser to engrave surfaces through photochemical reactions rather than thermal burning. This method enables high-precision laser engraving while significantly reducing the heat-affected zone on the material.

Because the process relies on photochemical interaction rather than high heat, UV laser technology is commonly described as heat-free marking or “cold marking.” This allows the UV laser engraver to produce clear, permanent engravings without the discoloration, warping, or burning that can occur with other laser systems.

Compared with traditional laser technologies such as CO2 laser engraving and fiber laser engraving, a UV laser marking system offers greater precision when working with delicate surfaces. Materials such as plastics, coated metals, and transparent substrates often respond better to ultraviolet wavelengths, making UV laser ideal for applications that require both accuracy and surface protection.

For industries that demand high-precision laser engraving and heat-free marking, ultraviolet laser technology has become an increasingly valuable solution.

Application Scenarios for UV Laser Engravers

The versatility of a UV laser marking system makes it suitable for a wide variety of professional applications. Manufacturers and designers increasingly rely on UV laser engravers for tasks that require precise markings on sensitive materials.

Common application scenarios include:

Electronics manufacturing
Circuit boards, connectors, chips, and micro components often require micro-level identification markings. A UV laser engraver can create highly detailed codes and numbers without damaging the component surface.

Medical device marking
Medical instruments and equipment require permanent and highly legible identification marks. The precision of a UV laser marking system supports these strict labeling requirements.

Product branding and customization
Brands can use a UV laser engraver to add logos, decorative designs, or product information to packaging and consumer goods while maintaining a premium finish.

Jewelry and luxury goods
Delicate surfaces and intricate details benefit from the high-precision laser engraving capabilities of ultraviolet technology.

Industrial product identification
Manufacturers can engrave serial numbers, QR codes, and traceability markings with a UV laser marking system while maintaining production efficiency.

These real-world use cases demonstrate how a UV laser engraver supports both creative and industrial engraving needs.

Material Compatibility of a UV Laser Marking System

One of the most important advantages of a UV laser engraver is its multi-material compatibility. According to Monport, the UV laser marking system can engrave more than 1,500 materials, making it a flexible solution for workshops and manufacturing environments.

Compatible materials include:

  • Metals and coated metals
     
  • Plastics and polymers
     
  • Glass and crystal
     
  • Acrylic and transparent materials
     
  • Ceramics
     
  • Electronic components
     
  • Painted or coated surfaces

Because ultraviolet lasers operate with a minimal heat-affected zone, the UV laser marking system can process materials that may be difficult to engrave with other laser types.

For businesses that regularly work with different substrates, this level of compatibility allows a single UV laser engraver to handle a wide variety of production tasks.

Product Highlights of the Monport UV Laser Series

The Monport UV laser engraver combines precision, speed, and user-friendly operation in a single engraving system.

Ultra-fine engraving resolution
The UV laser marking system features a spot size of approximately 0.0019 mm, allowing extremely detailed micro markings. This level of precision supports applications requiring fine text, intricate designs, or small identification codes.

Minimal heat-affected zone
Because the UV laser engraver uses heat-free photochemical marking, materials remain free from burn marks, discoloration, or deformation.

High-speed engraving performance
Equipped with an industrial galvanometer scanning system, the UV laser marking system supports engraving speeds of up to 10,000 mm per second, enabling efficient production workflows.

Multiple power options
The Monport UV series is available in 6W and 10W configurations, allowing users to choose a UV laser engraver that best fits their production needs.

Integrated cooling system
The system includes a water chiller integration that helps maintain stable operating temperatures and ensures consistent performance during extended engraving sessions.

User-friendly software and workflow
Each UV laser marking system includes free engraving software and is compatible with LightBurn, enabling users to easily create and manage engraving projects.

These features make the Monport UV laser engraver suitable for both experienced professionals and businesses exploring UV laser technology for the first time.

Pre-Sale Offer and Limited Availability

To mark the release of the new system, Monport is offering a limited pre-sale promotion for the UV laser series.

Customers who participate in the promotion can receive $600 off the purchase price of the UV laser engraver. The offer is available for a limited time and may be subject to availability while supplies last.

Monport notes that priority shipping will be provided for early orders placed during the promotional period.

More details about the promotion and product specifications are available on the official Monport promotion page.

Expanding Access to High-Precision UV Laser Engraving

With the release of its new UV laser marking system, Monport aims to provide businesses with a reliable tool for high-precision laser engraving, heat-free marking, and multi-material compatibility. The combination of precision, speed, and versatility makes the UV laser engraver a valuable addition for manufacturers, creators, and product designers.

The Monport UV laser series is now available through the company’s official website.

About Monport

Monport Laser develops laser engraving and cutting equipment designed for makers, small businesses, and industrial manufacturers. Its product lineup includes CO₂, fiber, and UV laser systems used in applications ranging from custom product creation to industrial marking.

Media Contact
Monport Laser
Email: official@monportlaser.com
Website: https://monportlaser.com

Sushui Tech to Launch Its Fuel Cell Cloud Service at World Smart Energy Week 2026, Tokyo

TOKYO, March 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sushui Tech, a leading innovator in direct methanol fuel cell technology, announced its participation in Smart Energy Week 2026, taking place from March 17 to 19 at Tokyo Big Sight. At Booth W14-71, the company will unveil its Fuel Cell Cloud Service for global markets along with its 200W stationary DMFC generator DMFC-KH-200R dedicated for edge AI applications and 50W portable DMFC generator for disaster response applications.

DMFC, Power the Peaks
DMFC, Power the Peaks

As the first stop of Sushui Tech’s journey into international markets, Japan proves to have vigorous demand for fuel cell technologies, with its emphasized requirements for quality, user-interface, and fuel adaptivity. This year, the company returns with a dedicated cloud dashboard for its independent DMFC power solutions. The dashboard allows users to see Sushui DMFC generator’s real-time running status, and quick configure the products from remote. It also enables selecting different types of fuel concentration, instantly adaptive to the off-the-shelf methanol fuel products in Japanese market. Most importantly, the cloud will be able to automatically adjust fuel cell’s parameters according to historic running records.  

For professional system integrators, Sushui Cloud also opens its API to integrate with the user’s cloud, and can be deployed on private server for data-sensitive users.      

“To improve together with our customers has been our guiding philosophy in product and service development for many years.” Says Daniel Lou, Global Business Development Director of Sushui Tech. “We have listened carefully to Japanese customers, studied user habits, and developed solutions that address the market’s specific regulatory requirements and performance expectations.”

Beyond cloud service, Sushui Tech also noticed the wide spreading AI trend in the IoT sector. “The legacy power solutions fail to cover the increased power demand for edge AI applications. Usually these application needs a stable independent power supply over 150W to enable edge AI computing, requiring compact, mobile design at the same time.” Says Daniel Lou, counting DMFC-KH-200R together with the cloud service as the first move on the company’s ambitious roadmap on towards a futuristic AI & IoT scenario. “Given the power capacity that directly matches the market demand, our 200W DMFC generator is already winning orders with those customers who share the same vision with us.”      

Sushui Tech warmly welcomes all visitors to Booth W14-71 for in-depth discussions on how these advanced solutions can address specific business needs and application requirements. The team looks forward to engaging conversations with industry partners, potential customers, and technology enthusiasts exploring the future of clean energy.

More Infomation: [www.sushuiny.com]

Drinking Water Prices Rise in Vientiane from 18 March

Drinking water clear and clean in blue gallon arranged in a row Prepare to lift into the back of a transport truck purified drinking water inside the production line to prepare for sale. Water drink factory, small business.

The price of 18-liter bottled drinking water in Vientiane is going up from 18 March, with the Vientiane Capital Drinking Water Association announcing an increase from LAK 13,000 (USD 0.62) to LAK 15,000 (USD 0.71) per bottle.

The roughly 15 percent hike is the latest in a series of increases aimed to tackle the broader economic pressures squeezing producers in Laos.

In May 2023, the association raised prices from LAK 6,000 (USD 0.28) to LAK 8,000 (USD 0.38) per bottle, citing high inflation, the depreciation of the kip, labor shortages and rising production costs.

The same reasons are driving the 2026 increase, with the association again pointing to higher labor costs, consumables and equipment.

The bottled water price rise follows a separate but related decision last July, when the Vientiane Capital People’s Council approved a phased increase in tap water tariffs after finding that the city’s water utility had been operating at a loss.

Tap water prices had remained unchanged since 2014, even as the minimum wage more than doubled from LAK 950,000 (USD 45) to LAK 2.5 million (USD 119) and production costs climbed sharply due to rising raw material, chemical, electricity and fuel expenses.

The city is set to keep rolling out that increase over three years from 2025 to 2028.

Together, the two increases paint a picture of a water sector under sustained financial pressure, with both private producers and the state utility struggling to keep pace with rising costs.

The new bottled water price applies across all nine districts of Vientiane Capital and covers all member companies of the association’s drinking water network.

The association took the decision was unanimously at an Executive Committee meeting on 13 March, explicitly warning against using the transition period to compete for customers through undercutting.

Laos Plans to Send 17,000 Workers to South Korea in 2026

Laos, South Korea Sign Agreement on Financing Lao Workers Overseas
Lao workers waiting in line at the airport to depart to South Korea (photo: Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, 2023)

Laos is targeting the dispatch of more than 17,000 workers to South Korea this year under its seasonal work program.

According to latest state media reports, the government aim to to scale up one of its most significant labor migration schemes while grappling with the domestic workforce pressures that come with it.

Labor Minister Phoxay Sayasone chaired a consultation on 13 March reviewing the South Korea Seasonal Worker Program, confirming the 2026 target as part of a broader 2026–2030 five-year labor dispatch plan.

The minister stressed the need to improve pre-departure language and skills training, streamline bureaucratic procedures, and support returning workers in finding local employment using skills gained abroad.

On the ground in Korea

The scale of the 2026 push is already visible on the Korean side.

On 12 March, Yeongcheon City in North Gyeongsang Province welcomed its first batch of 16 Lao seasonal workers, placed across seven local farms growing tomatoes, peaches and jujubes, according to Korean media.

A further 62 workers are expected in two additional batches in April, bringing the city’s total to 78 for the year. The city has also hired a dedicated Lao-language interpreter for eight months to bridge communication gaps between workers and farmers.

A day later, on 13 March, Gokseong County in South Jeolla Province welcomed 29 Lao workers selected through local interviews under a Memorandum of Understanding with Laos. The county is also pushing to extend worker contracts from five months to eight months this year, a move aimed at increasing workers’ income and stabilizing the farm labor supply.

Fast Growth

The program’s roots go back to 2022, when the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare began formalizing partnerships with South Korean provinces to fill labor shortages in farming and fishing.

Private recruitment companies including Buasavanh Employment Service and iJobs were authorized to manage recruitment, targeting workers aged 25 to 45. Multiple agreements were signed with Korean cities and provinces by the end of that year. The effort formed part of Laos’ 5th Five-Year Labour and Social Welfare Development Plan covering 2021 to 2025.

The numbers have climbed steadily since.

Laos had dispatched over 7,500 seasonal workers through the formal program by mid-2024, according to KPL. Across all visa categories, around 13,000 Lao nationals were working in South Korea by the same period.

Workers earn between USD 1,600 and USD 2,000 per month including social benefits, compared to the roughly USD 375 a month that university-educated workers can expect at home.

The financial impact on Laos is significant. Government figures from early 2024 put remittances from Lao workers abroad at over USD 35.5 million per month, totaling USD 426 million annually.

The cost of sending workers abroad

The program’s growth has not come without complications at home.

Laos is experiencing a labor shortage of more than 800,000 people against a working-age population of around five million. Businesses across Vientiane have struggled to retain permanent staff, with workers leaving for higher pay abroad.

Minister Phoxay acknowledged the issue directly at the 13 March consultation, stressing the need to address domestic labor shortages caused by the outflow.

Workers also bear significant upfront costs before departure, including travel, passports and recruitment agency fees, which are then deducted from monthly salaries once in Korea.

The 2026–2030 five-year plan signals that Laos sees labor export as a long-term economic strategy rather than a short-term plan. The question the government is now trying to answer is how to keep the benefits flowing home while holding onto enough of its workforce to keep the domestic economy running smoothly.