VIENTIANE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- More Lao people are learning Chinese, seeing it as a gateway to better job prospects and wider opportunities, as Chinese language education gains popularity among students of all ages in both public and private schools.

On June 21, the first batch of 53 Lao students graduated in China under the 2+2 Chinese language teacher training program, a joint initiative between the National University of Laos (NUOL) and China's Guangxi University For Nationalities.

In his speech, NUOL President Dexanourath Seneduangdeth congratulated the graduates for overcoming challenges to earn their certificates, encouraging them to continue learning, contribute to society, and serve the nation. He also praised the strong cooperation between the two universities in supporting Chinese language education in Laos.

Sikeo, a father from Lao capital Vientiane, told Xinhua that he believes learning Chinese is a valuable investment in his son's future, viewing it as a gateway to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater prospects for education and business.

"In the future, competition will be even tougher, and in my opinion, learning Chinese will give my son a competitive edge in both the local and international job markets," he said.

Nantha, a resident of northern Laos' Luang Prabang province, said learning Chinese "takes discipline and effort, but I believe it's not too difficult for those who are truly motivated."

"With Chinese investment and trade in Laos on the rise, and more Chinese tourists visiting each year, the ability to speak Chinese has become a valuable asset," Nantha told Xinhua.

She added that having strong language skills can lead to even more opportunities, particularly in business and customer service. "If we become fluent, we can connect with more people and increase our chances of success, especially in sales," she said.

Soudalath, an office worker in Vientiane, noted that many people in Laos, including her friends and colleagues, are learning Chinese due to growing job opportunities and higher salaries linked to Chinese language skills.

"I believe that the more proficient you are, the higher your chances of getting better-paying and more rewarding jobs," she added.

The Confucius Institute at the NUOL remains popular among Lao students. The institute received 193 applicants in its first academic year of 2021-2022, increasing to 562 in 2023-2024. In 2024-2025 academic year, the institute has registered 437 applicants.