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Wat Arun Beyond Reality Step into a Virtual Journey Like Never Before

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BANGKOK, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a bid to promote cultural tourism, a team led by researchers from Chulalongkorn University has incorporated cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) technology to bring Wat Arun to life. Through the “Temple of Dawn VR Game” project, visitors can explore exclusive, restricted areas of the temple and appreciate the historical, cultural, and architectural beauty of one of Thailand’s most prominent landmarks.

Wat Arun VR Game: Revealing Unseen Experiences 

Among Thailand’s iconic landmarks, Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, holds immense cultural and historical significance. The temple’s mesmerizing corn-shaped stupa rises dramatically from the bank of Chao Phraya River, captivating all who visit.   

Wat Arun is one of the major landmarks I usually bring foreign friends and international guests to visit. Many were impressed when I shared the temple’s historical and cultural details. This made me realize that without a guide, many tourists would miss enticing information about the temple’s history and architecture,” shared Dr. Ratchaneekorn Ratchatakorntrakoon, researcher at the Institute of Thai Studies, Chulalongkorn University

As the mastermind behind the project, Dr. Ratchaneekorn hopes the VR game will enrich visitors’ experiences while promoting learning and cultural tourism. 

A New Perspective Through Virtual Reality 

Building on her previous experience in creating VR applications at Chulalongkorn University’s Memorial Hall, Dr. Ratchaneekorn recognized VR technology’s potential to revolutionize storytelling.  

“This project aims to provide an immersive storytelling experience, bringing the temple’s stories and heritage to life,” she explained. 

According to the project’s tagline, “Reveal Unseen Experiences”, the Temple of Dawn VR Game allows tourists exclusive access to areas typically off-limits. These include: 

The top of the central corn-shaped stupa  The interiors of the directional pavilions housing Buddha images A bird’s-eye view of Wat Arun, offering new perspectives on its intricate architecture 

The project employs cutting-edge 3D scanning technology to recreate a virtual space of Wat Arun, enabling users to:  

Explore restricted areas Learn about the stupa’s architecture Discover stories of Buddha’s life depicted within the temple 

Overcoming Challenges: Technology Meets Tradition 

Dr. Ratchaneekorn identified two key challenges in developing the Temple of Dawn VR Game:     

Technical Limitations: Large 3D files slowed development process. The engineering team had to compress files and adjust textures for compatibility. Cultural Understanding: Tourists unfamiliar with Thai cultural norms sometimes behaved inappropriately at the temple.  

Despite these challenges, the project was successfully completed and had been introduced to tourists for trial. “Tourists gave positive feedback during the testing phase, appreciating the opportunity to engage with Wat Arun in previously unavailable ways,” Dr. Ratchaneekorn noted.  

How to Play: The Temple of Dawn VR Game  

Designed as a multi-player game, The Temple of Dawn VR experience mirrors real-life tourist dynamics, as visitors often come in pairs or groups.  Solo visitors can team up with on-site project coordinators.

The Temple of Dawn VR game includes four sub-games: 

The Old Sermon Hall (Vihan-Noi)  The Old Ordination Hall (Ubosot-Noi) The Directional Pavilions The Central Prang 

Each sub-game includes an introduction, game rules, missions to accomplish, knowledge gained, and knowledge summaries.   

Each game session lasts approximately 5-7 minutes. Players can choose one or multiple sub-games. After completing the VR experience, visitors return the document.

Educational Opportunities and Cultural Impact 

Dr. Ratchaneekorn concluded that the Temple of Dawn VR Game provides significant educational and cultural benefits:   

For Tourists: Enhances their understanding of Thai culture and encourages respectful behavior in temples. For Tour Guides: Equips guides with deeper insights to enrich visitor experiences. For Students: Supports academic research and offers practical experience in VR development. For Society: Serves as an educational tool to explore the biography of the Lord Buddha. 

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Cultural Asset

The final version of the VR application will be soon handed over to Wat Arun. Plans are underway to train temple staff on system operation. Although set to be available for visitors this November, access to the VR game may initially be limited due to the high cost of VR headsets and specialized equipment.  

“Our long-term goal is to make this innovative tool a sustainable asset that preserves cultural heritage while engaging a global audience,” said Dr. Rachaneekorn. 

For more information about the Temple of Dawn VR game, contact: Dr. Ratchaneekorn Ratchatakorntrakoon at ratchaneekorn.r@chula.ac.th or the Institute of Thai Studies, Chulalongkorn University at 02-218-7494. 

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/218322/

About Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.

Social Media: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/

 

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SOURCE Chulalongkorn University

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DJI and SkyPixel Celebrate a Decade of Creativity: 10th Annual Photo & Video Contest Winners Announced

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Honoring the Best in Aerial and Handheld Imagery from Around the World

SHENZHEN, China, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DJI and SkyPixel, the world’s largest aerial photography and videography community, proudly announce the winners of its 10th Annual Photo & Video Contest. Marking a decade of inspiring creativity, this milestone edition has attracted thousands of participants from across the globe, showcasing breathtaking visuals captured from the sky and on the ground.

Since its first edition in 2014, the SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest has celebrated the art of visual storytelling through aerial and handheld imaging. This year, the competition saw nearly 140,000 entries, each demonstrating technical excellence and artistic vision. From mesmerizing landscapes to dynamic action shots, the winning works exemplify the limitless possibilities of creative expression.

A Decade of Innovation and Inspiration

As SkyPixel celebrates its 10th anniversary, this contest serves as a testament to the evolution of aerial and handheld imaging technology and the ever-growing community of talented creators who push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Over the past decade, SkyPixel has grown from a niche platform into a global hub for photography and videography enthusiasts, inspiring millions worldwide.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 10 years of creative excellence,” said Christina Zhang, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at DJI. “This contest not only highlights the talent of our global community but also showcases the transformative power of aerial and handheld imaging in storytelling. We look forward to another decade of innovation and inspiration.”

Esteemed Judges Panel

To ensure the highest standards of evaluation, SkyPixel assembled a distinguished panel of judges, including renowned filmmakers, award-winning photographers, and industry experts. These professionals brought their vast experience and keen artistic eye to assess each entry, selecting the most outstanding works across multiple categories.

The judging panel for the 10th edition in the video category included industry heavyweights Claudio Miranda, Academy Award-winning cinematographer known for projects such as Life of Pi, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Top Gun: Maverick; Chenyu Jin, Director of Photography recognized for Blossoms Shanghai and Like a Rolling Stone; Tianhong Pan, Director of Photography for commercials and founder of the well-known self-media platform MediaStorm; and Sam Newton, a renowned travel filmmaker.

The judging panel for the 10th edition in the photography category included Anne Farrar, Assistant Managing Editor-Photography at National Geographic Magazine; Luke Stackpoole, expert in travel and adventure photography; Weimin Chu, a renowned landscape photographer and winner of the 2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest, 2023 World Press Photo Award, and 2024 Hasselblad Masters Award; Daniel Kordan, a celebrated landscape photographer known for his breathtaking nature imagery.

2025 Annual Best Video Prize (Aerial)

The 2025 Annual Best Video Prize (Aerial) recognizes outstanding achievements in aerial cinematography, celebrating films that capture the world from above with both skill and creativity.

This year’s winner, The War – My Transformation Journey, directed by Bashir Abu Shakra, stands out for its distinctive approach. Abu Shakra has a unique way of conveying solitude, using breathtaking aerial shots to evoke a quiet sense of loneliness and melancholy. His work places him alone in vast, boundless landscapes, emphasizing the human experience against the overwhelming scale of nature.

His footage often features vast, open landscapes — stretching far into the distance — where he appears alone, a single figure framed against the expanse. This contrast between the individual and the limitless surroundings enhances the film’s personal narrative of transformation, blending technical precision with a subtle, reflective tone that makes his work memorable and powerful.

“The opening shot is truly captivating, marked by its elongated duration, graceful camera movements, and the serene beauty of the time of day. The composition stands out as particularly noteworthy. It’s one of my favorites, and the overall quality is exceptional,” said Claudio Miranda. “The War is an admirable film. Landscape photography is never a simple record, and every shot taken by this cinematographer is refined, precise, and captivating. The angles, the light all show his persistence and perseverance. It is a film where technique and the creator’s inner vision are highly aligned. I really liked the ending,” said Chenyu Jin.

2025 Annual Best Video Prize (Handheld)

The 2025 Annual Best Video Prize (Handheld) recognizes exceptional videography using handheld or stabilized cameras, proving that creativity knows no bounds. This year’s winner, Japan Travel Cinematic, created by Henry Yue, captures the essence of magical Japan with a director’s sharp eye and masterful cinematic techniques. Through his expert use of composition and cutting-edge stabilization, he transports viewers into a visually rich and emotionally resonant journey through the heart of Japan.

“The sound design and use of movement in this film were second to none, absolutely capturing the essence of Japan in the most stunning way. This was one of my favorites, and I felt immersed from the moment I hit play. Keep up the incredible work—this was truly something else,” said Sam Newton. “Japan Travel is a work rich in visual elements, combining both motion and stillness without causing any sense of chaos. Henry expertly controlled the pace of the film, with clean tones and precise, appropriate exposure control that perfectly integrates all elements. It is a highly refined and cohesive piece,” said Chenyu Jin.

2025 Annual Best Photo Prize

SkyPixel’s 2025 Annual Best Photo Prize honors the most striking still image captured in the past year. This edition’s winner, Mysterious Realm, taken by Gangerqia, exemplifies the power of a single frame, blending technical skill with a profound visual narrative. Through an intricate composition, this mesmerizing image reveals the striking form of a human eye, emerging seamlessly from its natural surroundings — an artistic feat that blurs the line between landscape and symbolism.

“This aerial photo works beautifully because it almost tricks you at first glance — like you’re looking at a drawing rather than a real landscape. There’s a frozen pond shaped like an eye that immediately grabs your attention, and the neat line of footprints from the bird adds a playful sense of movement. It’s simple, clean, and has a bit of mystery to it. The minimal colors and subtle textures make the whole thing feel calming but intriguing at the same time,” said Luke Stackpoole.

Each of these winners receives recognition for their outstanding contribution to visual storytelling, along with prizes that support their creative endeavors.

The winning entries have been officially announced on SkyPixel™. Among the Top 10 video winners, We Were Meant to Fly delivered a stunning tribute to the limitless possibilities of flight, while Journey to the Pole captured the raw beauty of extreme landscapes. DREAMS OF PHILIPPINES | A CINEMATIC JOURNEY offered a visually poetic exploration of the islands, and FLIGHT MODE impressed with its dynamic aerial cinematography.

Other winning entries included We All Start Somewhere, an inspiring narrative about creative journeys, and My FPV Showreel 2024, showcasing high-speed drone mastery. The cinematic beauty of The Dolomites transported viewers to Italy’s majestic peaks, while Dear Friend delivered an emotionally resonant story. Rounding out the winners, MY YEAR 2024 reflected on a year of adventure, and Mysterious Altay revealed the hidden wonders of remote landscapes.

For the complete list of winners, please visit: www.skypixel.com/contests/2024. All awarded entries will enter a public review period from now until April 7, 2025. Should you have any inquiries regarding the competition or the entries under review, please email the official competition address at: skypixel.campaign@dji.com.

About SkyPixel

Founded in 2014, SkyPixel is the leading online community for aerial photographers and videographers, with millions of registered users worldwide. It provides a platform for creatives to share their work, exchange knowledge, and explore the latest advancements in imaging technology.

For more details on this year’s winners and to view their stunning works, visit SkyPixel’s 10th Annual Contest Website https://www.skypixel.com/contests/2024.

About DJI

Since 2006, DJI has led the world with civilian drone innovations that have empowered individuals to take flight for the first time, visionaries to turn their imagination into reality, and professionals to transform their work entirely. Today, DJI serves to build a better world by continuously promoting human advancement. With a solution-oriented mindset and genuine curiosity, DJI has expanded its ambitions into areas such as cycling, renewable energy, agriculture, public safety, surveying and mapping, and infrastructure inspection. In every application, DJI products deliver experiences that add value to lives around the world in more profound ways than ever before.

For more information, visit our:
SkyPixel website: https://www.skypixel.com

Please also visit our official DJI channels:
Website: dji.com
Online Store: store.dji.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DJI
Instagram: instagram.com/DJIGlobal
X: x.com/DJIGlobal  
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dji
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/DJI

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SOURCE DJI; SkyPixel

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As AI Use Grows at Work, On-the-Job Training Lags, According to New National Survey

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More than half of U.S. workers are beginning to feel the effects of AI on the job and in future career trajectories, but most feel unprepared

BOSTON, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Despite a significant uptick in the number of workers and learners feeling the effects of artificial intelligence (AI), AI training has yet to keep pace, according to a national Jobs for the Future (JFF) survey conducted by AudienceNet. According to the survey, the percentage of Americans using AI at work has increased from just 8% in 2023 to more than one-third (35%) of respondents. Learners — respondents currently enrolled in education or training — are even more likely to use AI, with nearly six in 10 (59%) reporting use at least weekly.

Despite this rise in use, relatively few workers are receiving AI training. Just 31% of workers said their employer-provided training on AI tools, and AI use appears to be largely driven by individuals. A majority of respondents (60%) report using AI primarily for self-directed learning. Nearly 1 in 5 workers on the job report tapping into AI on their own initiative.

“AI should make us all better off by creating quality jobs, pathways to entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods, and opportunities to unleash human agency and potential,” said Kristina Francis, Executive Director, JFFLabs. “With AI already transforming the future of work and learning, access to training, tools, and the opportunity to help shape this technology are more critical than ever—and we risk widening divides if we don’t act now.”

Key findings from the new survey include:

AI usage is growing on the job, but AI training isn’t keeping up.

The percentage of workers using AI has increased from 8% to 35% in just two years. But more than half (56%) say they still don’t feel prepared to use AI at work.57% of workers reported feeling some or a great deal of impact from AI on their jobs. The most commonly reported impacts include reducing manual work and automating repetitive or routine tasks.

The use of AI is growing in the classroom as well.

59% of learners report using AI in their education or training at least weekly. In 2023, only 15% of learners reported using AI tools in their studies on their own initiative.57% of learners report their instructors have incorporated AI in the classroom, up from 13% in 2023.

AI use is being driven by individuals more than by organizations.

Respondents’ most common use of AI was for self-directed learning (60%).On-the-job, workers are twice as likely to be using AI at their own initiative (20%) than at their employer’s direction (11%).One in twelve respondents used AI to start or grow a business (8%).Only 16% of respondents had access to paid AI tools from their employer or education institution; 10% of the general population and 15% of respondents of color said they were paying for AI tools out of pocket.

AI’s impact is beginning to influence workers’ future plans for career and skill development – with the need to adapt felt more acutely by people of color and people with records.

77% of respondents said they believe AI will impact the job or career they expect to have in the next 3-5 years.While a majority of respondents—53%—felt the need to gain new skills due to AI in the next 5 years, this need is felt more acutely among certain populations, with 70% of respondents of color and 56% of respondents with records saying they felt they needed to upskill.19% of all respondents—and 30% of respondents of color—said they are either actively pursuing different careers or considering changing plans in the near future due to AI-driven transformation.19% of respondents said they have already used AI tools to obtain a better job.

“AI is a powerful tool that creates efficiencies, but we also want to think about how we can augment what is uniquely human in a way that improves job quality,” said Michael Collins, Senior Vice President, Population Strategies. “The challenge, and the opportunity here, is to support learners and workers to take advantage of AI technology, and to get smarter about their work.”

The new survey was conducted by AudienceNet between November 20 and 27, 2024, with 2,754 respondents aged 16 and above. To ensure a robust dataset, the survey oversampled specific populations — including individuals without a four-year degree, people of color, women, and individuals with records of arrest, conviction, or incarceration — who are often underrepresented in AI-related research. The data was weighted to reflect the U.S. population using the latest census benchmarks. 

JFF has developed a call to action to guide workforce and education practitioners, investors, employers, and policymakers to take steps to ensure that AI improves the quality of jobs, fosters entrepreneurship, and promotes economic advancement.

To learn more and access additional survey findings, visit JFF’s website.

About Jobs for the Future (JFF) 

JFF is building a future that works for everyone by transforming U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for people, businesses, and communities. www.jff.org.

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SOURCE JOBS FOR THE FUTURE INC

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Creative Safety Supply Highlights Leading Workplace Safety Solutions

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Creative Safety Supply LLC emphasizes its commitment to workplace safety and Lean manufacturing with innovative products like LabelTac® printers and barcode generators, along with extensive educational resources.

PORTLAND, Ore., March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Creative Safety Supply LLC, an industry leader in workplace safety and Lean manufacturing products, continues its commitment to helping businesses enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance through innovative solutions and educational resources.

“Safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating environments where employees can thrive.”

With an extensive line of products including floor marking tapes, industrial label printers, and safety signage, Creative Safety Supply addresses critical needs in maintaining safe and productive work environments. Their highly acclaimed LabelTac® industrial label printers title LabelTac® industrial label printers help organizations produce durable, customized labels quickly and affordably, empowering teams to communicate hazards and organizational standards clearly.

Additionally, their popular Barcode Generator title Barcode Generator provides businesses with a free, user-friendly tool for streamlining inventory management, asset tracking, and operational efficiency.

“Safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating environments where employees can thrive,” says Ben Geck, a representative of Creative Safety Supply. “Our mission is to provide businesses with practical, innovative solutions that simplify safety processes and reduce workplace hazards.”

Creative Safety Supply also supports continuous education in workplace safety through comprehensive online resources, such as their informative articles on PPE Guidelines title PPE Guidelines and Lean Manufacturing principles title Lean Manufacturing principles, helping professionals stay informed and compliant with current safety standards.

To explore Creative Safety Supply’s extensive range of workplace safety solutions and educational materials, visit http://www.creativesafetysupply.com title Creative Safety Supply.

Media Contact

Kevin Kahle, Creative Safety Supply, +15032071939, kkahle@creativesafetysupply.com, www.creativesafetysupply.com

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SOURCE Creative Safety Supply

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