As Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms industries, Thailand is racing to prepare its workforce, with educators and businesses joining forces to equip people to use AI not as a replacement but to enhance human capability.
In the “Bridging Academia and Industry with AI Innovation” forum hosted recently by SkillUp, a global platform empowering students’ careers, at Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, Greg Watkins, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, said people cannot use AI as a substitute for learning.
“What we need now is to apply what students learn in schools to using AI as a tool across industries, so any employee can join a business and hit the ground running,” he said.
Yean Feng Yue, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at IBM Asia Pacific, said learning should not be outsourced to AI.
The future belongs to those who can work with technology, she said. As AI takes on certain tasks, she said, humans must continue learning and move up the value chain.
AI-Ready Workforce
As technology transforms industries, jobs of the future will no longer be defined solely by academic credentials.
Narain Chutijirawong, Executive Director at Deloitte Thailand, said that the future of employment will be skills-based. Beyond working in a particular profession, such as accounting or engineering, workers will need to develop additional skills to transfer across disciplines.
“Soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and curiosity will be essential,” he said.
The Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI) works with industry to identify key competencies.
Phiriyaphong Chaengchenwet, TPQI Director of Professional Qualifications Innovation Development, noted that career-readiness skills are becoming increasingly important.
“More enterprises are now training hard skills on the job. As technology evolves, education should focus on soft, career-readiness skills — passion for learning and diligence at work.”
Education-Industry Alliance
At the forum, SkillUp and TPQI signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate national learning and career development with industry-backed certifications. The partnership aims to provide students with clearer career pathways and aligns education more closely with the needs of employers.
SkillUp, led by CEO Peter Longstaff, aims to empower one million learners across Asean by 2030.
TPQI Director-General Jullada Meejul said, “TPQI certifications, in collaboration with SkillUp and Deloitte, will equip students with competencies in demand for 21st-century employment.”
Nisakorn Songmanee, Deloitte Thailand Talent Leader and Audit and Assurance Partner, noted that the job market is moving faster than ever, raising the question of how to prepare the Thai workforce.
“How do we ensure Thailand is not only ready to adapt but ready for meaningful careers? That’s why we developed SkillUp — not just another learning portal but an ecosystem offering many opportunities,” she said.
The forum concluded with a shared commitment to build a workforce that is not only digitally skilled but also inclusive and aligned with Thailand’s social and economic goals.
Kusuma Nawaphanpimol, Expert on International Cooperation Policy Development, Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, affirmed the ministry’s support.
“The importance of digital skills cannot be overstated as technology reshapes societies — they’re not a priority but a necessity,” she said. The ministry is committed to fostering an education system that helps people become knowledgeable, adaptable, and ready for the 21st century. “However, we cannot achieve this alone. Partners like SkillUp and TPQI are vital in combining the strengths of academia, industry, and government.”