For the first time, four leading organizations: SCB, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), Microsoft (Thailand), and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) have come together to launch a project to promote artificial intelligence skills for personnel and workforce to enhance employment opportunities (Artificial Intelligence for Increasing Job Opportunity). This initiative aims to rapidly develop AI professionals for the industry, supporting the New S-Curve for the Thai economy.

Mr. Worawat Suwakan, Deputy Managing Director and CEO of SCB Academy, SCB Bank, revealed that the project to promote artificial intelligence skills for personnel and workforce is designed to align with the current labor market demands. Many organizations are now applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology across various functions, including marketing, sales, research and development (R&D), manufacturing, customer service, accounting, and finance. The four organizations recognize the benefits of implementing AI systems to create added value for businesses and enhance their long-term competitiveness. SCB Academy has been entrusted to participate in designing and developing the curriculum and learning formats, including content, case studies, practical training methods, and assessments in every lesson, ensuring that the knowledge, techniques, and skills developed will meet the needs of both learners and the labor market. It is expected that when the workforce possesses AI skills, it will lead to increased employment and play a crucial role in supporting domestic consumption and economic recovery post-COVID-19.

Assistant Professor Dr. Natthapol Nimmana-patcharin, Director of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, stated that one of depa's key missions is to promote and support the development of personnel in the digital industry and innovation. Developing AI skills is another digital technology that must be rapidly prepared for the Thai workforce to strengthen the business and industrial sectors of the country. This project is a pilot initiative by depa to develop AI skills to create IT professionals for the new industrial sector.

“Currently, there are 25,000 IT jobs, but only 50% are entering the industrial sector. According to a survey by depa, there is a demand for 100,000 skilled IT workers annually in digital fields such as digital content and telecom. This indicates that the country still lacks personnel in this area, and the survey also found that existing IT personnel do not meet the industry's needs. Therefore, the project to promote artificial intelligence skills will contribute to creating personnel with AI capabilities that align with the labor market's demands,”

Ms. Chanikan Pronanan, Deputy Managing Director of Marketing and Operations at Microsoft (Thailand) Co., Ltd., added that Microsoft Thailand is ready to support knowledgeable instructors, provide learning and certification exam support, and create a learning community to share knowledge and access future employment opportunities. This will enable participants to understand, apply, and innovate with AI, enhancing and growing Thai products and services on the international stage. This project aligns with the company's vision to develop digital skills for 10 million workers in the country. Currently, Microsoft Thailand has already developed basic digital skills for 3 million people, but ultimately, the most important thing is to develop people with advanced digital skills and use AI to drive the digital economy.

“We are very excited about this project to promote artificial intelligence skills because it will be the first wave to help increase the workforce in AI towards Microsoft Thailand's goal. We aim to create a large number of innovators in the country to support the industrial sector and drive the New S-Curve for the Thai economy,”

For those interested in participating in the project to promote artificial intelligence skills for personnel and workforce to enhance employment opportunities (Artificial Intelligence for Increasing Job Opportunity), please scan the QR code below to fill out the application form.