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Entering the era of Thai 4.0, Thailand is dedicated to transforming the nation into a digital one. This commitment reflects a visionary approach to embracing technological innovations and digitalisation to drive the country’s growth and development.
The preparedness of a digital workforce must encompass holistic and comprehensive initiatives. The nation should develop and implement a curriculum that ensures a seamless learning experience, covering various digital skills and competencies.
In light of this, Dr Phuchapong Nodthaisong, the Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Committee, presided over the 6/2023 Digital Workforce Development Curriculum Certification Committee meeting proceedings. The meeting was attended by Mr Teerawut Thongphak, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Committee, and Miss Ployrawee Krirkphankul, Director of the Digital Drive for the Economy Department.
All three individuals share a joint mission by collaborating to develop a comprehensive and seamless curriculum that addresses the evolving needs of the digital workforce. They recognise the importance of equipping the nation with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age. This collective effort underscores their dedication to advancing Thailand’s digital transformation and ensuring a digitally competent workforce.
During this meeting, participants collaboratively reviewed and deliberated on the certification of digital workforce development programmes, which encompassed courses such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) for Government Officers and Government Executives.
Additionally, the meeting covered the “Digital Security Course for Government Executives” (Digital Security for Government Executives) and the “Personal Data Protection Course” (ICDL Personal Data Protection: PDPA). These initiatives are part of the ongoing efforts led by the Office of the Digital Economy and Society.
Moreover, it is not only Thailand that is taking the initiative to foster the digital workforce. However, many nations are also taking steps to strengthen their digital workforce. This trend is a global recognition of digital skills’ vital role in today’s workforce across various countries.
Indonesia, a nation located close to Thailand, has launched a plan to accelerate digital workforce development. The Indonesian Ministry and the Institute of State Electricity Company Technology (ITPLN) have joined forces to create a university curriculum that prepares a digitally skilled workforce. ITPLN is an Indonesian higher education institution under the Education and Welfare Foundation of PT. PLN (Persero) is at the forefront of this initiative, aligning with the Indonesian government’s commitment to digital transformation.
Similarly, in Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has collaborated with an American financial services company to cultivate future leaders through the Next Technologist Entrepreneurial Champion Career Launcher programme (NxTEC).
This programme responds to the growing demand for tech talent and aims to nurture the next generation of tech leaders by providing upskilling workshops, internships, and mentorship. With the backing of the financial services company and support from global non-profit organisations, universities, and industry partners, NxTEC addresses the need for young professionals entering the Innovation and Technology (I&T) sector.
Furthermore, Singapore recognised and supported students with a solid enthusiasm for acquiring digital knowledge. The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and the Smart Nation Digital Government Group (SNDGG) have honoured 85 scholarship recipients across various categories. This underscored their commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and advancing Singapore’s technology, media, information services, and communication sectors.
Among these scholarships is the Smart Nation Scholarship (SNS), awarded to 12 individuals through a collaborative effort involving the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, the Government Technology Agency, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority.
The SNS aims to train future technology leaders who can lead Singapore’s digital transformation. These examples illustrate a global trend where nations actively invest in digital workforce development to meet the demands of the evolving technological landscape.
Seeing this indicates that Thailand is not only ready for its tech-savvy digital workforce but that Asia nations are very much aligned with this vision. Countries across the Asia region are actively gearing up to equip their workforce with the digital skills needed to thrive in the modern age.
The commitment of these Asia nations to advance their digital workforce highlights a collective effort to stay competitive in the global digital economy. As technology continues to reshape the business landscape, having a skilled and adaptable workforce is essential for the sustainable growth of these nations. Through these initiatives, Asia is well on its way to becoming a hub of digital innovation and expertise, benefiting the region and the global tech ecosystem.