Bangkok:The Ministry of Education has partnered with Microsoft to launch the Microsoft Elevate AI project aimed at equipping Thai citizens with digital skills for the future. The launch event, held at the Rosewood Hotel in Bangkok, saw Mr. Prasert Chantharawongthong, Minister of Education, and Mr. Kevin Frey of Microsoft introduce the initiative. Key figures such as Mr. Thanawat Suthamphan from Microsoft Thailand were also present.
According to Thai News Agency, the collaboration involves several partners, including the Office of the Vocational Education Commission and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, to enhance AI skills among Thai workers and students. The project aligns with Thailand’s strategic goal of becoming an OECD member by fostering AI proficiency.
The Ministry has identified the need to address the rapid growth of AI adoption in Thailand, which ranks second globally. With projections indicating a demand for one million highly skilled workers by 2029, the Ministry is focusing on preparing students to use AI as an aid rather than a replacement for human thought. This involves a three-tiered educational approach fostering critical thinking, effective AI usage, and promoting safety and responsibility.
Four main policies will drive this initiative, including active learning, AI literacy development, teacher upskilling, and workload reduction through AI tools. This builds on previous successes in AI training for millions of students and aims to integrate AI responsibly into education to enhance learning outcomes.
The Ministry of Education plans to collaborate with various government sectors and the private sector to ensure equitable access to AI education and facilitate a seamless transition from education to the workforce, thereby supporting Thailand’s progress in the AI era.