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The digital economy’s anticipated growth to US$330 billion in ASEAN by 2025, underpinned by the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), marks a pivotal milestone with Malaysia assuming the ASEAN Chair. Fostering this economic expansion hinges on equipping the workforce with robust digital learning initiatives.
Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (Minister of DE), recently presided over a meeting to develop strategies to attract a skilled digital workforce. “We recognise the critical importance of a skilled digital workforce in driving the growth of the digital economy in ASEAN,” emphasised Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong during the meeting. He reiterated the significance of nurturing talent capable of contributing to the region’s burgeoning digital landscape.
The workforce plays an essential role in a country’s economic advancement. Serving as the fundamental engine behind economic productivity and progress, the workforce represents the collective human capital that propels various sectors and industries. Their skills, knowledge, and commitment directly influence the economy’s overall effectiveness, efficiency, and innovative capacity.
An adept and proficient workforce is vital for nurturing economic expansion and competitiveness at the domestic and international levels. When the workforce possesses a wide range of skills and capabilities, it can make meaningful contributions to diverse sectors, encompassing manufacturing, technology, services, and finance. Furthermore, a well-educated and trained workforce has the potential to attract foreign investments and enhance the overall economic landscape, creating a positive cycle of prosperity.
Thailand has been taking measures to advance its digital workforce. Its efforts to enhance its digital workforce span various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, the economy, and policy.
For instance, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), in collaboration with the Broadcasting Research and Development Fund Television and Telecommunications for the Public Benefit (KAT), has initiated the Digital Skills for Media Industry project. This outreach aims to encourage active participation in surveys and focus group activities, which will serve as crucial components of a comprehensive assessment.
Moreover, this project seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that educational institutions are equipping students with the digital skills demanded by the media sector. The project aims to create a seamless transition for graduates entering the media workforce, armed with the requisite digital competencies, by fostering closer ties between media organisations and educational institutions.
Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong asserted that the responsibility for cultivating a digitally empowered workforce is not solely on the government’s shoulders but extends to all societal entities. Achieving this shared destiny of a highly skilled and digitally literate workforce requires a collective effort and collaboration among various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, educational institutions, and civil society.
It takes a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to ensure that the entire population can access digital skills and participate in the digital economy and society. This shared responsibility reflects a commitment to a brighter, more inclusive digital future where everyone can thrive and contribute to the nation’s progress.
“Empowering Thailand’s workforce with advanced digital literacy is not just a strategic move; it’s the key to propelling the nation toward its development objectives and setting the stage for a digital future,” Mr Prasert expressed.
This forward-looking approach envisions a workforce that is not only highly skilled but also adept at harnessing the full potential of technology. By doing so, Thailand can position itself as a competitive force on the global stage.
