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Digital transformation has become a global imperative, with countries worldwide implementing various strategies to leverage digital technology for societal, economic, and governance improvements. Each country’s approach is tailored to its technological infrastructure, regulatory environment, economic priorities, and societal needs. This global transformation requires smart strategies, smart implementation, and a collaborative, outcome-oriented mindset.
In Thailand, for example, the government has embarked on a joint effort to advance the digital economy and society through initiatives like accreditation of government agencies’ curricula. Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, who serves as a Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, has announced plans to publicise the outcomes of this project for 2023. This reflects Thailand’s commitment to equipping its government agencies with the skills to thrive in the digital age.
Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong, the committee’s secretary-general for Digital for the National Economy and Society, revealed the outcomes of the 2023 curriculum accreditation operations, which aimed to certify 70 courses. The National Curriculum Committee (NCC) reviewed 73 courses from 18 institutions for accreditation, categorising 30 as essential and 43 as moderately important. The 177 courses were considered for certification from 2021 to 2023.
During the meeting, Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong presented guidelines to promote and support government agencies in organising digital skill development training courses among government officials and personnel. These guidelines are designed to be practical and effective, with input from executives representing government agencies, the private sector, the business sector, and academia.
Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha highlighted that besides certifying more than 70 courses from the previous year, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has been following up on the results of course accreditation, with over 104 courses considered for their quality and standards. These courses cater to six groups of civil servants and government personnel: senior executives, division directors, policy and academic workers, service workers, technology operators, and other practitioners. The curriculum development standards include a mechanism for systematic monitoring and evaluation of performance.
Additionally, measures have been implemented to promote and develop the country’s digital workforce, aiming to raise their digital capability and potential. This includes the general public, students, labour groups, entrepreneurs, the business sector, and civil servants, who all require adequate digital skills to drive government agencies towards the digital government.
Mr Phuchapong Nodthaisong, Secretary-General of the National Digital Economy and Society Committee, emphasised that the NBTC has certified digital skills development courses for government agencies. Standards for curriculum development have been set alongside a mechanism for systematically monitoring and evaluating performance.
To support this, the NBTC has taken proactive steps to enhance the quality of these courses. They have established a cooperation network with recognised organisations in related fields. This collaborative effort ensures that the courses are developed and delivered in line with industry best practices and standards.
Additionally, the NBTC works closely with the Office of the Civil Service Commission and associated agencies, enabling them to align their efforts and resources and ensuring that the courses meet the needs and expectations of the civil service sector.
He further stated that the NDC has continuously held focus group meetings in the past to create guidelines for promoting and supporting government agencies in organising training for certified courses. These efforts include measures to promote and develop Thailand’s digital workforce under the project for managing and following up on the curriculum accreditation of government agencies.
These initiatives are integral to Thailand’s comprehensive strategy to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of propelling the nation’s digital transformation and enhancing its competitiveness in the global digital economy. Thailand aims to effectively leverage digital technology to improve its economy and society by equipping civil servants and government personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills.
