About 72 per cent of Thai graduates at risk of unemployment by 2030 because of new technologies

Digital transformation is redefining the ways in which people work, live and learn. For Thailand’s Deputy Education Minister, “Some jobs will disappear, others will grow, and jobs that don't even exist today could become commonplace.” The skills most requested by employers will include cognitive skills like problem solving, critical thinking, analysis and creative work.

Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) – By 2030, 72 per cent of university graduates could be either unemployed or working at jobs that do not require a bachelor's degree. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots are the main threats to employment for Thailand’s young people, this according to the country’s Deputy Minister for Education Udom Kachinthorn.

Mr Udom spoke two days ago at a seminar organised by the Education Council in Bangkok. Citing a report published by the World Bank, he said, "if Thai universities do not adapt and cannot build a workforce with future-proof skills, the country may have to cope with the largest ever rate of unemployment."

As things stand, digital transformation will totally redefine the way people work, live and learn. "Some jobs will disappear, others will grow, and jobs that don't even exist today could become commonplace.”

The deputy minister warned that administrative and office workers who lack all but routine skills will be the most vulnerable of being made "redundant" and being replaced by machines.

High-in-demand skills will include cognitive abilities like problem solving, critical thinking, analysis or creative work, Udom said.

He warned that universities and teachers must embrace change by using digital technology to make their classes and content more lively, relevant and responsive to the demands and lifestyles of a new generation.

“The universities of the future must teach students how to become learners. Schools and universities must change from being just classrooms to becoming learning spaces. Pedagogues must assume new roles as coaches who provide guidance, not only giving lectures," he explained.

"To survive, Thai universities need to adjust their strategies, modernise, shut down outdated majors that are not in high demand, and collaborate more," he added.

• thailand
• work
• artificial intelligence
• unemployment
• robots
• universities