Thailand’s labor landscape is moving in an exciting new direction, with Jobsdb by SEEK, the nation’s premier job platform, at its helm. In a bold move forward, they’re redefining the way the Silver Age workforce—individuals aged 55 and above—integrates into a world now heavily influenced by AI technology. As the clock ticked past April 23 of this year, this group comprised a staggering over 13 million people, which is about 20% of the entire Thai workforce. As projections stand, Thailand will mature into a “super-aged” society by the dawn of 2030, expecting over a quarter of its populace to be above the age of 65.
Many within this vibrant Silver Age demographic are itching for a comeback into the workforce. Their reasons span across seeking financial stability to simply wanting to keep their minds active or passing down the wisdom of years gone by. However, in today’s rapidly evolving job market, skills in AI—especially the emerging Generative AI—are becoming indispensable. It’s these AI capabilities that turbocharge efficiency across sectors, setting global job trends ablaze. According to the World Economic Forum, there’s been a jaw-dropping 177% surge globally in workers acquiring AI skills since 2018, with even areas like marketing, sales, and healthcare clamoring for AI-savvy talent.
Interestingly, over half of today’s employers are on the hunt for candidates proficient in AI, pinpointing abilities in prompt engineering and the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot as almost essential. For the Silver Age workforce, mastering these technologies not only enhances confidence but also brings a treasure trove of experience to the digital desk, empowering organizations to thrive in our tech-driven world.
To harness this opportunity, Jobsdb by SEEK has spotlighted seven engaging career pathways perfect for the Silver Age, mesh existing knowledge and emerging digital tools:
- Specialised Teaching/Tutoring: Craft a new career teaching online, bridging generations from the comfy confines of your home.
- Customer Service/Call Centre: Leverage your communication prowess in remote customer support, serving with passion and poise.
- Translation: Translating ideas and languages offers freelancing freedoms to those who speak in tongues.
- Basic Accounting/Finance: Earnings await those adept at financial frameworks, in the realm of freelancing or SME support.
- Administrative/Coordination: Document divers and scheduling savants might find their niche while weaving in new digital tools.
- Online Sales: Market mavens can sell like champions, leveraging social media or sales applications from anywhere with Wi-Fi.
- Independent Consulting: Share financial, investment, or developmental insights with younger generations craving guidance.
Digital tools, coupled with AI applications like e-learning platforms, translate software, and data-entry programs, add an extra layer of excitement and efficiency to these roles.
But amid this digital renaissance, Thailand’s aging population poses an important challenge for fair employment practices. A revealing survey by Jobsdb by SEEK unmasked that over 30% of Thai workers sense hurdles in finding suitable employment due to biases. The Silver Age workforce often feels the cold shoulder of age and status prejudices, highlighted in KhaoSod’s reporting. It underscores the pressing need for inclusive employment, a vision championed by Jobsdb by SEEK’s Fair Hiring initiative. This initiative is a clarion call for embracing age, gender, race, or status diversity in recruitment, upheld by Duangporn Promaon, the insightful managing director of Jobsdb by SEEK. She champions this as part of their key mission of embedding diversity deep within Thailand’s labor markets, tilting the scales through AI-driven recruitment—ensuring every job and candidate find their perfect match, bias-free.
It’s an exhilarating time in Thailand’s labor market ecosystem, where traditional wisdom meets futuristic AI. The efforts of trailblazers like Jobsdb by SEEK are crafting a workscape that’s not just inclusive, but innovative, offering profound possibilities for Thailand’s Silver Age adventurers ready to conquer new digital horizons. Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Not in this digital age!
It’s fantastic seeing initiatives like this take shape in Thailand! Embracing AI in the workforce, especially for the older generation, is the way forward.
I agree! My mom learned to use ChatGPT recently, and it’s really boosted her confidence and skills.
Is it really confidence or just a false sense of complexity? AI replacing real skills is concerning.
Think about it this way: AI complements existing skills, not replaces them. It’s all in how it’s used.
Exactly! It’s about harnessing AI as a tool, just like any technological advancement in the past.
True! The key is integrating it without losing personal interaction.
Whilst I support the programme, I can’t help but feel we’re pushing technology onto those who might just want a quiet retirement.
People should have the choice, absolutely. But let’s give them all the options first!
After a lifetime of work, some of us just want peace without adapting to tech.
Not everybody wants ‘peace’ though. Many seniors are eager to stay connected and relevant.
Teaching online and tutoring with AI tools is groundbreaking for older educators. It’s recycling experience!
Exactly! Elderly educators are a treasure trove of knowledge. AI just amplifies their reach.
Indeed. It’s a refreshing way to preserve and transfer knowledge across generations.
More attention needs to be on eliminating ageism. Despite AI opportunities, biases still hold back potential.
Regardless of AI, the root problem is societal—ageism isn’t new, and tech alone won’t solve it.
Programs like Fair Hiring are essential. Systems need to reflect inclusivity.
I’m all for diversity in tech, but we shouldn’t ignore that young people also need these jobs.
There’s a misconception. The jobs aren’t limited; they necessitate varying experiences.
True. Maybe a balance between new energy and seasoned wisdom is what’s needed.
Translation and consulting are perfect fits for the Silver Agers. Experience is often unquantifiable.
Online sales for the older generation? Interesting, but are they truly tech-savvy enough?
Don’t underestimate us! My generation is catching up on the digital seas.
A great transformation indeed, but let’s ensure these efforts are accessible and affordable.
The focus needs to be skills, not age. Skills transcend generations—AI might finally bring that realization.