In an inspiring confluence of intellect and innovation, Kenan Foundation Asia (Kenan), alongside both public and private sector allies, recently orchestrated a groundbreaking conference entitled “Building AI and Green Skills for a Sustainable Workforce.” This pivotal event stitched together a tapestry of ideas from stakeholders committed to addressing policy dichotomies and real-world hurdles in the seamless integration of AI and eco-conscious expertise into the educational, training, and workforce arenas. The ultimate ambition? To propel Thailand’s industries into the stratosphere of sustainable growth.
Under the visionary banner of Thailand’s Vision 2030, also charmingly dubbed “Ignite Thailand,” the country aspires to etch itself as a frontrunner in regional landscapes, from the digital economy to future mobility and agriculture. With an eye on leveraging its breathtaking natural resources, legendary tourist allure, and the vibrant spirit of its people, Thailand is revving up to unlock its full potential. Thai enterprises are shrewdly weaving artificial intelligence into their operational fabric, and green business strategies that optimize resource efficiency and minimize environmental impact are becoming the global gold standard. In such a setting, a workforce armed with cutting-edge skills is not merely a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity for attracting capital and nurturing sustainable prosperity.
Consequently, those boasting a proficiency in green skills and AI stand out not only as employment magnets but also as heralds spearheading innovation and steering towards a greener tomorrow. These competencies are not just fuel for career engines but also catalysts for entrepreneurial pursuits and active community participation, shaping the employable youth of tomorrow.
Kenan astutely orchestrated a rendezvous of minds from government entities, private sector beacons, academic institutions, and global scholars to breathe life into the conference themed “Building AI and Green Skills for a Sustainable Workforce.” The event sparkled under the auspices of H.E. Mr. Robert F. Godec, Ambassador of the United States of America to Thailand, who resonated with insights on “Opportunities to Accelerate Workforce Development through Public-Private Collaboration.” Furthermore, the esteemed Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, PhD, MD., Chairman of Thailand Science Research and Innovation, captivated the audience with his keynote on “Empowering Tomorrow: Equipping the STEM Workforce with Essential AI and Green Competencies.”
Among the intellectual gems shared, local and global paragons of AI and green skills integration into education glittered brightly, along with advocacies for symbiotic collaborations between governments, business moguls, and civil society to amass resources and expertise. The conference was a bold call to action for inventive solutions and sustainable pursuits to bolster youth employability and spur economic vitality.
Khunying Jada Wattanasiritham, Chairperson of Kenan Foundation Asia, eloquently remarked, “This conference serves as a critical nexus for fostering collaboration and integration across sectors to innovate and architect a sustainable future. By amalgamating perspectives from a legion of international and local experts, it endeavours to seed positive transformations and triumphs for Thai youth through the augmentation of green, digital, and STEM skills. Our quest is to confront skill voids head-on, equipping youth to deftly navigate the whirlwind of future workforce demands. Kenan has strategically expanded its training canvases to embrace AI and Green Skills, preparing the workforce for the evolving tapestry of modern industry and society.”
Taking the baton, Ms. Allison Morris, Director of Partnerships at Kenan Foundation Asia, introduced the visionary initiative, “The Mekong Green Skills Accelerator.” With designs on arming the youth across the region with pertinent skills to thrive in green sectors such as solar, electric vehicles, sustainable agriculture, and beyond, this initiative aims to arm 150,000 students by 2030, transforming them into champions of green industries. This massive undertaking is a clarion call to companies, international partners, and patrons to lend both technical and financial support to hit the audacious target of nurturing a new generation of green economy maestros.
Mr. Richard Bernhard, Executive Director of Kenan Foundation Asia, succinctly summed up the organization’s ethos by stating, “For over 28 years, Kenan has been a beacon of empowerment, channeling capacity-building and training for over 19,000 educators and 3 million students. The hallmark of Kenan’s training success hinges on its harmonious blend of local know-how with extensive international curricula and expert connections. This singular fusion ensures that our tailor-made programs dovetail seamlessly with local and national needs, all without sparing rigor. Culminated through the enriching collaboration among government, business, academia, and civil society, this conference was a magnum opus of collective wisdom and innovation.”
A heartfelt nod was extended to the sponsors whose generosity made the event possible: Caterpillar Foundation, JPMorganChase, Boeing, Krungthai Bank, Bangkok Bank, The Government Savings Bank, and B.Grimm Power. Kenan holds the optimistic belief that the conference will architect a robust framework to develop skills that tackle diverse employment challenges, ushering in inclusive economic growth that uplifts every stratum of society.
This is exactly what’s needed! Thailand must lead the way in AI and green skills. Hopefully, this conference encourages genuine progress.
But will it really lead to change? Conferences sound great in theory but often don’t create real-world impact.
That’s a fair point, Sam. It depends on the follow-through. We need consistent effort, not just flashy events.
The private sector is too focused on profits to truly prioritize green skills. They use these conferences for good PR only.
I disagree! Some companies are genuinely shifting towards sustainability. It might be slow, but change is happening.
I hope you’re right, Jane. But until we see concrete actions and policies, I’ll remain skeptical.
Integrating AI in education is fantastic, but let’s not forget about the ethical dilemmas. Who’s addressing those?
Good point. Ethical AI is crucial, but it wasn’t a major focus at this conference. It’s often an afterthought.
We should push for more discussions around ethical guidelines and not simply chase technological advancement.
Thailand’s tourism and natural resources could really benefit from sustainable practices. It’s not just about AI and tech.
Exactly! Ecotourism is an underutilized segment. Let’s hope the initiatives lead to genuine conservation efforts.
Absolutely, Jane. We need policies that protect these resources while allowing people to experience them sustainably.
As a student, I find these initiatives inspiring. I can’t wait to learn skills that matter for the future!
Don’t get your hopes too high, the promises often fade when funding gets cut or new policies replace old ones.
Stay hopeful! Enthusiastic youth like yourself are the key to real change.
Urban plans need to incorporate these learnings. It’s time for complete transformation of how cities interact with tech and nature.
Finally, a focus on green jobs! The move towards sustainable agriculture and green industries is vital!
Especially in rural areas where these practices can revive struggling economies. How do we ensure participation across regions?
AI skills will dominate future job markets globally. Thailand’s proactive stance is commendable but challenging.
I’m excited but wary of how realistic it is to prepare 150,000 students by 2030 for green jobs. Sounds like a PR stunt.
The goal is ambitious, but it’s important to aim high. Many programs are offering valuable support.
True, Emma. I just hope the quality of training matches the quantity. We need well-prepared youth, not just numbers.
Policy gaps are a classic case of all talk, no action. Until laws align with these ambitions, progress will be slow.
This all sounds like an awesome plan, but with no changes to government support and bureaucracy, how will it work?
Government involvement is critical, Steve. Without facilitating policies, implementation can be stifled.
I wish there was more grassroots involvement. Real change comes from empowering local communities, not just high-level talks.
Grassroots movements are essential, Maya, but they need resources. It’s a symbiotic relationship with larger frameworks.
The digital shift is both thrilling and intimidating. How do we prepare for AI replacing traditional roles?
Adaptability is key, Dawn. Skills training must match the pace of tech evolution, otherwise job displacement will be severe.
As a parent, I’m thrilled about green skills being a part of education. It’s crucial for our kids’ future.
I agree, but let’s make sure they’re not just buzzwords. The impact should be tangible and sustained.
A conference of this scale is impressive. It’s a positive sign that the world is moving towards an integrated future.