Imagine a glittering gathering, a forum bathed in anticipation and the shimmer of success. This was the scene at the “44th anniversary of Thansettakij” forum, aptly titled “The Iconic Path to Success”. Towering amidst the throng, under the esteemed banner of Nation Group Media, a speaker took to the stage, igniting the room with a message both urgent and visionary. The essence of his oration? A clarion call for Thailand’s public and private sectors to join forces, for a sprint into the future – a future painted in the hues of digital innovation and verdant green economies.
The speaker, with eyes alight with the foresight of a seer, painted a picture of the coming decades as a golden era. An era where Southeast Asia, like a phoenix, rises amidst global shifts towards new, neutral partners and green supply chains. This vision, he argued, was not just possible but imperative for securing growth that is not just robust, but sustainable and kind to our planet.
Yet, amidst this canvas of potential, the speaker cast Thailand in a shadow of unpreparedness, contrasted starkly against its luminous neighbors. The heart of the matter? A stark shortfall in the production of skilled workers. While Vietnam, a beacon of progress, churns out at least 500,000 technologically savvy minds in STEM fields annually, Thailand’s efforts seem modest in comparison, producing only 10,000.
“STEM skills are not just the future but the very currency of the digital economy,” he emphasized with a tone of urgency, hinting at an impending preference for Vietnam’s prowess over Thailand’s in the times to come.
However, the call to arms was not one of despair but of action. He envisioned a Thailand that champions its labor force across all generations, arming them with new skills, overhauling archaic laws and regulations, and setting the stage for international talent to find a home and thrive.
“To become brilliant, we must first embrace brilliance from all corners of the globe,” he quipped, advocating for a Thailand that removes barriers for talent migration, making it a haven for innovation and skill.
In a heartfelt plea, he urged the government and the private sector to form a nexus of support for entrepreneurs. The focus? Empowering the backbone of the economy, the small and medium-sized enterprises, to leapfrog into an era defined by global green and digital standards. The alternative, he warned, was a future where Thailand risks being left in the digital dust.
Bringing his point home, he cited the shifting global regulations favoring green businesses as a bellwether of the future economy. “As green businesses flourish, their prosperity seeds the fields for technology and innovation necessary to combat climate change,” he asserted, echoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s assertion at the World Economic Forum. Blinken’s estimation? A whopping US$5 trillion annual investment till 2050, a testament to the monumental task and opportunity that lies ahead in averting the climate crises.
The “Iconic Path to Success” forum might have concluded, but the words of the speaker lingered, echoing through the corridors of power and the hearts of the audience. It was clear: Thailand’s path to a bright, sustainable future, awash with the glow of digital lights and green landscapes, begins with a step forward together. A step towards collaboration, innovation, and a resolute commitment to skill, sustainability, and solidarity.
Honestly, I think the speaker’s vision for Thailand is a bit too idealistic. Yes, a green economy and digital innovation are crucial, but where is the practical roadmap? Mere collaboration between public and private sectors isn’t enough without a clear plan.
Idealistic, maybe, but necessary. We’ve seen what happens when countries ignore the green transition. The roadmap starts with forums like these where ideas are sparked. It’s about planting the seed, not having the tree grown overnight.
Planting seeds is one thing, ensuring they grow is another. We’ve had many ‘ideas sparked’ over the years, yet tangible change remains slow. Without urgency and a solid plan, we’re just talking about potential with no realization.
The problem is larger than a lack of a roadmap. There’s a fundamental mismatch between our education system and the demands of a green economy. We need to overhaul our STEM approach first.
The speaker’s shout-out to Vietnam’s STEM achievements compared to Thailand’s was a wake-up call. We’re seriously lagging behind, and it’s time the education sector and the industry worked together more closely.
As someone working in the education sector, I can tell you that there’s enthusiasm among students for STEM. But enthusiasm alone doesn’t translate into expertise. Funding, resources, and industry partnerships are where we’re falling short.
Industry is ready to partner, but we often encounter red tape and a lack of coordination on the government’s side. It’s frustrating. We need streamlined processes to get these partnerships off the ground.
The emphasis on green businesses is spot on. With global regulations tightening, it’s adapt or die for many industries. Thailand needs to be at the forefront of this, not playing catch-up.
But where does that leave small businesses that can’t afford to ‘adapt’ as quickly? Government subsidies? Incentives? There’s a risk of widening the gap between large conglomerates and small businesses.
It’s refreshing to hear a call for international talent to help innovate. Thailand’s strict immigration laws have been a barrier for too long. It’s time to open the doors to skills that can push us forward.
I disagree. Why should we rely on foreign talent when we can and should develop our own? It feels like a short-term solution that could undermine our long-term development.
The support for SMEs mentioned is critical. They’re the backbone of our economy, but digital transformation and green compliance costs are exorbitant. We need more than just words; we need action and support mechanisms.
The government is working on several initiatives to support SMEs in this transition. Stay tuned for upcoming programs designed to facilitate this shift.