With the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, the emergence of Gen Beta—those born between 2568 to 2582 BE—poses unique challenges and opportunities for parents. Understanding how to prepare these children for the future job market is becoming increasingly important. The SCG Foundation has laid out four effective techniques to equip parents with the tools they need to help their children thrive in a work environment increasingly influenced by AI and automation.
The cornerstone of these techniques is the philosophy of "Learn to Earn." According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the labor market is expected to change dramatically by 2023, impacting the skill demand for future workers. To adapt, parents are encouraged to cultivate an environment of continuous learning for their children at home. This can include activities such as reading, playing thought-provoking games, or encouraging children to experiment with new ideas. By teaching children to embrace challenges, successes, and failures alike, parents can help them develop the necessary resilience and adaptability for future learning.
One fundamental area emphasized is the need to nurture "Future Skills." These skills, especially soft skills, are becoming as critically important as technical, hard skills. The reality is, many organizations today prioritize individuals who are adaptable and can communicate effectively. This adaptability, combined with proficiency across various domains, shapes today’s workforce. Skills such as teamwork, or Collaboration Skills, are pivotal for success. These allow individuals to cooperate effectively, share knowledge, and progress personal and team objectives meaningfully.
Creative Thinking Skills are another pillar of preparedness for Gen Beta. The ability to think creatively and generate innovative solutions will enable individuals to navigate and thrive amid the rapid changes characteristic of today’s workplace. Parents should encourage their children to develop abilities like problem-solving and analytical thinking—skills which not only contribute to personal success but are valuable to any employer.
While focusing on soft skills, it is equally important to integrate the use of AI as a supportive tool. It’s imperative for Gen Beta to recognize how technology, including AI, can be employed to augment their capabilities. Preparing them to work alongside AI technology will facilitate their effectiveness and efficiency. Partnerships between institutions, like the collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and WEF, have produced reports such as "The Future of Jobs 2025," identifying the need for skills such as AI, Big Data, Fintech, and Machine Learning, alongside soft skills like creativity and leadership.
Parents are urged to teach their children the importance of embracing AI rather than resisting it. By encouraging familiarity with these tools, they lay the groundwork for their kids to use AI to their advantage, improving the accuracy and quality of their work.
Another technique involves enhancing adaptability and resilience. The world today moves at lightning speed, and strategies utilized by today’s parents may quickly become outdated. Modern parents must remain open to new ideas and be willing to learn alongside their children. This continuous evolution will support their children's confidence and equip them to flourish amid constant change.
Lastly, the research emphasizes refining children’s capacity for analytical thought, flexibility, and strong leadership. These elements will not only enable them to navigate the workplace but also distinguish them from AI capabilities. By honing skills such as network security and cybersecurity, parents can help fortify their children’s roles as they transition to adult workers.
By focusing on these techniques—lifelong learning, future skills integration, the use of AI, and adaptability—parents can help cultivate the next generation poised to succeed as the workforce evolves. Gen Beta will inhabit workplaces shaped by automation and rapid change, but with proper guidance, they can not only survive but thrive.
The interplay between technological advancement and human capability will define the future, making it pivotal for parents to cultivate these attributes early on. Embracing these strategies will be fundamental as Gen Beta steps confidently onto the global stage, fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities the AI era holds.