Thailand is on the brink of what many are calling the "AI Gold Rush" of 2025, as significant investments pour not only from local sources but also mirror global trends. The country is taking proactive steps to shape its future workforce by launching initiatives aimed at boosting AI literacy. The Board of Investment (BDI) recently announced its plan to gift 10,000 slots for free AI skill development courses through the Skooldio platform, which will be available for registration starting now until early 2025.
This initiative aligns with the broader strategy set forth by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), emphasizing the importance of upskilling the population to handle modern digital technologies. According to Thierrani Ajaakool, Director of the BDI, this program aims to develop human resources capable of leveraging digital advancements effectively: "From the policy of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, we aim to develop human resources to use modern digital technology effectively."
The courses, titled "Unlock AI with Prompt Engineering," will commence on February 1 and run until June 1, 2025. They will cover fundamental knowledge on Generative AI (GenAI) and popular AI personal assistant tools like ChatGPT and Claude. The emphasis on practical applications and real-world examples will allow participants to immediately apply what they learn, helping to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands.
But the push for AI skill development isn't limited to Thailand. Globally, venture capital investment has surged, particularly within the AI sector. A staggering $97 billion was funneled by venture capitalists (VCs) to AI startups across the United States last year, indicating not just interest but confidence in the technology's transformative potential. Significant players like Elon Musk's xAI, OpenAI, and Anthropic have captured substantial portions of this investment, underscoring the competitive nature of the AI market.
The trends signal remarkable changes across investment landscapes. Pitchbook reports show AI deals made up nearly half of the $209 billion raised by U.S. startups last year — the highest share on record. The figure signifies not only the growth of established companies but also points to the difficulties faced by general startups. Traditional sectors, especially enterprise software, are reported to have difficulty securing funding compared to their previous standings.
Internationally acclaimed companies are vigorously competing to establish and maintain their foothold within the AI sector. Microsoft, for example, is preparing to invest around $80 billion to build new data centers geared toward AI capabilities as part of its vision for the future. Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, emphasized: "AI will alter all aspects of life and the US must lead this technology," advocating for greater governmental support for AI innovation and research funding.
This dual-focus on skill development and capital investment reflects the urgency felt worldwide surrounding AI. The explosive growth of AI technology and its adoption is reshaping industries, economies, and workforce dynamics. Thailand’s initiatives can be seen as part of a larger narrative emphasizing not just technological adoption, but also the human element necessary to drive this change.
With the lines between technology and daily life blurring, skills necessary for the future are very much at the forefront of education and investment agendas. Programs like those offered by the BDI are indicators of nations prioritizing their economic and social futures, equipping citizens with the tools they need to thrive. The hope is to create not just job-ready individuals but also innovators who can contribute to the next wave of technological breakthroughs.
Moving forward, countries around the globe, including Thailand, must navigate their paths through the rapidly changing tech landscapes. The local push for education and international investment are not merely coincidental but are central to ensuring competitiveness on the global stage. With the tech world increasingly dominated by AI solutions, the stakes have never been higher for nations eager to lead the charge.