Bangkok: “Keeping Up with the Games, Keeping Up with Cyber Kids” is a new initiative aimed at developing Thai children into proficient thinkers and coders while equipping them with essential STEM skills to meet global demands.
According to Thai News Agency, the initiative comes in response to the increasing integration of AI technology in business and everyday life. While AI developers focus on expanding AI functionalities, there is a growing concern about the readiness of the new generation of Thais to become technology creators rather than mere users. Current trends suggest that without foundational skills in technology development, Thai workers risk becoming low-skilled laborers, reliant on higher-skilled professionals from countries like Singapore and Vietnam. Despite various policies promoting technological investments in Thailand, these have mainly facilitated the use of foreign AI technologies, positioning Thais as consumers rather than innovators.
Dr. Suwattana advocates for a different approach, emphasizing the importance of coding as a critical skill for communicating with computers and developing digital technologies such as software, cloud data management, and AI platforms. By introducing children to coding from a young age, they can actively participate in high-level technology development, ultimately contributing to a skilled workforce capable of driving Thailand’s digital economy forward. This perspective aligns with the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, which highlights the need for new skills in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The initiative proposes transforming Thai children from gaming enthusiasts to “coding geniuses” by engaging them in activities like self-created code games, debugging missions, and robotic control challenges. These tasks are designed to enhance rational thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, crucial for STEM innovation. The program also aims to strengthen family involvement in the learning process, encouraging parents and children to collaborate in technology-driven projects, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within the home.
Dr. Suwattana hopes that this initiative will not only increase the number of Thai children equipped with essential tech skills but also lay the groundwork for future participation in creating and advancing Thailand’s technological landscape.