Bangkok: The Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD) has partnered with ICDL Thailand to upgrade Thailand's digital learning ecosystem, with a focus on aligning with international standards and developing AI and digital skills to support lifelong learning.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Tawarut Sutabutr, Director of OKMD, and Dr. Hugh O'Connell, Managing Director of ICDL Thailand, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to spearhead the 'Digital Lifelong Learning Innovation Ecosystem.' This initiative is designed to elevate the digital skills of Thai citizens to meet international benchmarks, ensuring accessible learning for all demographics, bridging the digital divide, and equipping the workforce to support Thailand's burgeoning digital economy and AI-driven society.
Dr. Tawarath emphasized that the collaboration capitalizes on ICDL's academic expertise and international digital skills standards, combined with OKMD's role as a national knowledge hub with a robust platform, learning resources, and a comprehensive network across the country. Over the next three years, both entities will harness these strengths to cultivate the digital skills of the public, aligning with global market needs.
The partnership aims to broaden learning opportunities and diminish the digital divide among diverse age groups, including children, youth, the elderly, small business owners, and the general workforce. Key components of the collaboration include enhancing digital and AI literacy via ICDL-based curricula and competency assessments, alongside the creation of high-quality learning content on OKMD's platform to promote lifelong learning, upskilling, and reskilling. Additionally, the initiative involves transforming OKMD's creative spaces and learning resources, such as TK Park, Museum Siam, and regional networks, into digital learning hubs that adhere to international standards. This endeavor also supports the development of "Learning Cities" under the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) and fosters digital citizenship at the local level. The organizations intend to promote creative digital learning centers for out-of-school children and youth, providing them with opportunities to obtain internationa lly recognized digital skills, thereby enhancing their prospects for further education, employment, and future income.
Dr. Hugh O'Connell noted that ICDL Thailand will contribute by providing knowledge, technology, curriculum, teacher and staff development, digital competency assessment, and collaboration on developing a national database and reporting system for digital skills (Thailand Digital Skills Report). This data will inform policy development aimed at bolstering Thailand's workforce capabilities. ICDL Thailand will also support the international certification of OKMD learning centers and curricula and expand regional and global collaboration through the ICDL Global network, which operates in numerous countries internationally. Moreover, ICDL will organize the ICDL Digital Challenge to showcase the potential of Thai youth on an international platform.
Furthermore, OKMD and ICDL Thailand will jointly promote the achievements and successes of their collaboration through national and international networks to enhance Thailand's reputation as a nation committed to lifelong learning, digital skills development, and preparing its workforce for future challenges. The memorandum outlines a three-year collaboration period, with potential for future expansion into other areas.