A global coalition of more than 250 CEOs, including leaders of top technology and business firms such as Microsoft, Airbnb, Salesforce, and LinkedIn, has publicly called for artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science (CS) classes to become standard graduation requirements in high schools across the United States. Organized by the nonprofit Code.org and the CSforALL coalition, the letter—published on May 5, 2025—marks the start of the “Unlock8” campaign, which aims to ensure all students are equipped with foundational digital skills for the rapidly evolving AI-driven economy (Axios; PR Newswire).
This initiative is particularly significant as the rise of AI is dramatically reshaping both the workplace and society at large. For Thai readers, the movement highlights emerging global trends in education policy that focus not just on foundational literacy and numeracy, but also digital fluency and AI competency—a direction that could chart the future not only for U.S. students but for Thailand’s next generation as well.
The global CEO-led push is rooted in compelling new research from the University of Maryland, which found that even a single computer science course in high school can raise a student’s early career earnings by 8%, regardless of their college or career choice (PR Newswire). This statistic underscores the strong link between exposure to coding and financial opportunity in the digital age. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs report further stresses the importance of such skills, identifying AI and big data as the fastest-growing fields, with two-thirds of employers expecting to hire for AI-specific roles in the coming years (World Economic Forum).
Despite dramatic progress in the United States—where the number of states funding computer science education has leapt from 9 in 2017 to 39 in 2024, and the share of high schools offering foundational CS courses has grown from 35% to 60%—actual student participation remains modest. Only 12 states currently require computer science for graduation, and a mere 6.4% of American high school students enrolled in a CS course last year (Code.org AI Curriculum). The “Unlock8” campaign seeks to close this gap by advocating for AI and CS classes to become standard for all students.
According to the President of Code.org, “Computer science and AI unlock a doorway to skills K-12 students need to thrive in an economy that changes by the minute. Our schools need to ensure that every student is learning AI skills rooted in computer science education. That’s why over 250 CEOs are supporting states that are making CS and AI coursework the norm” (PR Newswire).
Educational experts have repeatedly highlighted AI’s potential to personalize learning, boost engagement, and enhance academic performance. A 2024 study published in Education Sciences found that AI-driven personalized instruction improved student achievement and self-efficacy, particularly among high school learners (MDPI: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Students’ Academic Performance). Similarly, a meta-analysis in Scientific Reports concluded that integrating AI tools into secondary education produced a large positive effect on students’ academic performance, with an effect size of 0.924—considered strong in educational research (ScienceDirect). As one education researcher put it: “AI technology helps students learn at their own pace and provides instant feedback, which is especially beneficial in large, diverse classrooms” (ResearchGate).
Big tech companies like Microsoft and LinkedIn have not only signed on to the campaign, but are also shaping curriculum development. Code.org’s suite of AI and computer science courses now spans from beginner (years 8–12) to more advanced, covering topics from basic coding to neural networks and generative AI. These curricula are designed to be accessible—with free resources for teachers and students—and tailored for integration at the high school level (Code.org AI Curriculum; Code.org High School Curriculum).
For Thailand, this global momentum aligns with the nation’s own ambitions. The Thai government, through its National AI Committee, has set a national target for “AI literacy” for at least 10 million citizens, reflecting the urgency Thailand feels in preparing its workforce for the digital era (Bangkok Post). Furthermore, Thai educational institutions, including CMKL University and the Asian Institute of Technology, have launched bachelor’s and master’s programs dedicated to AI and computer engineering (CMKL University: AI Engineering; Asian Institute of Technology: Data Science and AI). Yet, similar to the U.S., the inclusion of computer science and AI in secondary school curricula is still emergent in Thailand and mostly limited to specialized programs or international schools (BachelorsPortal).
Recent Thai government policy moves are paving the way for wider adoption. The THAI Academy initiative—spanning government, education, and industry—has already delivered basic AI education to over one million citizens (MSN), and high-profile forums hosted by the Asian Institute of Technology are increasing awareness among policymakers, administrators, and teachers (Bangkok Post).
Historically, Thai education has been centrally administered, with attempts to reform and modernize the curriculum often facing resistance or delays (Wikipedia: Education in Thailand). However, rapid advances in AI and the growing presence of tech industries in Thailand and Southeast Asia are pressuring educational authorities to adapt, lest the next generation risk being left behind in the global digital economy.
Promoting equity of access to AI and computer science education remains a challenge. Globally and in Thailand, there are gaps in resources and trained teachers, particularly in rural communities. Code.org’s mission is notable for focusing on underrepresented groups and encouraging participation by young women, mirroring concerns echoed in Thailand about the digital divide (Code.org; Bangkok Post). As a Thai education official has explained, “Expanding digital skills must be inclusive if Thailand is to build an economy that leaves no one behind.” The THAI Academy effort, as well as university partnerships with industry, has begun to address these gaps, but much remains to be done.
Looking forward, the push to make AI and computer science a high school graduation requirement is expected to gather international momentum. The inclusion of digital skills in basic education is being considered by policymakers in many countries, especially as AI use becomes ubiquitous in all sectors—from farming and logistics to healthcare and entertainment (Axios). In Thailand, digital curriculum reform has been highlighted as a priority under the national policy guidelines for transforming the country into a digital hub (Bangkok Post), and collaborations between the Ministry of Education, industry, and international organizations could accelerate the rollout of AI education at all school levels.
Practically speaking, what does this mean for Thai students, educators, and parents? First, stakeholders should be aware of free, high-quality resources available from Code.org and related organizations (Code.org AI). Schools may pilot or integrate their AI and computer science curriculum, while teacher training partnerships—potentially via Thai universities or public-private initiatives—can help build local capacity. Parents and students alike should seek out extracurricular coding and AI workshops, which are increasingly available nationwide.
For policymakers, the recommendation is clear: prioritize digital equity, provide funding and curriculum support for schools, and set ambitious targets for student participation in AI and computer science. Leveraging Thailand’s existing momentum, the nation can ensure it is not merely a consumer of AI technology developed elsewhere, but a leader in shaping Southeast Asia’s digital future.