Universities across the globe must redefine their purpose to prioritize lifelong learning in an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), according to the president of Northeastern University, who warns that higher education risks becoming obsolete if it fails to adapt. Speaking during a keynote address at the event “Engineering the Future with Artificial Intelligence,” held at Saint Joseph University in Beirut, the Northeastern University president emphasized the urgent need for higher education to extend its focus beyond young students, highlighting the transformative impact of AI on both learning and society.
Traditionally, higher education institutions have concentrated on educating new generations and advancing research. However, the rising influence of AI is spurring a critical pivot toward continuous, adaptive learning models tailored to the evolving needs of both the workforce and individual learners. The Northeastern president, who also authored “Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” said that universities must customize offerings to align with employer demands and personal aspirations, particularly for adult learners who face time constraints and require rapid, practical outcomes.
This call for change comes as AI’s integration into daily life accelerates at an unprecedented pace, touching sectors from business to healthcare. “The impact of AI is being felt on a daily basis everywhere. We don’t have a choice to stop it—no country by itself, no research institution, no one can stop it,” he stated. However, he argued that rather than fearing these changes, institutions should seize the moment to harness AI’s potential for social transformation.
The Boston-based president spoke virtually to an audience of engineers, architects, students, scholars, scientists, business leaders, and policymakers, reinforcing the importance of ‘humanics’, a concept central to Northeastern’s strategy. Humanics emphasizes a curriculum that develops uniquely human traits—such as critical thinking, ethics, creativity, and adaptability—alongside technical proficiency, in order to prepare individuals for the complexities of an AI-driven future.
For Thai readers, the rapid adoption of AI in education presents significant challenges and opportunities. Thailand’s own higher education landscape, shaped by traditional classroom teaching and examination-based assessment, may struggle to keep pace if it does not swiftly embrace a lifelong learning paradigm. The Office of the Higher Education Commission and the Ministry of Education have, in recent years, acknowledged the importance of upskilling, but the country still faces hurdles in terms of technological infrastructure and faculty preparedness. The notion of tailoring programs for adult learners aligns with emerging trends in Thailand, where mid-career professionals and those in rapidly changing industries such as tourism, logistics, and healthcare are demanding new, flexible educational options.
Research from UNESCO and the World Bank echoes the sentiment that the future of work will prioritize competencies that AI cannot easily replicate, such as empathy, problem-solving, and teamwork. In Thailand, the expansion of digital upskilling initiatives, like Coursera partnerships with Thai universities and corporate reskilling programs backed by the Ministry of Labour, represent early steps toward this vision—but there remains a significant gap between policy intent and widespread adoption. An official from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation recently stated that digital literacy and lifelong learning must become core components of the national education strategy to remain competitive with regional peers such as Singapore and South Korea (unesco.org).
Historical attitudes toward higher education in Thai culture have often centered on the value of a university degree as a marker of status and stability, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering, and law. However, as industries digitize and job roles evolve, an increasing number of Thais are turning to micro-credentials, online certificate programs, and modular courses to remain competitive. Institutions such as Chulalongkorn University and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang have begun to experiment with stackable programs and digital badges, signaling a gradual but meaningful shift towards more personalized, flexible learning paths.
However, challenges remain. Investment in AI infrastructure is uneven across the country, with urban-rural digital divides persisting. Additionally, many educators are still adapting to blended learning models and may lack adequate training in curriculum design for lifelong learners. According to data from Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council, only 27% of Thai adults participated in any type of formal or informal learning activity in 2023, compared to over 50% in advanced economies (nesdc.go.th).
Looking forward, the continued rise of AI is poised to further upend traditional academic and professional trajectories. Futurists and education researchers predict that roles requiring adaptability, constant skill upgrades, and interdisciplinary knowledge will increasingly dominate the job market. An advisor at the United Nations Education Program in Bangkok recently commented that “the most successful societies will be those that build ecosystems supporting education not just for the young, but throughout life,” a message directly echoed by the Northeastern University leader.
For Thai universities and policymakers, the recommendation is clear: accelerate reforms that emphasize lifelong learning, work closely with employers to tailor programs to real-world demands, invest in AI and digital infrastructure nationwide, and prioritize educator training for new pedagogical models. Businesses, too, should partner with universities in designing micro-credential and upskilling initiatives aligned with future economic needs.
For Thai individuals—whether students, working professionals, or those contemplating career change—the advice is equally practical. Proactively seek out lifelong learning opportunities, whether through university extension programs, online courses, or employer-sponsored training. Stay informed about AI’s impact on your sector and invest in developing both technical and human skills—such as communication, creativity, and ethics—that will remain valuable regardless of how technology evolves.
By embracing these priorities, Thailand can position itself not only to withstand the global wave of AI disruption, but to harness it as a force for personal, economic, and societal transformation (Northeastern University article; unesco.org; nesdc.go.th).