A global shift toward lifelong learning is essential as artificial intelligence reshapes work and education. A Northeastern University president urged universities to redefine their mission during a Beirut keynote, warning that higher education risks obsolescence without adapting to AI’s rapid advancements. The message emphasizes extending learning beyond traditional students to adults and mid-career professionals.
Traditionally, universities focused on educating new generations and pursuing research. Now, AI’s expanding role demands continuous, adaptive learning models aligned with both employer needs and individual goals. The Northeastern leader, author of Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, argues for programs that fit busy adult lives and deliver fast, practical outcomes.
AI’s integration touches multiple sectors, from business to healthcare, accelerating daily life. The president stressed that no country or institution can halt AI’s progress. Instead of fearing disruption, universities should harness AI to promote social transformation and broader access to education, including for underserved communities in Thailand.
The keynote, delivered virtually to engineers, architects, students, scholars, and policymakers, reinforced the idea of “humanics” — a Northeastern concept that blends technical skills with uniquely human capacities such as critical thinking, ethics, creativity, and adaptability. This approach aims to prepare people for the complexities of an AI-enabled future.
In Thailand, AI’s rapid adoption presents both challenges and opportunities. The country’s higher education system, long rooted in traditional classroom teaching and exam-focused assessment, must accelerate lifelong learning to stay competitive. Local officials acknowledge upskilling as a priority, yet infrastructure gaps and faculty readiness remain hurdles. Tailoring programs for adult learners fits with trends in Thailand, where mid-career professionals in tourism, logistics, healthcare, and other sectors seek flexible education options.
Global research from UNESCO and the World Bank underscores the future job market’s demand for skills that AI cannot easily replicate—empathy, problem-solving, and collaboration. Thailand is already pursuing digital upskilling through partnerships between Thai universities and Coursera, plus corporate reskilling programs supported by the Ministry of Labour. Yet, policy goals must translate into broad participation. A senior official from Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has highlighted digital literacy and lifelong learning as core to the national strategy to stay competitive with regional peers such as Singapore and South Korea.
Thai culture has traditionally valued a university degree as a marker of status in professions like medicine, engineering, and law. As digital transformation accelerates, more Thais are turning to micro-credentials, online certificates, and modular courses to remain competitive. Leading Thai institutions, including a premier Bangkok university and a major technology institute, are piloting stackable programs and digital badges, signaling a shift toward flexible, personalized learning paths.
However, challenges persist. Investment in AI infrastructure varies by region, and the urban-rural digital divide remains. Many educators are still adapting to blended learning and require training in lifelong-learning pedagogy. Data from Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council show only 27% of Thai adults participated in any learning activity in 2023, far below advanced economies where participation exceeds 50%.
Looking ahead, AI is likely to reshape academic and career trajectories further. Experts expect roles that require adaptability, ongoing skill updates, and interdisciplinary knowledge to become more prevalent. A Bangkok-based advisor for a United Nations education program noted that the most successful societies build ecosystems supporting lifelong learning for all ages—an idea echoed by the Northeastern leader.
For Thai universities and policymakers, the path is clear: accelerate reforms that prioritize lifelong learning, collaborate with employers to tailor programs to real-world needs, invest in AI and digital infrastructure nationwide, and strengthen educator training for modern pedagogy. Businesses should partner with universities to design micro-credentials and upskilling initiatives aligned with future demand.
For individuals in Thailand—students, working professionals, or career explorers—the practical advice is to seek ongoing learning opportunities. Enroll in university extension programs, online courses, or employer-sponsored training. Stay informed about AI’s impact on your sector and develop both technical and human skills—communication, creativity, and ethics—that remain valuable regardless of how technology evolves.
By embracing lifelong learning and closer links between education and industry, Thailand can harness AI as a driver of personal growth, economic resilience, and societal well-being.