#FutureOfWork

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence across industries has triggered waves of anxiety and anticipation among workers worldwide, including in Thailand. A recent investigation into global tech sector layoffs and the evolving job landscape makes clear that artificial intelligence is not only changing the future of work—it is accelerating its arrival. With major global players citing AI as both a reason for workforce cuts and a driver of new opportunities, the question for Thai readers is urgent: will AI replace you, or take you to the next level?

A new wave of research and reporting reveals that many millennials—now entering their 40s and 50s—are feeling trapped in their professional and personal lives, unable to afford the traditional “midlife crisis” once seen as a rite of passage for previous generations. While prior generations indulged in red sports cars or sabbaticals to seek purpose, millennials face economic and technological pressures that make drastic changes feel nearly impossible. This generational stagnation is drawing concern from mental health experts, economists, and those closely observing how work, money, and meaning intersect in the post-pandemic world (Business Insider).

A new study from the University of Maryland has revealed a compelling link between high school computer science education and future salary prospects, showing that just one computer science class can raise Gen Z graduates’ starting salaries by an average of 8%, regardless of which career path they choose (Fortune). The research delivers a wake-up call to educators, employers, and policymakers around the world—including in Thailand—about the growing importance of digital literacy as a foundational skill in today’s economy.

With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies capable of generating computer code from simple prompts, a pressing question has emerged: Will computer science as a discipline—and the jobs of programmers—soon become obsolete? The answer, according to recent in-depth analysis and expert commentary, is a resounding no. As AI becomes an increasingly common fixture in the world of software development, it is reshaping but not replacing traditional computer science roles, opening new opportunities for innovation—and requiring a new set of skills from practitioners and students alike (Herzing University).

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape the global workforce far more swiftly and pervasively than many once imagined, according to a new analysis by leading researchers published in the Harvard Business Review. Based on current developments in AI technology—not hypothetical future advances—the report highlights that any aspect of work that can be measured is vulnerable to automation, sparking a wave of change through both creative and traditionally “safe” professions worldwide.

The global debate over the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) has reached a new fever pitch, with leading researchers, tech executives, and policymakers openly questioning whether AI could one day pose a true existential threat to humanity. Recent studies and expert panels have challenged both alarmist and skeptical views—and reveal that public concern may be more nuanced than headlines suggest.

Recent months have seen questions about AI’s potential for disaster take centre stage in academic journals, global news media, and even in major tech conferences. The high-profile article “Behind the Curtain: What if predictions of humanity-destroying AI are right?” published by Axios, thrusts this conversation into urgent focus. The central question: What if the so-called “AI doomers” are correct, and humanity is genuinely at risk from the unchecked development of intelligent machines capable of self-improvement or unpredictable behaviour? This provocative scenario is not limited to science fiction; it now commands the attention of some of the world’s leading scientific minds and regulatory bodies.

A rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence (AI) has left many wondering: will machines make human jobs obsolete? A new analysis published in The Conversation, led by experts in technology and public policy, argues the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Instead, the future of AI-driven job disruption depends on four key advantages the technology has over humans: speed, scale, scope, and sophistication—a framework that could guide businesses, workers, and societies in understanding where AI is most likely to replace or reshape human work (The Conversation).

The accelerating replacement of skilled professionals with artificial intelligence isn’t just a theoretical threat—it’s an everyday reality for workers like a former HR manager, a long-time software engineer, and a small business owner, whose stories encapsulate a global trend that could soon disrupt Thai industries and society at large. As AI systems rapidly take over tasks once handled by humans, a growing number of high-skilled employees are reporting job losses, a challenging job market, and an uncertain future, underscoring urgent questions about the fate of white-collar work in the era of automation (The Independent).

A growing body of scientific research and business insight, recently brought to international attention by a discussion of Steve Jobs’s educational philosophy, is challenging the longstanding belief that specialization is the key to success and happiness in education, career, and life. Instead, studies and expert perspectives suggest that those who embrace a wide range of interests and disciplines—so-called generalists—are often happier, more innovative, and better equipped to thrive in today’s fast-changing world Greater Good, Accessory To Success, Medium.

Thailand’s aspiring tech professionals have long looked to computer science as a sure path to lucrative employment. However, new research suggests this once-reliable route may be faltering—reflecting unexpected global shifts that are raising urgent questions for education policy and career planning in the Kingdom. According to a recent report by the New York Federal Reserve, unemployment rates among recent computer science (CS) and computer engineering graduates in the United States have surged, ranking among the highest for all majors and exposing vulnerabilities in the supposed “future-proof” tech job market (New York Fed).

The recent surge in artificial intelligence (AI) capability has sparked heated debates about the future of computer science education and employment, with viral social media posts suggesting that the traditional advice to “learn to code” is no longer relevant. However, new analysis and expert perspectives reveal a more nuanced—and optimistic—picture: far from making computer science obsolete, AI is actually increasing its centrality to modern society, economies, and educational priorities, both globally and for Thailand.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the world’s advertising industry at breakneck speed, fueling both anxiety and optimism as agencies, tech giants and creatives grapple with what some call the “death of creativity.” As Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google unveil AI tools that can automate ad creation and targeting, industry leaders now face stark questions about the future of work, the creative process, and the livelihoods of thousands—including here in Thailand, where the advertising industry is closely watching global developments.

A growing number of organisations worldwide are embracing a four-day work week, but does cutting a day really boost happiness and productivity—or is it just clever marketing? With large-scale research now emerging, the debate is shaping modern work culture, including conversations in Thailand’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.

In a recent overview published by business researchers in Psychology Today, the four-day work week (abbreviated 4DWW) is framed as either a compressed workweek—where employees work four 10-hour days for the same total hours—or a genuine reduction to around 32 hours weekly with no cut in salary or benefits. Growing in popularity post-pandemic, this model taps into worldwide trends toward flexible schedules, aiming to improve both employee well-being and organisational efficiency. According to the American Psychological Association, the percentage of companies in the United States offering a 4DWW jumped from 14% in 2022 to 22% in 2024, echoing global momentum (APA), and a LinkedIn survey found 54% of workers identified the 4DWW as among their most desired benefits (Asana).

A new workplace movement dubbed “loud living” is gaining momentum among professionals disillusioned by the exhaustion of hustle culture, marking a shift from quietly disengaging at work to boldly asserting personal and professional boundaries. As seen in recent personal accounts and workplace research, “loud living” encourages not silent withdrawal but open, unapologetic communication about one’s needs, transforming conversations around work-life balance and employee well-being Business Insider.

In the aftermath of global disruptions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the boundary between work and personal life has become increasingly blurred. For Thai employees—often navigating long hours, hierarchical expectations, and multicultural contexts—the question of how to thrive in demanding workplaces has never been more urgent. The rise of “loud living” offers an alternative: instead of quietly quitting—doing the bare minimum to avoid burnout—workers are modeling clear, communicative self-advocacy, challenging old norms without sacrificing productivity Forbes, Psychology Today.

A wave of advocacy is sweeping across the education landscape as more than 250 top corporate leaders, together with Code.org—one of the world’s most influential computer science non-profits—have urged policymakers to make artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science classes a standard requirement in high schools. Their call, encapsulated in an open letter published earlier this month, highlights mounting pressure on the US and global education systems to ensure that today’s students are equipped for an era dominated by AI-powered technologies. This ambitious push, already supported by research and global industry trends, holds important lessons and opportunities for Thailand as it grapples with its own transformation in education and workforce preparation.

In a time when many question whether learning to code remains relevant amid the rise of artificial intelligence, the Chief Product Officer for Experiences and Devices at Microsoft has issued a clear message: the value of computer science education is more crucial than ever. During a recent episode of “Lenny’s Podcast,” the executive refuted the growing sentiment that “coding is dead,” insisting that AI creates new opportunities for those with a grounding in computer science, rather than negating the need for such expertise. Her comments, published by Business Insider on May 23, 2025 (businessinsider.com), provide key insights for students, parents, and education policymakers in Thailand grappling with how to prepare for the digital future.

Miami’s public schools have embarked on the largest artificial intelligence (A.I.) classroom rollout in U.S. history, equipping over 105,000 high school students with Google’s Gemini chatbot and training more than 1,000 educators on cutting-edge A.I. tools. In a stunning reversal from initial bans on classroom chatbots, leaders in the nation’s third-largest school district say this rapid adoption is crucial to readying students for a future dominated by digital intelligence—an approach that could have profound implications for education reform in Thailand and beyond (NY Times).

A new report has turned expectations about employability on their head, showing that graduates of nutrition, construction services, and animal/plant sciences have the lowest unemployment rates among recent U.S. college graduates—beating even traditional STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields such as chemistry and physics. The findings, released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and published in Entrepreneur on May 16, highlight changing dynamics in the labor market and have important implications for Thai students considering their future studies.

Artificial intelligence was once expected to render radiologists obsolete, but emerging research reveals a different story: AI is powering a new era of efficiency in medical imaging, not replacing the specialists at its heart. Far from facing career extinction, radiologists — especially at leading institutions like the Mayo Clinic — are embracing advanced AI tools to deliver faster, more accurate, and more nuanced patient care, according to a detailed report by The New York Times (nytimes.com).

A recent story making headlines reveals the sobering fallout of artificial intelligence’s relentless advance: a seasoned software engineer, once commanding a $150,000 annual salary, found himself abruptly replaced by AI, rejected from over 800 subsequent job applications, forced to drive for DoorDash and live in a trailer just to make ends meet (yahoo.com). His words echo a growing sentiment: “AI obsolescence is coming for basically everyone in due time.”

This account is not simply a tale of individual struggle; it is the latest bellwether of a seismic shift reverberating through the global workforce. For readers in Thailand, this signals an urgent need to examine our own societal preparation for the age of AI—a transformation that extends far beyond Silicon Valley.

Curiosity, often dismissed as a mere childhood impulse, is gaining renewed scientific recognition as a core engine of learning and adaptability, according to emerging neuroscience research highlighted in a recent Big Think analysis published on May 12, 2025. The article, “How curiosity rewires your brain for change,” draws on contemporary studies to reveal how curiosity not only drives exploration but may also rewire our brains to buffer against stress and navigate change more effectively—a message with profound implications for Thai students, workers, and lifelong learners facing rapid social and technological transformation.

Amazon’s latest step in warehouse automation has reignited a critical discussion about the future of human work in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and robots. The unveiling of the company’s “Vulcan” robot — capable of “feeling” and performing complex tasks — not only signals Amazon’s ambition to automate physically demanding warehouse duties, but also offers a rare and telling glimpse into the new kinds of jobs that may emerge as AI reshapes the labour market. For Thai workers and businesses, this development holds significant lessons as the Kingdom seeks to navigate its own technological transformation.

An unprecedented coalition of over 250 CEOs from leading global companies has called for urgent action to prioritize artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science as core components of K-12 education, highlighting what may become a transformational trend in global education policy. The open letter, published this week in The New York Times, was co-signed by the heads of major technology, retail, and mobility companies — among them Microsoft, Etsy, and Uber — and warns that countries not investing in these skills risk losing their economic edge in the rapidly evolving AI era (TechCrunch).

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).