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The tech world is moving fast with artificial intelligence and automation, prompting a global debate: is a traditional computer science degree still essential for a successful tech career? A provocative piece titled “12 reasons to ignore computer science degrees” from CIO has sparked widespread discussion about the value of formal CS education in today’s AI-driven landscape.

In Thailand, this debate hits close to home. With digital transformation accelerating across Bangkok’s IT hubs, Chiang Mai’s startup scene, and universities like Chulalongkorn and Mahidol, Thai students and employers are weighing the best path into technology careers. The question remains whether a degree or practical, hands-on learning is more effective in propelling a future-proof career.

As the tech world races forward with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and automation, a new debate is surfacing across universities and boardrooms alike: Is a traditional computer science degree still the golden ticket to a successful technology career? Provocative arguments, such as those laid out in the article “12 reasons to ignore computer science degrees” from CIO (cio.com), are capturing global attention—echoing anxieties and optimism found throughout today’s technology sector.

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly revolutionising industries, the chief product officer at Microsoft has urged students worldwide, including those in Thailand, to continue prioritising computer science and coding education. Her remarks challenge growing beliefs that software engineering may soon become obsolete due to AI’s accelerating capabilities, underscoring that computing skills remain essential for the next generation of Thai professionals.

The comments, made during a recent episode of “Lenny’s Podcast” and reported by Business Insider, directly refute notions that traditional programming will soon be unnecessary. The Microsoft executive, who oversees consumer and enterprise technology experiences, emphasized, “A lot of folks think about, ‘Oh, don’t bother studying computer science or coding is dead,’ and I just fundamentally disagree.”

A senior executive at Microsoft has urged Thai students to keep prioritising computer science and coding education, even as artificial intelligence reshapes industries. Her message counters rising fears that software engineering could become obsolete as AI advances. Computing skills remain foundational for Thailand’s next generation of professionals.

The executive spoke on a recent episode of Lenny’s Podcast, emphasizing that many people believe coding is dead. She argued that this view is fundamentally wrong and stressed the enduring value of computer science as a way of thinking and problem-solving. Her comments align with Thailand’s ongoing push to strengthen tech literacy across schools and universities.

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.

Prompt engineering, a specialized field that soared to prominence alongside the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT, is already facing an existential threat—one ushered in by the very technology it helped enable. According to recent analysis from Fast Company and commentary from industry leaders, prompt engineering is quickly being subsumed by the rapid evolution of AI models themselves, transforming from a discrete job to a skill that is quietly embedded in many traditional roles across a variety of industries.

A once-promising field is fading as the very technology it helped create evolves. Prompt engineering—crafting precise instructions to elicit better AI responses—rose with generative AI like ChatGPT. Now, industry analysis and executive commentary show that this niche is disappearing as AI models become better at optimizing prompts themselves. Instead of a standalone job, prompt engineering is increasingly an embedded skill found across many roles.

As AI became mainstream, many sought after “prompt engineers” to extract precise outputs. Job postings and media comparisons likened the skill to essential capabilities in business. Yet current research and executive interviews indicate that the role is shrinking faster than expected. Fast Company notes that AI is “eating its own” by automating prompt optimization, reducing the value of highly specialized prompt tweaks. Entrepreneur and Pluralsight echo the same trend.