Bangkok, 12 May 2016 – Microsoft, together with National Electronics and Computer Technology Centers (NECTEC) and Change Fusion Institute, organized YouthSpark Live #MakeWhatsNext event to increase youth access to opportunities around computing, with a significant focus on computer science education.
The event also showed the importance of computer science education as an integral part of the foundation learning that helps youth develop problem-solving skills and computational-thinking. YouthSpark Live #MakeWhatsNext also provided guidance and inspiration to the young minds to make decisions on their further studies and career. No matter whether they want to be corporate employees or start their own businesses, a certain set of skills is a must, and Microsoft technology is always there for them to facilitate the learning process and open doors to new opportunities.
“There are many skills such as mathematics, science, English, creativity and critical thinking, that help young people success in a career,” said Mr. Somsak Mukdavannakorn, Public Sector Director, Microsoft (Thailand) “However, according to a report by The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the progress of Thailand among Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)[1] , young Thais still lack many of these essential skills. To tackle this serious problem, Microsoft has various programs, like YouthSpark Live, that empower youth to achieve more and equip them with necessary technology skills to be ready for today’s digital age.”
The objectives of YouthSpark Live #MakeWhatsNext are to teach young people how to effectively use technology and be prepared for employment or entrepreneurship in the future, as well as to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in the AEC. This year’s event saw 106 bright minds aged 15- 18 attend and undergo technology skill training, such as using Microsoft Word to write the projects, developing professional profiles with the help of Microsoft Sway, and coding with MineCraft. Furthermore, the training included a career coaching session and introduced the YouthSpark Hub, Microsoft information and training resources centre.
“I am pleased that young Thais acknowledge the need to improve their skills and decide to attend YouthSpark Live #MakeWhatsNext,” said Dr. Sarun Sumriddetchkajorn, Director of the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centers (NECTEC). “This is the first important step that will help them identify the necessary skills for further education or employment. Moreover, NECTEC in collaboration with Microsoft and Change Fusion Institute, are proud to announce that we will organize separate training sessions on coding for disadvantaged youth and teachers in the north of Thailand in 2016”
“Since 2015, Change Fusion Institute and Microsoft have worked together to encourage those who thrive to be creative and innovative entrepreneurs to use technology not only to their own benefit, but also to contribute to society. YouthSpark Live is definitely one of the significant activities that helps develop qualified workforce and enhance competitiveness of the country,” added KlaiKong Vaidhayakarn, Director of Change Fusion Institute.
As part of global initiative, Microsoft Thailand celebrated the accomplishments of female inventors and innovators around the world by holding YouthSpark Live for Girls #MakeWhatsNext. The special session provided computer science and educational resources to help close the industry gender gap, encourage new tech talents and promote diversity and inclusion.
Through YouthSpark Live for Girls #MakeWhatsNext, Microsoft acknowledged the fact that women, who want to pursue an IT career, are facing various challenges. To tackle these issues and inspire young women who want to work in IT, Microsoft invited several successful female executives to provide advice and share their experiences of working in the IT industry.
Associate Consultant for Microsoft (Thailand), Piyakorn Sivayapram, shared her perspective on the dynamic IT industry that gives her a chance to grow and prove her worth as an IT professional. Meanwhile Nareerat SaeTiew, founder of INSIGHTERA said “Key point to success in business is willingness to learn. Besides IT skills, IT Startups should develop other skills such as accounting and client service”.
“Technology is in every organization, so both male and female can works in IT. Microsoft is the IT Company that embraces gender diversity. Employees that IT companies are looking for shouldn’t just be skilled in the IT field, but must be passionate about technology and willing to adapt and learn new things at a fast pace, as well as have sufficient English proficiency,” said Chutima Sribumrungsart, Human Resource Lead, Microsoft (Thailand).
Additionally, Microsoft launched a campaign site, www.makewhatsnext.com that has computer science resources for girls as well as inspirational ‘maker’ stories from young women empowered by Microsoft.
Microsoft YouthSpark is a global initiative committed to helping young people worldwide create and seize opportunity. Microsoft YouthSpark has created new opportunities for more than 227 million young people in over 100 countries around the world. In Thailand, Microsoft has worked with government, businesses and nonprofits serving youth to equip more than 16,000 Thai youths aged 16-30 with ICT skills.
More information and training resources are available at https://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/en-us/youthspark/
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About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @Microsoft) is the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world, and its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Established in 1993, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited aims to Make 70 Million Lives Better by enabling Thai people and businesses to realize their full potential through technology that transforms the way people work, play, and communicate. We offer software, services, and devices that deliver new opportunities, greater convenience, and enhanced value to people’s lives. Working with communities and the Thai government, Microsoft and its partners are committed to working closely with organizations and people across Thailand to fully harness the power of technology and innovation.
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[1] http://www.th.undp.org/content/thailand/en/home/post-2015/mdgoverview/overview/mdg2/