The ICDL Digital Challenge 2024, in collaboration with ICDL Thailand and ICDL Asia, marked its seventh successful edition, reflecting a significant step in enhancing digital literacy among Thai youth. This year's challenge was a prominent feature of the Thailand Digital Employer Day 2024, themed 'Upgrading the Digital Workforce; Driving the Thai Economy Towards Prosperity and Sustainability.'

On August 29, 2024, Labour Minister Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn delivered a keynote address on 'Upgrading the Potential of Thai Workers Towards Employment in the Digital Age.' He emphasized the urgent need for digital skill development to meet international standards and enhance business competitiveness. "The Ministry of Labour has worked with both government and private sector partners. The event focuses on inspiring employers, employees, workers, and personnel in all sectors to be aware and see the importance of developing digital skills to achieve accurate results. It can bring about changes for personnel and organizations on the path to transforming into a digital organization successfully," Mr. Phiphat stated. He also highlighted the ongoing demand for IT personnel and the critical need for Thailand to develop digital skills to fill the gap.

The event saw the participation of key figures including the Ambassador of Ireland to Thailand, H.E. Patrick Bourne, who, along with other dignitaries and industry leaders, supported the initiative. Ambassador Bourne's presence underscored the international collaboration essential for advancing digital skills and the importance of global standards in digital education.

In his address, Ambassador Bourne paid tribute to the Royal Thai Government for its commitment to upskill workers and congratulated the hundreds of companies and individuals who participated in the ICDL Digital Challenge 2024. He shared some of Ireland's experiences as the country developed from a poor and largely agriculture-dependent economy to become the prosperous, high-tech, talent and innovation-driven society it is today.

"ICDL played an enormously important role in contributing to Ireland's success through its digital literacy programmes," the Ambassador recalled. "The Irish Government is very proud to endorse and support ICDL now as it continues to extend its programmes globally, working in more than 100 countries and offering services in more than 40 languages."

The competition attracted over 1,000 students from more than 100 institutions nationwide, competing across three categories: Primary (ages 9-12), Secondary and Vocational (ages 13-17), and Higher Education (ages 18-25). They showcased their skills in Business, Design and Engineering, and Emerging Technology tracks. The event also involved a seminar on "Thai Software Industry and AI Literacy for ALL" and recognized 34 skill development networks for their contributions.

Director-General of the Department of Skill Development, Ms. Bubpha Rueangsud, emphasized the role of the event in fostering lifelong learning and aligning with the digital economy. "The Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Skill Development, was able to extend the project to a quality project under the Ministry of Labour in many aspects. It helps to build a culture of lifelong learning and self-development in line with working and living in the digital economy and society era," Ms. Bubpha noted.

Mr. Damien O'Sullivan, President of ICDL Global, highlighted the importance of developing and reassessing digital skills. "The solution to digital skills development lies in 'developing new skills and reassessing existing ones' through competency certification, which not only enhances job opportunities but also supports lifelong learning," he said.

The ICDL Digital Challenge 2024 also celebrated the national winners during the ICDL Thailand Digital Literacy Day on July 25, 2024, who will represent Thailand at the international finals in Malaysia in November 2024. The event showcased the impressive skills of Thai students and reinforced the broader goal of equipping the next generation with essential digital tools for future success.