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As Thailand aims to become a central hub for electric vehicle manufacturing in the ASEAN region, there is a growing need for digital skills and expertise in green technologies, such as battery production and vehicle.
Thailand’s automotive manufacturing sector is the country’s second-largest export sector, accounting for 14% of total exports during the first nine months of 2023, valued at 1.02tn Thai baht (approx. US$27.7bn).
Thailand has also been cited as the largest automotive producer and exporter in the ASEAN region and the eleventh-largest globally, producing more than 2mn units annually.
According to a press release by the International Labour Organization, Thailand's automative manufacturing sector needs to adapt to changing skill requirements and inject responsible business practices as it moves towards electric and low-carbon vehicles.
The report, titled Navigating transformational changes and transitions: The skills development and employment landscape in Thailand’s automotive manufacturing sector, highlights the need to address the gap between current skills and the emerging demands of the industry.
As Thailand aims to become a central hub for electric vehicle manufacturing in the ASEAN region, there is a growing need for digital skills and expertise in green technologies, such as battery production and vehicle.
Below are some of the key findings that were revealed in the report:
Evolving employment landscape
Customer preferences for environmentally friendly vehicles and the integration of new technologies are reshaping job roles and skill requirements. There is an increased demand for digital and green technology skills.
Skills development
Ongoing skills development is essential to support a more digital and automated manufacturing environment. Existing training and education programmes are insufficient to meet the sector's new demands.
Continuous learning
Enhancing technical skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
Xiaoyan Qian, Director, ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific, said: "By developing industry-ready workers with higher technical and specialised skills, industry expansion and growth targets can be better achieved.
"This will improve prospects for accessing employment with better incomes and livelihood opportunities.
"Furthermore, ensuring access to reskilling and upskilling opportunities is critical to supporting just transitions for those workers who are, or will be, affected by increased automation and digitisation and a shift to a greener and sustainable economy,”
The study also stressed the importance of integrating responsible business conduct into daily operations and training programmes. This integration ensures that all employees, including the 10% of the automotive workforce that comprises migrant workers, understand and implement these practices, preventing disparities in rights protection and access to decent work.
In addition, the report addresses demographic shifts within the industry, noting that older workers need extra support to adapt to the technologically advancing environment. Tailored training programs are necessary to accommodate different learning paces and styles, ensuring all employees can contribute effectively.
"As the industry pivots towards more sophisticated and sustainable practices, responsible business conduct becomes imperative," said Gizem Karsli, Project Manager of the Skills Development and Responsible Business Conduct for Transition initiative funded by the Government of Japan.
“This comprehensive approach not only mitigates risks associated with potential violations but also positions companies to attract investment and partnership opportunities by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and ethical conduct,” she added.
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Lead image / 123RF
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