Shaping the Future: PSU and Huawei's Strategic Collaboration for Thailand's ICT Talent Development

In a groundbreaking initiative, the ICT Academy at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has partnered with Huawei to establish the ICT Talent Development and Innovation Center in September 2024 (as shown in Figure 1). The center is the first public training facility for ICT talent in the Asia-Pacific region. It is equipped with cutting-edge ICT training devices and teaching platforms, and provides comprehensive services in teacher training, certification training, discipline consulting, and more. This collaboration signifies a major step forward in modernizing educational frameworks and equipping students and the wider community with vital skills to excel in the digital age.

Founded in 1967, PSU is the largest university in southern Thailand, currently serving over 35,000 students. PSU spans five campuses and specializes in a wide array of fields, making it a vibrant hub for diverse knowledge and expertise. With a substantial proportion of its faculty holding doctorate degrees, the university is uniquely positioned to foster innovation and maintain high educational standards.

The digital era presents a myriad of challenges, particularly concerning the growing disparity in digital talent across ICT sectors. Recognizing this, PSU is dedicated to transforming its talent training programs to align with industry needs through the strategic acquisition of Huawei's solution. This reform is set to unfold in three primary areas:

Revising theoretical knowledge: Educational materials will be updated to reflect cutting-edge technologies and innovative industry practices, ensuring students are well-versed in contemporary developments.

Emphasizing hands-on practice: Bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications will be a key focus. Students will engage in practical training to stay up to date with technological advancements.

Enhancing teaching resources: The curriculum will cover industry-based training scenarios, providing students with insights into real-world applications of their learning.

To facilitate these reforms, the PSU ICT Talent Development and Innovation Center aims to train 10,000 individuals, both degree and non-degree learners, over the next five years. The training program will focus on six critical areas: cloud, artificial intelligence, internet of things, security, datacom, and WLAN. The center will offer comprehensive ICT training and experimentation opportunities, incorporating diverse interdisciplinary approaches, physical appliance simulations, and cloud systems. Its overarching vision is to connect global expertise, nurture top-tier talent, and train skills for the age of intelligence.

Holistic ecosystem development

The partnership with Huawei on the ICT Academy is strategically designed to strengthen the ICT talent ecosystem by fostering collaboration between academia, industry, government, and the public. This initiative positions PSU as a premier ICT talent development center, poised to make a lasting impact on Thailand's digital landscape.

Huawei brings its extensive expertise and resources to this collaboration, ensuring that PSU can offer cutting-edge training aligned with industry requirements. By leveraging Huawei's industry insights and best practices, the university aims to bridge the digital talent gap and prepare individuals for success in an increasingly digital world.

This collaboration not only addresses the current challenges of the digital era, but establishes a sustainable talent pipeline. By nurturing a new generation of ICT professionals well-versed in the latest technologies and industry trends, PSU and Huawei contribute significantly to the growth and competitiveness of Thailand's digital economy.

Empowering students and faculty

The impact of the PSU-Huawei collaboration is becoming increasingly evident. Over one hundred students and more than 15 faculty members are directly involved in programs facilitated by this partnership. This includes specialized training sessions, workshops, and collaborative projects designed to enhance skills and knowledge in ICT.

The partnership provides the faculty with access to Huawei's global network of resources and expertise. This allows educators to refine their teaching methods and curriculum, ensuring they remain at the forefront of ICT advancements. Faculty members can also participate in professional development programs, which enhance their skills and enable them to impart cutting-edge knowledge to their students.

Around 200 PSU students have since been recruited by Huawei and its partners, demonstrating the effectiveness of this initiative in aligning education with job market demands. The skills developed through the training programs not only prepare students for employment at Huawei, but open doors to opportunities with other industry leaders.

Broader community impact

The PSU-Huawei collaboration extends its benefits beyond the university and directly impacts the local community. By providing training opportunities and resources, the initiative promotes digital literacy among various demographics, including professionals seeking to upgrade their skills and those looking to enter the ICT field.

Moreover, the center hosts workshops and outreach programs that target local schools and community organizations. These efforts aim to inspire younger students to pursue careers in technology. This fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the region. By engaging with local businesses, the center also supports the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises by offering tailored training programs that address their specific ICT needs. This helps create a more robust local economy and strengthens the overall digital ecosystem.

The collaboration also aims to establish PSU as an ICT Academy Support Center (IASC), extending its influence beyond academia and industry. By engaging with government agencies and the broader public, PSU and Huawei are creating a holistic ecosystem for ICT talent development. This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of their partnership resonate at a national level, which will significantly advance Thailand's digital economy.

Through partnerships with various stakeholders, including governmental organizations and private companies, PSU is working to develop a comprehensive national ICT framework. This framework will help align educational programs with labor market needs, ensuring that graduates possess the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving job landscape.

Future prospects

Looking ahead, the PSU and Huawei partnership has the potential to serve as a model for similar collaboration across Southeast Asia and beyond. By prioritizing innovation in education and aligning training with industry needs, other institutions can replicate this successful framework, addressing the digital talent gap prevalent in many regions. As PSU continues to expand its reach and influence, the future looks promising for ICT education and innovation in Thailand. The shared vision of PSU and Huawei will help shape this future. These efforts are not only preparing students for the challenges of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow.

The collaboration between PSU and Huawei in establishing the ICT Talent Development and Innovation Center demonstrates their commitment to excellence in ICT education and talent development. By harnessing their strengths and resources, they are set to make a meaningful impact on the digital landscape by equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in the age of intelligence.

This partnership not only sets a new standard for industry-academia collaboration, but paves the way for a more dynamic and resilient ICT talent ecosystem. Together, PSU and Huawei are not just addressing current educational challenges, but actively shaping the future of ICT in Thailand, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence that will benefit generations to come.