Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), through its SCB Academy, is driving a transformative shift in Thai education with the launch of “AFAST Smart University”, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping university students with future-ready skills. Under the concept of “Prepare, Empower, Elevate”, the program redefines graduation—not as the end of education, but as the beginning of a career.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between key partners in both academia and the private sector, including the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), the Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Thailand (APHEIT), Mahidol University, Walailak University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) KX Knowledge Xchange, Thai AirAsia Academy, and Microsoft Thailand. Together, these partners aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world workforce demands.
Mr. Worawat Suvagondha, Chief People Officer at SCB, stated “AFAST Smart University builds on the success of the AFAST program launched in late 2023. Our goal is to ‘Prepare, Empower, Elevate’—by providing foundational knowledge, enhancing practical skills outside the classroom, and increasing employment opportunities. Graduates won’t just finish school—they’ll be ready to start work immediately.”
Recognizing that employers today seek more than just degrees, the program emphasizes real-world readiness and adaptability in a fast-changing digital era. SCB Academy has applied its internal learning models to design innovative tools and flexible and relevant curricula powered by AI, including:
- Ikigai Mentor U: An app that helps students discover their purpose, plan their learning paths, and explore career options
- alky: A personalized storytelling skill analyzer offering tailored feedback
- Smart CV Application: Enables students to create multiple CV versions optimized for HR appeal
- Skill Boost Boot Camp: A hands-on training camp to prepare students for the job market
- A comprehensive communication skills curriculum covering listening, speaking, writing, and presenting
Key Partner Contributions Include:
- KMUTT’s Knowledge Xchange: Launch of Ikigai Mentor U to guide students in career planning
- Thai AirAsia Academy: Introduction of the Communication Skills Pathway for confident collaboration with clear listening, speaking, and writing communication
- Microsoft Thailand: AI learning under the “Learn – Practice – Prove” model, with Microsoft Certificates verifiable on LinkedIn and resumes
- CUPT: Emphasizes that beyond textbook knowledge, employers seek individuals with digital literacy, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. This initiative aligns with the mission to cultivate graduates who are not only job-ready but also committed to lifelong learning.
- APHEIT: Views AFAST Smart University as a strategic mechanism to elevate private university standards through integrated student development, not just extra-curricular activities.
Mahidol University and Walailak University serve as pilot institutions, integrating AFAST tools and curricula into both online and onsite learning. These universities are committed to systematically assessing learning outcomes and ensuring students are truly job-ready upon graduation.
“AFAST Smart University not only expands opportunities for Thai students to gain practical skills but also lays the foundation for lifelong learning and the development of high-caliber talents ready to thrive in a changing world,” Mr. Worawat concluded.
This collaboration between academia, industry, and global technology leaders reflects the necessity of bridging academia with real-world industry and marks a significant milestone in Thailand’s journey toward building a future-ready workforce.
Symbol: SCB