📱 AI and Digital Skills #22
HolonIQ is tracking reskilling and upskilling efforts to meet the rising demand for AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity skills. As these fields evolve, continuous learning is key to staying competitive and building a future-ready workforce.
This week in AI and Digital, China launched 1,455 AI-focused courses to enhance employability through the Smart Education platform. French Tech Lagos hosted an AI summit that empowered Nigerian youth with hackathons and mentorship. Meanwhile, TechNovelle’s free DataCamp-supported program provides practical AI training to underserved Africans, ensuring ethical and inclusive education. All three initiatives aim to bridge global AI skills gaps and foster workforce readiness.
Upskilling efforts in Thailand are accelerating as Oracle and the Depa plan to train 100,000 Thais in digital skills via MyLearn. Accenture and IIT Madras are preparing auto engineers for software-defined vehicles. CIMB commits $23M to upskill its workforce in AI, aligning with Malaysia’s GEAR-uP plan. These initiatives focus on digital readiness, workforce resilience, and innovation across key Southeast Asian economies.
Thanks for reading!
Not a subscriber yet?
AI and Digital Labor Market Trends
🎓 China Launches AI-Focused University Courses to Upskill Workforce. China's Ministry of Education has rolled out 1,455 new educational resources, highlighting AI and low-altitude economy skills via its Smart Education platform. This includes 138 top-tier university courses and flexible courses tailored to emerging industries. These courses boost employability without full degrees, with 80% of graduates reporting improved job outcomes.
🤖 Lagos Hosts French Tech AI Summit to Empower Future Talent. French Tech Lagos held a dynamic AI hackathon and exclusive conference to bridge Nigeria’s AI skills gap. Students tackled real-world problems with industry mentors. Backed by companies like KPMG and SPIE, the summit emphasized innovation, resilience, and opportunity, aiming to equip youth for careers in an AI-driven world
🌍 TechNovelle Launches Free AI & Data Cohort to Bridge Africa’s Skills Gap. In partnership with DataCamp, the program provides underserved individuals with hands-on, career-relevant training, including mentorship, real-world projects, and access to premium learning tools. With a tailored curriculum, built-in community support, and a focus on ethical AI, the initiative ensures learners from across the continent gain practical skills and representation in tech.
Nearly 3x Growth in AI University Programs in English From 2017 to 2023
📈 AI programs in Universities grew by more than 1500 courses in 2017. This steady upward trend reflects increasing global demand for AI expertise and education.
🔒 The dominance of English as the medium of instruction reflects a deliberate strategy by universities to cater to international cohorts, making AI education more globally accessible and market-relevant.
🤖 The sharpest increase occurred post-2020, coinciding with global digital acceleration triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that AI education is becoming a strategic focus for institutions responding to shifting technological and workforce needs.
Upskilling/Reskilling Initiatives
🌐 Oracle & depa Unite to Train 100,000 for Thailand’s Digital Future. Through Oracle MyLearn, learners gain over 200 hours of digital training in areas like OCI, AI, DevOps, and security. The program provides foundational certifications and job-readiness badges to help bridge Thailand’s digital skills gap and boost economic competitiveness.
🚗 Accenture & IIT Madras Launch SDV Upskilling Program for Auto Engineers. As vehicles evolve into code-driven systems, the program focuses on embedded systems, cybersecurity, edge computing, and protocols such as AUTOSAR. Aimed at automotive professionals for the software-defined vehicle, this initiative bridges the skills gap, preparing talent for the future of mobility and automation.
💼 CIMB Commits $23M to Upskill Workforce in AI. The program builds on 2.66 million hours of prior learning and aligns with Malaysia’s GEAR-uP initiative to raise wages and workforce resilience. With tailored leadership programs, flexible benefits, and career development tools, CIMB aims to create a future-ready, people-first organization.
Like getting this newsletter? Request a demo for unlimited access to over one million charts
Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com
