The world is spinning rapidly today, with AI technology playing a major role in work. Some job positions may disappear. Thus, the key question is not just “What job will we do?” but “How can we position ourselves as choosers in the job market?” What skills will help us survive in this fast-changing world?
Kla-Kittisak Kasaburi, Director of Corporate Strategy and Communications at JOBBKK. He disclosed at the Future Trends Ahead 2026 Press Conference that everything is changing faster today. Most organizations are already adapting, but job seekers may not be adjusting as quickly as the market demands, which risks their careers, such as losing current jobs or positions.
In Thailand’s case, according to the JOBBKK HR Insider Survey 2026, over 55.6% of organizations still want to hire more staff. Most are large companies offering opportunities to fresh graduates, likely to bring new energy and to control rising personnel costs.
Additionally, there is an interesting insight: although people think the job market wants soft skills, in fact, it demands hard skills the most and values relevant work experience over the prestige of the educational institution.
Therefore, whether one has been working for some time or is a fresh graduate, upskilling becomes crucial to increasing chances of finding the right job. The five key skills identified are:
1. Technical & Hard Skills: Professional expertise remains the top market demand.
2. Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze and solve problems.
3. Adapt Quickly: Adaptability and quick learning are soft skills highly sought after by 66.7% of surveyed leading company employers.
4. AI & Data Collaboration: The ability to work fluently with AI and statistical data.
5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Communication and relationship-building that AI may not yet replace.
Furthermore, to grow rapidly, one must be eager to continuously learn and develop oneself.
“People are a critical resource investment, often costing more than technology development. Therefore, big companies tend to hire fresh graduates who may not excel in every area but undergo training programs. For example, Management Trainee positions offer diverse work experiences and learning across units, which can lead to management careers,” said Kittisak.
When asked which career fields are expected to be hot in 2026, they fall into three groups:
- AI, Data, and Cybersecurity fields.
- Engineering roles that effectively apply AI in their work.
- Frontline service roles including communication, sales, and customer service, where everyone can upskill to become professionals.
. . . Win-Ochawin Jirasottikul, CEO and founder of FutureSkill. He shared insights on today’s work environment: “We are no longer competing only with fellow Thais but with people worldwide. A close example is the content world we access daily, which shows increasing foreign incursions.”
At the same time, the job market is changing because AI technology is a key factor that may widen the gap between traditional workers and those who leverage technology. Thus, people who will survive and succeed in the future workplace fall into three groups:
1) Top Talent: Those who excel in their fields.
2) Tech Savvy: Those who use technology to enhance their work efficiency and stand out.
3) Smart Investor: Those with capital who invest in technology.
They must also possess four future skills:
- Advanced Cognitive & Self-Management: Emphasizing systems thinking, analytical creativity, and financial literacy to manage oneself effectively without worry.
- Twin Transition (Digital & Green): Adapting to AI and mastering data analytics alongside global trends like ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
- Human Connection & Global Communication: Expertise in communication and leadership skills that influence others.
- Growth Engine & Business Acumen: An intrapreneurial spirit focused on continual self-development and understanding the necessity of lifelong learning to survive.
Therefore, developing ourselves to be ready for new opportunities through upskilling both work-related and soft skills is crucial. Since work is a part of life, managing it well can lead to better financial and life outcomes.
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