Microsoft Thailand launches AI skills programme for civil society groups

Microsoft Thailand and a group of regional partners are rolling out an AI for Social Impact training programme aimed at building generative artificial intelligence skills among civil society organisations.

In a statement, Microsoft Thailand said the initiative is being delivered in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, the Collaborative Center for Digital Development Knowledge Management at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, and Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency. The programme aligns with Microsoft’s Elevate project, which is focused on expanding access to AI and reducing digital skills gaps.

The training is designed for organisations working in the social sector, such as non-profits, foundations and community groups, which often operate with limited resources. The aim is to show how AI tools can be applied in everyday work, rather than treating AI as a purely technical or experimental topic.

The curriculum covers the fundamentals of generative AI, meaning systems that can produce text, images or other content based on prompts from users. Participants are taught systematic prompt engineering, which refers to the structured way users phrase instructions so AI tools deliver more accurate and useful results. The course also includes hands-on use of Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant that works across documents and data to help with tasks such as drafting content, analysing information and preparing presentations.

Alongside these core elements, workshops focus on social media content creation and field data analysis. For a lay audience, this means learning how AI can help summarise survey responses, identify patterns in community data or generate clear communications for public outreach, saving time that would otherwise be spent on manual work.

“Microsoft is pleased to be a pivotal force in teaching appropriate and responsible AI skills to personnel and civil society leaders,” said Supahrat Juramongkol, AI national skills director for Microsoft Thailand. She said the training is intended to help organisations improve management efficiency, reduce duplication and raise the quality of communication, content creation and data analysis, allowing staff to spend more time delivering impact in their communities.

Ruhimat Soerakoesoemah, head of the subregional office for South-East Asia at ESCAP, said the programme supports inclusive digital transformation across the region. He said equipping social sector professionals with practical AI skills can help accelerate progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education, innovation and reducing inequalities.

The statement said Associate Professor Dr Taweewat Wattanakuljaroen, president of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, and Dr Sithon Kulradathon, acting vice president at depa, also took part in the event, highlighting AI’s role in developing human resources and strengthening communities.

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To widen access, Microsoft said interested participants can choose from more than 200 Thai-language AI courses through the Microsoft AI Skills Navigator. They can also follow updates via the AI for Social Impact Facebook page or complete self-paced study through the SmartMOOC platform, with certificates issued on completion.

By focusing on practical skills and local language resources, the programme reflects a growing effort to ensure AI adoption extends beyond large corporations and reaches organisations working directly with communities.

The Recap

• Microsoft Thailand and partners run AI skills training program.
• Program covers Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot tools.
• Training runs from November 2025 to March 2026.