Employability Initiative Receives Corporate Social Responsibility Award
The 2009 global financial crisis left an estimated 70,000 people jobless in Thailand. In response to the crisis, Microsoft introduced a program called ‘Building Employability Through Technology and Entrepreneurship’ (BETTER) to hone the Information Technology (IT) skills of more than 21,000 citizens. The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) recognized Microsoft Thailand’s efforts with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award in 2011.
The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) recognized Microsoft Thailand’s efforts with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award in 2011.
BETTER began as a three-part collaborative effort involving Microsoft, the Kenan Institute of Asia and the Ministry of Labor in Thailand. The program imparted IT skills to the local workforce over a span of three years, and helped budding entrepreneurs meet industry demands in IT capabilities.
To date, more than 26,000 people have benefited from BETTER, and Microsoft expects this number to increase to 40,000 in its bid to make 70 million lives better.
The Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand, Mr Birathon Kasemsri Na Ayudhaya said, “Microsoft Thailand believes that greater access to technology and the sharing of IT skills can really transform lives and enhance living standards. Therefore we have been focusing a lot of our attention on this through the BETTER Program for workforce enhancement.”
The President of AMCHAM, Mr Peter Eliot, explained why Microsoft deserved the award: “We have a fundamental belief in using technology to bridge the gaps in our society and better equip the Thai workforce with the knowledge and skills that are necessary in today’s IT world. The BETTER Program plays a vital role in bringing success to the Thai peoples’ careers in terms of workforce capabilities and job opportunities, and will eventually prepare them for the ASEAN free trade in the future.”
This was the 4th award that Microsoft Thailand has received from AMCHAM for its efforts in reaching out to the local community.
“We have a fundamental belief in using technology to bridge the gaps in our society and better equip the Thai workforce with the knowledge and skills that are necessary in today’s IT world. The project plays a vital role in bringing success to the Thai peoples’ careers in terms of workforce capabilities and job opportunities, and will eventually prepare them for the upcoming ASEAN free trade in the future.”
- Mr Peter Eliot, President, American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM)
“Microsoft Thailand believes that greater access to technology and the sharing of IT skills can really transform lives and enhance living standards, so we have been focusing a lot of our attention on this through the BETTER Program for workforce enhancement.”
- Mr Birathon Kasemsri Na Ayudhaya, Managing Director, Microsoft Thailand
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