KADA LAO PDR ICT Job Fair 2025: Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

The Korea ASEAN Digital Academy (KADA) ICT Job Fair 2025 took place on October 29, 2025, at the Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT), with the goal of bridging the gap between digital skills training and employment for young professionals. The event brought together KADA trainees, IICT students, and pre-employment candidates to connect with potential employers in the ICT sector.
Organised jointly by KADA and IICT, the fair aimed to create a dynamic platform for trainees to access job opportunities, assist companies in recruiting qualified candidates, and strengthen collaboration between industry and education to nurture a future-ready workforce.
The one-day event featured recruitment and company promotion booths as well as a two-session “Talk Concert”, attracting around 100 trainees and representatives from 10 leading ICT companies.

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion on the theme “AI vs. Gen Z: Hacking the New Entry Point of ICT Careers”, which explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping employment and what skills Gen Z needs to thrive in the new digital era.
The panel featured four experts and two Gen Z representatives, who shared insights on essential skills, high-demand ICT careers in Laos, the impact of AI on employment, the likelihood of an AGI, and strategies for adapting to the AI-driven workplace to prevent an unemployment crisis. 
The panel also discussed employment, essential skills, and the impact of AI on the ICT sector.
There was a strong consensus that career success demands a blend of hard and soft skills, with communication and coordination being particularly vital among the soft skills.
Experts emphasised the need for a "solid foundation" in technical knowledge and highly prioritised adaptability and proficiency in AI and AI automation.
Practical career advice emphasised the importance of applying knowledge rather than merely focusing on what one can gain, gaining experience through programmes such as study abroad, and developing essential financial literacy.
Regarding high-demand careers, software development was widely recognised as a key field poised for continued growth, with AI expected to further expand opportunities. Other in-demand roles include full-stack development, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
Addressing concerns about job displacement, experts agreed that while AI will automate repetitive tasks, one speaker captured the sentiment best: "AI cannot replace humans, but AI will replace humans who cannot adapt."
This event served as a valuable platform for sharing insights into finance, life, and career development. It bridged the gap between experience and knowledge, deepened understanding, and connected employers with aspiring professionals.

By Advertorial Desk
(Latest Update October 31, 2025)