- The fund aims to build a digital hub bridging Thailand’s youth employment
The Citi Foundation continues its philanthropic initiative through the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge, granting a total of 25 million USD to 50 social organizations worldwide. The initiative supports organizations that advance innovative employment solutions for low-income youth.
In Thailand, Kenan Foundation Asia has been awarded 500,000 USD (approximately 16 million THB) to develop an AI-powered learning and career development hub that consolidates knowledge resources, career planning tools, and skills development. The project underscores Citi and the Citi Foundation’s longstanding commitment to young people and their economic future.
Ms. Narumon Chivangkur, Citi Country Officer, Thailand, commented, “Youth unemployment remains a global challenge. The International Labor Organization estimates that 65 million young people globally are unemployed largely due to skills mismatch, compounded by the accelerated digital transformation and the growing need for new skillsets such as AI and advanced technologies. Recognizing this urgent need, the Citi Foundation has launched the 2025 Global Innovation Challenge to support non-profit organizations around the world that deliver innovative solutions for youth employability and skills development, which are the underpinnings of sustainable economic growth.”
“In Thailand, the challenge is becoming increasingly evident,” she continued. “According to the National Statistical Office, the youth unemployment rate rose to 5.3% in 2025, up from 4.5% in the previous year, highlighting the growing vulnerability of the labor market. In response, the Citi Foundation is funding Kenan Foundation Asia with the 500,000 USD grant to develop comprehensive digital hub that enhances career opportunities and future-ready skills for Thai youth under the A.I.R (AI for Readiness and Resilience) project. This initiative aligns with Citi’s mission to deploy its financial expertise in advancing economic stability and inclusive growth in every community we serve.”
Dr. Wimonkan Kosumas, Executive Director, Kenan Foundation Asia added “As a non-profit organization committed to empowering youth through knowledge, technology, and essential skills, Kenan Foundation Asia will leverage this grant launch a comprehensive hub on www.kenan-asia.org that integrates free AI tools and learning resources for learners and teachers. The hub will feature a knowledge library on how to effectively use AI to enhance employability skills, AI-powered career guidance, interactive interview simulations, personalized job search support, resume-building tools, soft skills assessments, and a range of professional development resources. The project is expected to launch by the first academic semester of 2026 and aims to reach 2,000 post-secondary vocational education students (grade 13th – 14th) and 80 teachers throughout the two-year implementation period.”
