Netflix to hold digital workshops at 5 ASEAN markets in next 6 months

Streaming service provider Netflix will be working with various partners to hold workshops and trainings in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines over the next six months. This comes as it partners the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Digital ASEAN working group to help people and governments in Southeast Asia develop creative and digital skills and capabilities, according to a press release.Netflix has signed a pledge to be part of WEF’s ASEAN Digital Skills Vision 2020 programme, a private-public project involving a coalition of organisations that seeks to train up 20 million workers in digital skills by 2020. In the pledge, Netflix commits to rolling out initiatives focused on creative “Industry 4.0″ skills development; online safety and digital literacy; as well as agile governance 4.0. It may consider bringing them to more markets in the region in the future.This will equip trainees with the skills required to produce content for the internet entertainment industry, including writing, production, and post-production. In partnership with industry experts, consumer advocacy groups, as well as regulators, Netflix will also educate consumers on the necessary knowledge and tools to enjoy online entertainment in a safe and secure way. Regulators meanwhile, will learn how keep pace with technological advancements.Yu-Chuang Kuek, managing director, Netflix Asia-Pacific said the companies believe having those skills and knowledge will be integral to the success of initiatives such as the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan. “As Netflix grows, we are partnering with Southeast Asian governments and industry players to support the development of digital creative skills needed in a fast-developing internet entertainment landscape,” he added.A recent WEF-commissioned survey of 56,000 ASEAN youths found that 52% believed they needed to upgrade their skills constantly to succeed in a changing job market. On top of that, they ranked “creativity and innovation” as the most important skill for their future.Justin Wood, head of Asia Pacific and member of the executive committee at WEF said: “Key public-private partnerships like this play a vital role in ensuring societies and governments across the region are equipped with the necessary skills and not left behind in the wake of this technological revolution.”He added that the ASEAN Digital Skills Vision 2020 programme has delivered “significant impact” securing commitments to train 8.9 million workers at SMEs, as well as to provide 30,000 internships in its first eight months.Read more:Netflix adamant on commercial-free offering despite missing membership forecastsNetflix threatens to pull investment in Georgia if anti-abortion bill passesNetflix inks deal with Alibaba to acquire another Chinese showNetflix’s APAC marketer on placing creative first, media second