2025 will be a transformative year for technology, careers, and skill enhancement: expert

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for technological advancements, skill enhancement, and career growth, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, according to T.P. Sethumadhavan, education and career consultant.

“This year has been designated as the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting their global significance, with 12% of the workforce engaged in cooperative activities worldwide. Global focus on sustainable development and innovation will drive job opportunities, especially in energy and non-energy sectors. The GCC region will see growth in industries such as tourism, healthcare, technology, agribusiness, project management, green energy, construction, food processing, and design. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, cybersecurity, blockchain, and data analytics are set to take centre stage, with start-ups and entrepreneurship thriving in response,” he said.

The number of students from Asian countries pursuing higher education abroad is expected to rise. European universities, in particular, will see increased enrolment, with English-speaking countries facilitating education and research for students from developing nations. Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, and Germany are projected to offer numerous opportunities for higher studies, Dr. Sethumadhavan said.

In 2025, global emphasis on reducing carbon footprints will drive more focus on net-zero emission strategies and carbon credit initiatives. Fields like accounting, animation, gaming, STEM, and liberal arts will offer ample opportunities. Despite economic challenges, funding from organisations like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) are expected to ease financial pressures.

Upskilling and reskilling

“To stay competitive in 2025, students will need to prioritise upskilling and reskilling. Transferable skills and research capabilities will be crucial for landing top jobs. However, rising living and tuition costs in countries like the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia, along with higher visa charges, will add financial pressure on international students.”

The services sector will experience significant growth, while renewable energy solutions, including electric vehicles and solar energy, will accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels. Despite global challenges, 2025 is poised to be a transformative year for technology, entrepreneurship, agribusiness, and food processing, making it a pivotal period for global development, he pointed out.