- 11
- March
The short answer is you don't have to lose your job — if you're willing to adapt. China is closing academic programs that AI can already replace, such as translation. But at the same time, new fields are opening with over 5 million positions needed. What's changing isn't the "number of jobs" but the "types of jobs" — and this article explains how you should prepare.
In brief:
- China closed 28 foreign language programs across 109 universities (2018-2022)
- AI translation is 95% accurate at just 1% the cost of humans — already capturing 40% of the general translation market
- But China still has a shortage of AI professionals — over 5 million positions, Big Data 2.3 million, new energy 1 million+
- 80%+ of organizational leaders expect AI won't reduce total headcount
- The key: AI doesn't replace people, but people who use AI will replace those who don't
Timeline: China Closes Programs + How Far AI Has Developed
What's happening in China didn't happen overnight — it's been a gradual process over 7 years:
| Year | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 2018-2022 | 109 Chinese universities closed 28 foreign language programs as graduates found it increasingly difficult to find jobs |
| 2023 | USTC (University of Science and Technology of China) became the first top university to close its English language program |
| 2024 | AI translation reached 95% accuracy at just 1% of human cost — already capturing 40% of the general translation market |
| 2025 | Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) announced cancellation of foreign language master's programs starting 2025 |
| 2025 | China's Ministry of Education announced "flexible curriculum adjustment" policy — red-flagging underperforming programs |
| 2026 | 12.7 million Chinese graduates (record high, up 4% from 2025) enter a highly competitive job market |
Programs Closed vs Programs Opened
The interesting thing is China isn't just "closing" programs — it's "redirecting" the entire education system:
| Programs Closed/Downsized | Programs Opened/Expanded |
|---|---|
| English Language | Artificial Intelligence (AI) — 5 million+ positions short |
| Japanese, Korean, French | Big Data Analytics — 2.3 million positions short |
| Translation and Interpretation | New Energy Vehicles (NEV) — 1 million+ positions short |
| Applied Linguistics | AI Micro-Majors — ShanghaiTech opens cross-disciplinary programs focusing on Critical Thinking |
| Foreign Literature | Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Robotics |
Note that the number of unfilled positions (5M + 2.3M + 1M = 8.3M+) nearly matches the number of new graduates (12.7M). The problem isn't "not enough jobs" but "skills mismatch."
Skills AI Can Replace vs Skills AI Cannot Replace
The IMF estimates AI will impact 40% of jobs worldwide and 60% in developed countries. But "impact" doesn't mean "cause job losses" — many jobs will change form, not disappear:
| Skills AI Can Already Replace | Skills AI Cannot Replace (Still Need Humans) |
|---|---|
| General document translation | Cross-cultural negotiation |
| Repetitive data entry | Strategic analysis and decision-making |
| Summarizing reports from raw data | Designing new work processes |
| Answering customer FAQ questions | Solving complex problems requiring contextual understanding |
| Checking documents against templates | Leadership and team motivation |
| Basic coding/boilerplate work | System Architecture design + ERP implementation |
| Simple scheduling | Creativity + "asking the right questions" |
Thai Case Study — What Thai People Should Prepare For
What's happening in China isn't far away. Thailand is facing a similar situation:
- English is still necessary — but studying just to "translate" is no longer enough. You need language + business knowledge + AI proficiency.
- Accounting-Finance — Data entry/reporting work may decrease, but people who use AI to help analyze accounting data will become more valuable.
- IT — AI can already write basic code, but people who understand business processes + can design systems are still in severe shortage.
- All fields — Learning digital tools (ERP, BI, AI Tools) will enable you to "do the work of 3-5 people" and be in high demand.
Alarming Facts (But There's Hope)
- China youth unemployment rate: 16.5% (December 2025) — highest in years
- 2026 graduates: 12.7 million — record high (+4% from previous year)
- AI translation is 95% accurate at just 1% of the cost of hiring translators
- But: Many companies that laid off employees due to AI have rehired for customer-facing roles because AI still can't do work requiring "the human touch".
- 80%+ of organizational leaders expect AI won't reduce total headcount — but will change job types
Changing Careers + New Careers Emerging
Change doesn't mean careers "disappear" entirely. Many careers are just "reshaping":
| Original Career | What Changed | New Career/Skills Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Translator/Interpreter | General translation AI can already do | AI Translation Editor — Review + edit AI translations + specialize (legal, medical) |
| Accounting Staff | Data entry/repetitive reporting decreasing | Business Analyst — Analyze data from ERP systems + provide strategic recommendations |
| Call Center Agent | FAQ questions handled by AI Chatbot | Customer Success Specialist — Solve complex problems + build customer relationships |
| Junior Programmer | Basic code AI can write | AI-Assisted Developer — Design systems + use AI as a productivity tool |
| Inventory/Warehouse Staff | Automated management systems reduce manual work | Supply Chain Analyst — Analyze data + strategic planning, using MRP systems effectively |
Saeree ERP and Preparing for the AI Era
Let's be direct — ERP skills are among the most valuable in the AI era because:
- AI needs good data — ERP is the organization's primary data source. People who understand ERP = people who understand where data comes from and how accurate it is.
- ERP implementation isn't just installing software — it requires understanding business processes, workflow design, and change management, which AI cannot do.
- Demand remains high — China has a tech talent shortage of over 8 million positions. Thailand is similar. Organizations adapting to the AI era need ERP experts more than ever.
Saeree ERP + AI
Saeree ERP is developing an AI Assistant that will help users retrieve data, analyze, and make decisions faster — but still needs "people" who understand business context to maintain control. This is a clear example that AI isn't replacing people, but helping them work better.
Summary: Should You Worry vs Don't Worry
| Should worry (if...) | Don't worry (if...) |
|---|---|
| You've done the same repetitive work for 5 years without learning new tools | You're always learning new tools, even if you're not proficient yet |
| Your core skills are things AI can already do (general translation, data entry, template reports) | You have skills AI can't do (understand context, negotiate, design processes, lead teams) |
| You refuse to use AI out of fear or don't see the benefit | You use AI as a productivity tool (even if just starting) |
| You wait for your organization to send you for training instead of learning on your own | You upskill on your own — learning ERP, data, or other digital skills |
| You're in an industry that doesn't adapt | You're in an organization that invests in systems (ERP, BI, AI) to enhance people's capabilities |
AI doesn't replace people — but people who use AI will replace those who don't. What China is doing isn't "closing opportunities" but "changing direction." If you're willing to learn, adapt, and continuously upskill — you won't just "avoid unemployment" but become someone every organization wants.
- Saeree ERP Team
References
- South China Morning Post — China's top language university cancels foreign-language master's programs
- IMF — AI Will Transform the Global Economy (40% of jobs affected)
- Reuters — China youth unemployment data
- World Economic Forum — The Future of Jobs Report 2025
If you're looking to build your digital skills or want your organization to be AI-ready — learning ERP is one of the best starting points. Contact our consulting team to discuss how ERP can help develop your team's capabilities.
