Microsoft has unveiled plans to equip the 2.5 million individuals in Asean member states with essential AI skills by 2025. The tech giant’s initiative aims to address the growing demand for AI expertise in the region. The skilling programs will be rolled out in collaboration with governments, non-profit organizations, and corporate partners in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
We appreciate Microsoft’s commitment to upskilling Asean youth in AI, a pivotal step aligning with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, shared Dr. Piti Srisangnam, the executive director of the Asean Foundation. By fostering a sustainable digital talent ecosystem, it will contribute significantly to our regional development.
The skilling efforts will focus on tapping into existing educational infrastructure, collaborating with vocational institutes to provide practical AI training tailored to industry needs. Partnerships with education ministries and vocational training institutes across Asean countries are expected to benefit over 644,000 vocational students.
In the Philippines, Microsoft is committed to equipping one million Department of Education learners with AI and cybersecurity skills. The partnership with the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aims to empower 100,000 female learners with AI skills to foster diversity in the digital workforce.
In Indonesia and Malaysia, programs like AI TEACH for Indonesia and AI TEACH Malaysia will offer technical and vocational students specialized training in AI. Additionally, Microsoft will extend support to underserved youths and job seekers, aiming to educate 100,000 individuals in AI, data, and security through initiatives like Kartu Prakerja in Indonesia.
In Thailand, Microsoft’s collaboration with government ministries and vocational institutes will skill 100,000 young entrepreneurs in AI-enabled tourism ventures, bolstering economic prospects across geographic provinces.
Addressing the pressing need for cybersecurity talent, Microsoft’s Ready4AI&Security program will train 15,000 individuals in Indonesia and Malaysia, with a particular focus on encouraging women to pursue careers in cybersecurity.
To promote innovation through AI application development, Microsoft’s Asia AI Odyssey campaign aims to train 30,000 developers in ASEAN countries. Additionally, the forthcoming Nonprofit Leaders’ Summit in June 2024 aims to equip 1,500 nonprofit employees with AI knowledge and skills, further amplifying the social impact of non-profit organizations in the AI era.
