Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, has launched a new initiative to enhance AI (artificial intelligence) education and skills in the Asia-Pacific region. The $15 million AI Opportunity Fund, recently announced, aims to equip more than one million individuals, especially from underserved communities, with essential AI skills.
This investment aligns with Google’s ongoing commitment to improving digital literacy and AI proficiency throughout the region. The AI Opportunity Fund will finance various training programs, such as AI Essentials for beginners, the AI Startup School for entrepreneurs, and specialized Google Cloud AI courses for businesses. “Equipped with the right tools and expertise, we’re excited to see how people and organizations across Asia-Pacific can make the most of AI to benefit everyone,” said Scott Beaumont, president for Asia-Pacific at Google.
To maximize the impact of this initiative, Google is collaborating with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), a coalition of social investors, and receiving support from the Asian Development Bank. Together, they will identify social impact organizations capable of delivering AI training to those who will benefit most. AVPN will work with local partners, selected through an open proposal process, to identify AI-related challenges and opportunities for job seekers and small businesses within these communities.
These chosen organizations will offer training in languages spoken locally, directly addressing the specific needs of their communities. The initiative also involves providing cash grants to help remove obstacles to learning, such as limited access to educational materials and resources.
