The ascent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout ASEAN has emerged as a defining influence, anticipated to contribute around USD 1 trillion to the region's GDP by 2030. With the evolving digital landscape, there is an urgent need to equip the workforce for the challenges and opportunities presented in this new AI era. Recognizing the pivotal role of AI training in promoting inclusive economic growth, the ASEAN Foundation and Microsoft have jointly initiated the AI TEACH for ASEAN program. This initiative aims to mold the region's technological future, emphasizing AI proficiency as a fundamental element for success, and empowering workers, job seekers, and businesses to elevate their careers in this dynamic landscape.
In collaboration with local nonprofits, workforce institutions, and governments, AI TEACH aims to drive significant employment and education outcomes for individuals seeking to upskill themselves. This concerted effort aims to harness the power of AI and other technologies, ultimately enhancing economic outcomes for the workforce. The AI TEACH for ASEAN programme aims to provide AI Fluency training to 6,200 Technology Vocational Education and Training (TVET) educators in ASEAN, with a focus on Indonesia and Malaysia. Using the Microsoft AI Trainer Toolkit, the programme will empower educators to effectively teach AI concepts and introduces Microsoft and LinkedIn Career Essentials in Generative AI to students, equipping them with essential skills for course completion and certification.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam, the Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, conveyed his excitement about this partnership, highlighting its pivotal role in aligning with the goals of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, saying "the AI TEACH for ASEAN programme by Microsoft and the ASEAN Foundation is a testament to our commitment to empowering the youth, enhancing their skill sets, and positioning them as catalysts for the region's progress. By fostering innovation and providing practical AI skills, we aim to contribute significantly to the economic and technological growth of ASEAN".
The ultimate objective of the AI TEACH for ASEAN program is to enhance employment and education prospects for 400,000 individuals in Indonesia and Malaysia, simultaneously catalyzing positive transformations within the TVET system by integrating AI skilling to align with evolving industry demands. The program will realize this goal through the implementation of various key initiatives. The primary activity involves providing training-of-trainers for TVET teachers across ten ASEAN countries, achieved through collaboration with the Senior Officials Meeting on Education and the ASEAN Secretariat, thereby ensuring government attention and support. In Indonesia and Malaysia, TVET trainers will subsequently disseminate AI skills training to students through formal agreements (MOUs) with TVET institutions.
Complementing the training of trainers, a country-level hackathon will be rolled out in Indonesia and Malaysia, leading up to a regional hackathon organized in Indonesia, which aims to foster excitement among trainers to integrate their expertise in Generative AI into teaching methods. Finally, a regional TVET policy roundtable on AI skilling will also be held to invite policymakers, AI experts, and nonprofits to share experiences and best practices.
Andrea Della Mattea, President for Microsoft in ASEAN, shares, "We're thrilled to work with the ASEAN Foundation, Yayasan Plan International Indonesia and Biji-biji to ensure everyone has the skills to thrive in this exciting era of AI. Together, we're closing the skills gap, providing opportunities for success, enabling inclusive economic growth, and empowering the entrepreneurs of tomorrow—today".
In a strong partnership with Microsoft, the ASEAN Foundation will play a vital role in supervising the execution of the AI TEACH programs tailored for Indonesia and Malaysia. These initiatives will be led by Yayasan Plan International Indonesia (YPII) and Biji-biji Initiative, with a localized approach designed to cater to the distinct needs and contexts of each country. While YPII and Biji-biji Initiative lead the efforts in Indonesia and Malaysia respectively, the ASEAN Foundation will concentrate on coordinating a regional policy roundtable focused on AI Skilling and facilitating a regional hackathon.
