TLDR: The ASEAN Foundation, backed by a $5 million grant from Google.org, has launched ‘AI Ready ASEAN,’ a 2.5-year program aimed at boosting AI literacy for 5.5 million citizens across Southeast Asia. The initiative includes the ‘AI Class ASEAN’ e-learning platform, training-of-trainers, and public awareness campaigns, all designed to foster responsible AI use and support the region’s digital transformation goals.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The ASEAN Foundation, with significant support from a USD 5 million grant from Google.org, has officially launched its ambitious ‘AI Ready ASEAN’ initiative, a comprehensive 2.5-year program designed to significantly enhance Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy across the ten ASEAN Member States. A key milestone of this program, the ‘AI Class ASEAN’ e-learning platform, was unveiled during the 2nd Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN, held in Kuala Lumpur on August 12-13, 2025.
This groundbreaking initiative targets 5.5 million ASEAN citizens, with a particular focus on youth, educators, parents, and underserved communities aged 15-64. The program’s core objective is to equip these individuals with the essential knowledge and skills required to understand, utilize, and critically engage with AI in an increasingly digital world, thereby improving employability and opening new career pathways.
The ‘AI Class ASEAN’ e-learning platform stands as a central pillar of the program, offering free training through 70 localized modules. It integrates innovative features such as an AI-powered chatbot, interactive discussion forums, and real-time translation capabilities to ensure accessibility and relevance across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts within the region. Beyond the e-learning platform, the ‘AI Ready ASEAN’ program encompasses a multi-faceted approach including:
Training-of-Trainers (ToT): Empowering 2,000 master trainers who will, in turn, cascade AI literacy education to over 800,000 community members across the region.
Regional Research: Conducting evidence-based research to inform curriculum development and shape effective policymaking related to AI.
Policy Dialogues: Convening policymakers, technology experts, and civil society representatives to foster alignment on national priorities and responsible AI governance frameworks.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising consciousness about the ethical, social, and economic dimensions of AI to encourage informed and inclusive public discourse.
The urgency for such an initiative is underscored by significant economic projections. The World Economic Forum estimates that AI could boost Southeast Asia’s GDP by 10-18% by 2030, translating to nearly US$1 trillion in value. Furthermore, while AI is expected to create 11 million jobs in Southeast Asia between 2025 and 2030, it is also projected to displace 9 million, emphasizing the critical need to address the skills gap within this narrow timeframe.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, highlighted the broader vision, stating, “Enhancing AI literacy in ASEAN is not just about preparing our youth, educators, and communities for the future of work—it’s about ensuring that every citizen has the tools to navigate and shape the rapidly evolving technological landscape. By investing in AI education, we are building a stronger, more resilient ASEAN that can harness the power of innovation for sustainable growth and development.” A representative from Google.org added, “We see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for inclusive progress when used responsibly. At Google.org, we’re supporting programmes like AI Ready ASEAN to ensure that foundational AI education reaches those who have the most to gain from it.”
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The ‘AI Ready ASEAN’ initiative promotes responsible AI use, emphasizing principles of ethics, fairness, transparency, and digital inclusion. It builds upon the success of the previous ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme (2021-2024) and directly supports the goals of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, reinforcing the region’s capacity to leverage AI for sustainable development.
