- The ASEAN Foundation partners with Microsoft on “AI Teach.”
- They aim to integrate AI in outdated technical programs and reach 400,000 people in Indonesia and Malaysia.
- Success could enable an AI-powered workforce, but requires revamping systems and inspiring students.
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues its rapid advancement, and countries across the globe face mounting pressure to equip their workforces with the skills needed to utilize these innovative tools.
This urgency has now spurred action in Southeast Asia, where AI adoption remains in the early stages. Announced this week, the Jakarta-based ASEAN Foundation has partnered with tech leader Microsoft to launch an ambitious new initiative to transform AI education across the region.
Vocational education with AI
Dubbed “AI Teach,” the program aims to provide intensive fluency training in AI applications to over 6,000 educators engaged in technical and vocational programs in ASEAN member states.
Beyond expanding expertise, the partners share a broader vision to overhaul outdated vocational education and training (TVET) systems by integrating the latest AI technologies.
AI-ready workforce
The initial phase focuses on building skills and opportunities in Indonesia and Malaysia. With dedicated funding from Microsoft, the partners ultimately hope to reach 400,000 individuals in the two countries through modernized TVET channels.
Says ASEAN Foundation Executive Director Piti Srisangnam, “By fostering innovation and providing practical AI skills, we aim to contribute significantly to the economic and technological growth of ASEAN.”
If successful, this bold collaboration could plant the seeds for an AI-powered workforce of the future in Southeast Asia. The partners now face the complex tasks of reimagining training programs, upskilling teachers, and inspiring students to embrace the coming realities of work.
