Microsoft has unveiled plans to equip 2.5 million individuals across Asean member states with essential AI (artificial intelligence) skills by 2025. The initiative, announced by the tech giant, aims to address the growing demand for AI expertise in the region.
Microsoft’s 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,” Dr. Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the Asean Foundation, said in a media release. “By fostering a sustainable digital talent ecosystem, it will contribute significantly to our regional development.”
The skilling efforts will focus on four key areas:
- Building an inclusive workforce ready for AI integration
- Bridging the cybersecurity talent gap
- Enhancing developers’ AI proficiency
- Empowering non-profit organizations to leverage AI for social impact
Microsoft’s initiatives will tap 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.
AI and cybersecurity skills
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, fostering 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.
AI Odyssey campaign
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.
Microsoft’s Asia AI Odyssey campaign targets to train 30,000 developers in ASEAN countries, promoting innovation through AI application development. 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.