Empowering ASEAN with AI Skills: Microsoft’s Bold Initiative

Summary:

Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative in ASEAN

On April 30, 2024, Microsoft announced a significant commitment to equip 2.5 million people in the ASEAN region with AI skills by 2025. This initiative aligns with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and aims to build an AI-ready talent pool in the region. The skilling programs will be implemented in collaboration with governments, nonprofit and corporate organizations, and communities across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Support for ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025

Dr. Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation, emphasized the importance of Microsoft’s commitment to upskilling ASEAN youth in AI, which aligns with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable digital talent ecosystem, contributing significantly to regional development.

Focus Areas of Microsoft’s Skilling Commitment

Microsoft’s skilling commitment will focus on four key areas:

• Building an inclusive, AI-ready workforce
• Bridging the cybersecurity talent gap
• Enhancing developers’ AI skills
• Empowering nonprofit organizations to maximize their social impact

Building an Inclusive, AI-Ready Workforce

Microsoft will strengthen vocational education systems across ASEAN to provide AI skills, benefiting an estimated 644,000 vocational students. Programs like AI TEACH for Indonesia and AI TEACH Malaysia will provide technical and vocational education and training students with AI skills. Additionally, Microsoft is training 100,000 underserved youths and job seekers in AI, data, and security through its partnership with Kartu Prakerja.

In Thailand, the AI Skills for the AI-enabled Tourism Industry program will skill 100,000 young entrepreneurs involved in tourism businesses. In the Philippines, Microsoft will equip 1 million Department of Education learners with AI and cybersecurity skills and invest in a new initiative to equip 100,000 TESDA female learners with AI and cybersecurity skills.

Bridging the Cybersecurity Talent Gap

The Asia-Pacific region faces a significant skills gap in its cybersecurity workforce, with a shortfall of 2.7 million people in 2023. Microsoft’s Ready4AI&Security program will train 15,000 young individuals in Indonesia and Malaysia, focusing on providing opportunities for women to build cybersecurity careers.

Enhancing Developers’ AI Skills

To support the ASEAN region’s 7 million-strong developer community, Microsoft has launched the Asia AI Odyssey campaign. This campaign aims to train 30,000 developers in ASEAN countries, encouraging greater use of AI services in the digital economy.

Empowering Nonprofit Organizations

In June 2024, Microsoft will host its first Nonprofit Leaders’ Summit to equip 1,500 nonprofit employees with knowledge and skills in AI and digital technologies. Microsoft will also provide nonprofits in ASEAN countries with access to the Microsoft Resources Hub and the LinkedIn for Nonprofits Resource Hub to help maximize their social impact.

Key Points:

Key Point 1: Microsoft’s Commitment to AI Skilling in ASEAN

• Microsoft aims to equip 2.5 million people in ASEAN with AI skills by 2025.
• This initiative aligns with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 to build an AI-ready talent pool.
• Partnerships with governments, nonprofit and corporate organizations, and communities will drive the skilling programs.

Key Point 2: Focus on Building an Inclusive, AI-Ready Workforce

• Microsoft will strengthen vocational education systems across ASEAN to provide AI skills.
• Programs like AI TEACH for Indonesia and AI TEACH Malaysia will benefit 644,000 vocational students.
• Microsoft is also training 100,000 underserved youths and job seekers in AI, data, and security.

Key Point 3: Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap

• The Asia-Pacific region faces a significant skills gap in its cybersecurity workforce.
• Microsoft’s Ready4AI&Security program will train 15,000 young individuals in Indonesia and Malaysia.
• The program focuses on providing opportunities for women to build cybersecurity careers.

Key Point 4: Enhancing Developers’ AI Skills

• Microsoft’s Asia AI Odyssey campaign aims to train 30,000 developers in ASEAN countries.
• The campaign highlights how Microsoft’s AI Applied Skills validate technical competencies required to build AI applications.
• This initiative supports the region’s 7 million-strong developer community.

Key Point 5: Empowering Nonprofit Organizations

• Microsoft will host its first Nonprofit Leaders’ Summit in June 2024.
• The summit aims to equip 1,500 nonprofit employees with AI and digital technology skills.
• Nonprofits in ASEAN countries will have access to the Microsoft Resources Hub and LinkedIn for Nonprofits Resource Hub.

Resources:

ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025

ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 outlines the strategic framework for digital transformation in the ASEAN region, aiming to build an AI-ready talent pool and foster a sustainable digital talent ecosystem.

AI TEACH for Indonesia

AI TEACH for Indonesia is a program by Microsoft and the ASEAN Foundation to provide AI skills to vocational school students in Indonesia, targeting 300,000 students.

Ready4AI&Security Program

Ready4AI&Security Program is an initiative by Microsoft to train 15,000 young individuals in Indonesia and Malaysia, focusing on providing opportunities for women to build cybersecurity careers.

Asia AI Odyssey Campaign

Asia AI Odyssey Campaign is a Microsoft initiative to train 30,000 developers in ASEAN countries, encouraging greater use of AI services in the digital economy.

Microsoft Resources Hub

Microsoft Resources Hub provides access to digital skills training and resources for nonprofits to maximize their social impact and lead change in the AI era.

Next Steps:

1. **Engage with Local Governments and Educational Institutions:** Collaborate with local governments and educational institutions to ensure the successful implementation of AI skilling programs.
2. **Promote Awareness and Participation:** Launch awareness campaigns to encourage participation in AI skilling initiatives, particularly targeting underserved communities and women.
3. **Monitor and Evaluate Progress:** Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the progress and impact of the skilling programs, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with regional development goals.