In a significant move to bolster the digital economy of Southeast Asia, Microsoft has committed to equipping 2.5 million individuals in ASEAN with Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills by 2025. This initiative, encompassing countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, aligns with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, fostering a talent pool ready for an AI-driven future.

Empowering the Future Workforce: Focus on Youth and Inclusivity

Microsoft's ambitious plan is set to transform the workforce landscape in ASEAN by focusing on four key areas: creating an inclusive, AI-ready workforce, bridging the cybersecurity talent gap, enhancing AI skills among developers, and empowering non-profit organisations to leverage AI for social impact.

One of the highlights of this initiative is its emphasis on vocational training. Recognising the critical role vocational institutes play in providing practical, industry-aligned education, Microsoft is partnering with the ASEAN Foundation and various education ministries. This collaboration aims to strengthen vocational education systems, benefiting approximately 644,000 students across the region.

In Indonesia and Malaysia, programs like AI TEACH will equip vocational students with essential AI skills. Microsoft is also targeting underserved youths and job seekers, providing them with training in AI, data, and security through partnerships such as Kartu Prakerja, Indonesia’s largest pre-employment program.

In Thailand, Microsoft’s AI Skills for the AI-enabled Tourism Industry program, in partnership with several ministries, aims to train 100,000 young entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. This initiative is particularly focused on minor-tier geographic provinces, ensuring that the benefits of AI skills reach even the most remote areas.

The Philippines will also see a massive investment in its young learners. Microsoft plans to equip one million students from kindergarten to grade 12 with AI and cybersecurity skills, preparing them for future careers. Additionally, a new initiative with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will train 100,000 female learners, promoting diversity in the digital workforce.

Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap and Empowering Developers

The Asia-Pacific region faces a significant shortfall in its cybersecurity workforce, with a gap of 2.7 million professionals as of 2023. To address this, Microsoft’s global Cybersecurity Skilling Initiative will extend to ASEAN, focusing on creating alternative career pathways for underrepresented youths in the cybersecurity sector.

Programs like Ready4AI&Security will train 15,000 young individuals in Indonesia and Malaysia, emphasising opportunities for women. This training will include access to Microsoft’s Security certifications, enhancing employability in a critical and rapidly growing field. Moreover, the Asia AI Odyssey campaign has been launched to support the vibrant developer community in ASEAN to train 30,000 developers across the region, validating their competencies in building transformative AI applications. By fostering greater use of AI services, Microsoft hopes to stimulate innovation and drive the digital economy forward.

AI Investment Rising, Adoption Not So Much (Yet)

While investment into AI continues to pour in on a massive scale, AI adoption in Southeast Asia still shows cautious optimism, according to our recent survey. While only 19% of respondents frequently use generative AI services like ChatGPT, nearly half (47%) use them occasionally. This pattern is consistent across different age groups, indicating a growing familiarity with AI technology, though it is not yet a daily tool for most people.

In heartening news for these skills initiatives though, AI integration in education and training is viewed very positively. Seven in 10 respondents (70%) believe AI will be beneficial in educational settings and a similar percentage support its use at the workplace. However, some concerns remain regarding AI integration in specific areas. Over a third (35%) of Southeast Asians are apprehensive about the use of AI in government security, likely due to privacy concerns and potential misuse. Malaysians are the most worried (43%), while Indonesians are the least (24%). Similar fears exist about AI in aviation, with 32% of respondents expressing unease about its application in aircrafts.

Conclusion: A Long-Term Commitment

These initiatives build on Microsoft’s long-standing commitment of addressing the digital skills gap in ASEAN. Over the past two years, approximately 1.7 million people have participated in the company’s Skills4Jobs program.

Andrea Della Mattea, president of ASEAN at Microsoft, highlighted the broader implications of this investment: “What’s truly exciting is the innovation mindset already prevalent in ASEAN. Investing in AI skills is investing in a future where economic growth is inclusive, giving every person a chance to contribute and benefit. With a robust pool of talent skilled in disruptive technologies, ASEAN is well positioned for the global tech race.”

Microsoft’s substantial investment in AI skilling across ASEAN represents a forward-thinking approach to regional development. By equipping millions with AI and cybersecurity skills, the initiative not only addresses current workforce gaps but also prepares ASEAN for a future where digital skills are paramount. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on inclusivity, Microsoft is helping to build a resilient, innovative, and inclusive digital economy in Southeast Asia. This initiative sets a benchmark for how global corporations can contribute to regional development, aligning corporate goals with broader societal benefits.

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