Revolutionizing Southeast Asia: How Google’s AI Innovations are Supercharging Economic Growth

Key Points

• Google.org is supporting the ASEAN Foundation’s AI Ready ASEAN initiative to provide AI literacy skills to young people, educators, and parents in Southeast Asia.
• Google is committing US$5 million to promote youth digital wellbeing in the region by providing resources and tools for teenagers, parents, and teachers.
• The company is also providing targeted support for classrooms and educators, including training for teachers and free access to the Gemini AI Pro Plan for students.

As a tech journalist, I’m excited to share the latest news from Google.org, which is making significant strides in promoting AI literacy and digital wellbeing in Southeast Asia. The organization’s support for the ASEAN Foundation’s AI Ready ASEAN initiative is a key part of this effort, with over 800,000 people already equipped with essential AI skills since its launch in October 2024. The initiative’s new online platform, AI Class ASEAN, has also seen significant uptake, with over 14,000 users taking advantage of its self-paced training.

But digital adoption must be paired with safety and wellbeing, which is why Google.org is committing US$5 million to promote youth digital wellbeing in the region. This funding will support leading nonprofits in providing practical resources and tools for teenagers, parents, and teachers to build healthy, positive relationships with technology.

Google is also providing targeted support for classrooms and educators, with its Gemini Academy training over 290,000 teachers across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This training helps teachers integrate AI tools into their classrooms, ensuring that the next generation is prepared for the opportunities and challenges of AI. To further support students, Google is offering its Gemini AI Pro Plan free for 12 months for students aged 18 and above throughout the region.

Google.org’s commitment to making technology accessible to everyone isn’t new, with the organization having supported social impact organizations in Southeast Asia with over $40 million in cash donations, $80 million in product donations, and 20,000 hours volunteered by Googlers since 2020. This has helped reach close to 4 million learners across the region, equipping them with digital skills, cybersecurity, and AI literacy.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that collaboration will be key to realizing the opportunities of AI. By working closely with governments, businesses, and communities across ASEAN, we can build an AI ecosystem that is innovative, inclusive, and responsible. Together, we can ensure that AI becomes a powerful engine for progress, helping to create a more prosperous and resilient future for everyone in the region. With Google.org’s continued support and commitment, we can make AI a force for good, and create a brighter future for all.

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