Microsoft upskilling 2.5 million in AI across ASEAN by 2025
JAKARTA, INDONESIA — Tech giant Microsoft has announced a commitment to equip 2.5 million people across Southeast Asia with artificial intelligence (AI) skills by 2025.
The skilling programs will be implemented through partnerships with governments, nonprofits, corporations, and communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The initiative aligns with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 to develop an AI-ready workforce in the region. It is part of Microsoft’s broader goal to empower ASEAN countries to harness AI’s potential for innovation and economic growth.
“We appreciate Microsoft’s commitment to upskilling ASEAN youth in AI, a pivotal step aligning with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025. By fostering a sustainable digital talent ecosystem, it will contribute significantly to our regional development,” said Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation.
Strategic focus areas of Microsoft’s AI skilling initiative in ASEAN
Microsoft plans to concentrate its efforts on four main areas: creating an inclusive, AI-ready workforce; bridging the cybersecurity talent gap; enhancing AI skills among developers; and empowering nonprofits to increase their social impact.
“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,” said Andrea Della Mattea, president of ASEAN at Microsoft.
Vocational training and underserved communities
A major component involves strengthening vocational education across ASEAN countries. Microsoft will partner with the ASEAN Foundation and education ministries to provide AI training, benefiting an estimated 644,000 vocational students.
Programs like AI TEACH will skill technical and vocational students in AI. Microsoft is also training 100,000 underserved youths in Indonesia through its Kartu Prakerja partnership.
In Thailand, a new initiative will skill 100,000 young tourism entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Microsoft is committed to training 1 million learners from kindergarten to grade 12 in AI and cybersecurity skills. Additionally, a new initiative with TESDA will target 100,000 female learners, fostering a diverse talent pipeline for the digital economy.
The company is also expanding partnerships with the UN Development Programme to enhance employability for 570,000 underserved youths across three ASEAN nations.
