Summary:

Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative in ASEAN

On April 30, 2024, during the Microsoft Build: AI Day in Jakarta, Indonesia, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella 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 across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with governments, nonprofit and corporate organizations, and communities.

Focus Areas of the Initiative

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

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 will train 100,000 underserved youths and job seekers in AI, data, and security through its partnership with Kartu Prakerja in Indonesia.

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 these skills. Microsoft will also expand its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme Asia Pacific to Malaysia and Vietnam, helping 570,000 youth from underserved communities enhance their employability.

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 global Cybersecurity Skilling Initiative aims to address this gap by creating alternative pathways for underrepresented youths into the cybersecurity industry. The 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 highlights how Microsoft’s AI Applied Skills validate the specific technical competencies required to build transformative AI applications. The 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 and lead change in the AI era.

Key Points:

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

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

Key Point 3: Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap

Key Point 4: Enhancing Developers’ AI Skills

Key Point 5: Empowering Nonprofit Organizations

Resources:

ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025

ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 outlines the strategic framework for digital transformation in the ASEAN region, aiming to build an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. The plan emphasizes the importance of digital skills and AI readiness to drive innovation and economic growth.

AI TEACH for Indonesia

AI TEACH for Indonesia is a program launched by Microsoft and the ASEAN Foundation to provide AI training for 300,000 vocational school students in Indonesia. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.

Ready4AI&Security Program

Ready4AI&Security Program is an initiative by Microsoft to train 15,000 young individuals in Indonesia and Malaysia in AI and cybersecurity. The program focuses on providing opportunities for women to build careers in cybersecurity, addressing the significant skills gap in the region.

Asia AI Odyssey Campaign

Asia AI Odyssey Campaign is a Microsoft initiative to support the ASEAN region’s developer community by validating the specific technical competencies required to build transformative AI applications. The campaign aims 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 a range of digital skills and AI training resources for nonprofits. The hub aims to help nonprofits 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 and vocational training initiatives.
2. **Expand Partnerships with Nonprofits:** Strengthen partnerships with nonprofit organizations to create alternative pathways for underrepresented youths into the AI and cybersecurity industries.
3. **Promote AI and Cybersecurity Careers:** Launch awareness campaigns to promote careers in AI and cybersecurity, particularly targeting women and underserved communities to bridge the existing skills gap.