JAKARTA – Microsoft has pledged to train 2.5 million individuals in artificial intelligence technologies across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2025, aimed at bolstering digital skills in the region.

The programme is part of a strategic collaboration with governments, non-profits, and corporate partners throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, aligning with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025.

Building a sustainable digital talent ecosystem

Dr. Piti Srisangnam of the ASEAN Foundation has praised the initiative for its goal of fostering a sustainable digital talent ecosystem.

Microsoft's efforts will focus on democratising access to AI education, addressing the acute cybersecurity skills shortage, and enhancing the AI proficiency of developers while empowering non-profits through technology.

This initiative is seen as a vital step in Microsoft’s strategy to bridge the digital skills gap. More than 1.7 million people have benefitted from its Skills4Jobs programme over the past two years.

From a business perspective, this initiative represents a substantial opportunity for regional growth and innovation. By fostering a skilled workforce, Microsoft aims to enhance the competitive edge of ASEAN economies. Businesses within these regions are expected to benefit from a stronger talent pool and new partnerships that catalyse further innovation and development.

Developing vocational, entrepreneurial and cybersecurity talent

Microsoft is also intensifying efforts to enhance vocational training across ASEAN, targeting approximately 644,000 students with programmes like AI TEACH in Indonesia and Malaysia, aimed specifically at vocational and technical students.

With Indonesia’s Kartu Prakerja programme, Microsoft will equip 100,000 underserved youths and job seekers with essential skills in AI, data and security.

In Thailand, the AI Skills for the AI-enabled Tourism Industry programme plans to upskill 100,000 young entrepreneurs in tourism across less developed areas, while in the Philippines, efforts will reach 1 million K-12 students with AI and cybersecurity training through a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Additionally, Microsoft is expanding its collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme in Asia Pacific, extending its programmes from Indonesia to Malaysia and Vietnam, aiming to enhance the employability of 570,000 young individuals from underserved communities.

The initiative also addresses the substantial cybersecurity skills gap in the Asia-Pacific, the largest globally, with an estimated shortage of 2.7 million professionals. Through its global Cybersecurity Skilling Initiative, Microsoft is creating training opportunities particularly aimed at underrepresented youths, including a significant focus on empowering women through the Ready4AI&Security programme.

For the tech sector, these initiatives are crucial in mitigating the risks associated with increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and supporting sustained economic growth and digital transformation across ASEAN.