ASEAN Foundation, Google.org launch AI Class ASEAN to boost AI literacy for 5.5 million people

Sinar Daily

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR – Southeast Asia is stepping up efforts to boost artificial intelligence (AI) literacy with the launch of AI Class ASEAN, a new e-learning platform aimed at reaching 5.5 million people across the region.
The initiative was officially launched by the ASEAN Foundation with support from Google.org at the 2nd Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN, held in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 12 and 13.
AI Class ASEAN is part of the wider AI Ready ASEAN programme, a 2.5-year regional initiative supported by a USD 5 million grant from Google.org.
The platform seeks to provide young people, educators and parents with essential skills to use AI safely, inclusively and responsibly.
'At the ASEAN Foundation, we believe that empowering our communities with the right knowledge and skills is the key to a future-proof ASEAN. AI Class ASEAN delivers opportunity, inclusion and shared progress, transforming ASEAN into a more resilient, better-informed and more connected region,' said ASEAN Foundation executive director Dr Piti Srisangnam.
A platform built for the region
AI Class ASEAN is not just a series of online lectures.
The platform is designed to meet learners where they are, with 70 localised modules tailored to ASEAN's diverse needs.
Equipped with an AI-powered chatbot, multilingual discussion forums and real-time translation tools, it offers a space where students and teachers can learn, collaborate and exchange knowledge across borders.
'We see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for inclusive progress when used responsibly.
'At Google.org, we are supporting programmes like AI Ready ASEAN to ensure that foundational AI education reaches those who have the most to gain from it.
'By localising access and aligning with community needs, we are helping to build a generation that can engage with AI critically, creatively and confidently,' Asia Pacific, head of Google.org, Marija Ralic explained. Dr Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, sharing how AI Ready ASEAN brings together regional stakeholders to champion AI safety and promote ethical, responsible adoption.
Malaysia at the forefront
In Malaysia, the programme is carried out with the support of Universiti Teknologi Petronas – ASEAN Student Association (UTP-ASA) and Kolej Tingkatan Enam Tun Fatimah (KTETF).
Both organisations have been working with schools and universities to introduce AI literacy while promoting safe and ethical use.
For UTP-ASA, the effort builds on years of grassroots digital empowerment.
Its initiatives have reached rural and indigenous communities, championing SDG 4: Quality Education.
Now, as part of AI Ready ASEAN, the association aims to equip at least 250,000 Malaysians with basic AI knowledge and inspire careers in digital innovation.
'We envision the AI Ready ASEAN programme as a catalyst for AI literacy in Malaysia, empowering youth, educators and local communities to understand and leverage artificial intelligence in meaningful and ethical ways.
'In the long term, we hope this initiative will support Malaysia's national digital transformation agenda, particularly by aligning with the country's Digital Education Policy,' UTP-ASEAN Student Association, project supervisor, Wong Soon Ping said.
KTETF has trained and certified over 100 educators, integrating AI into school activities and reaching 46,583 participants across 200 schools.
Its workshops, competitions and YouTube live sessions bring AI closer to students, while future plans include embedding the modules into Learning Management Systems for long-term sustainability.
A shared regional mission
The AI Class ASEAN launch was not just about unveiling a platform, but about uniting stakeholders.
The event, themed 'Bridging AI Literacy and AI Safety: Building Responsible AI in ASEAN', was graced by key leaders, including Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, secretary-general of ASEAN Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and vice president for southeast asian and south asia frontier at Google Asia Pacific, Sapna Chadha.
The initiative was further spotlighted at the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, cementing its role in Malaysia's digital education journey.
Since its inception, AI Ready ASEAN has already reached over 400,000 beneficiaries through Hour of Code campaigns.
With AI Class ASEAN now online, that reach is set to grow exponentially, nurturing a generation prepared for an AI-driven future.