Latest news with #AVPN
Business Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Tictag, Hatch tap AVPN's AI Opportunity Fund to train marginalised groups in AI
[SINGAPORE] When non-profit organisation AVPN surveyed 3,000 respondents, it found that only 15 per cent of them have taken part in artificial intelligence (AI) skill programmes, while 57 per cent were unaware that such resources exist. However, about 91 per cent said they are keen to learn AI-related skills – especially as AI is expected to contribute US$3 trillion to Asia-Pacific's gross domestic product, noted Moutushi Sengupta, senior adviser at AVPN. She added: 'Routine tasks – from scheduling to compliance checks – are increasingly being automated, while new roles are emerging in areas such as AI governance, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.' Therefore, AVPN launched the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific, supported by and the Asian Development Bank. Forty-nine organisations across the region have been selected to receive funding and guidance from this US$15 million initiative. Although the fund was initiated last year, the chosen organisations were announced only in early May. The fund aims to train and upskill groups of workers in AI, as part of a three-year programme. Marginalised communities, such as migrant workers and persons with disabilities (PWDs), will benefit. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up AVPN worked with its strategic partners, such as AI Singapore, to develop localised AI training programmes based on Google AI Essentials, said Sengupta. With this fund, AVPN has adopted a train-the-trainer approach to reach a larger pool of beneficiaries. 'By equipping organisations with the resources to deliver localised, language-specific AI training, we enable them to deliver this knowledge directly to their own communities. This approach ensures the training provided is relevant, accessible and deeply rooted in local contexts, while also multiplying its impact and reach beyond what any single organisation can achieve alone,' she added. Upskilling for local communities The two organisations chosen from Singapore were Tictag and Hatch. Both operate in the AI and digital space, running upskilling programmes for local communities. In an interview with The Business Times, Kevin Quah, co-founder and chief executive of Tictag, said: 'We want to be able to foster inclusive AI development by not only involving people within the AI economy, but also providing foundational AI skills training to different communities that have unmet needs across Asia-Pacific.' With this particular fund, Tictag aims to 'deliver more accessible AI-focused training modules' to migrant workers, teaching skills such as data management and collection. These foundational skills can enhance their employability, enabling them to pursue entrepreneurship or higher-paying roles. 'Migrant workers might not see AI in action in their day-to-day jobs. We want to expose them to the larger AI ecosystem and give them the skills they need to hopefully enrich their own communities – not just here, but also back home,' Quah said. 'One of the gaps we identified was that migrant workers expressed a desire to learn other skills besides their jobs.' Tictag works with different social service organisations to reach migrant workers from various sectors, including domestic workers. So far, it has collaborated with 16 such organisations to train more than 200 individuals, including migrant workers, PWDs and refugees. Meanwhile, Hatch uses digital tools to help underserved communities upskill, and runs training and employment programmes. Since it was founded in 2018, it has trained more than 1,400 individuals and has an 87 per cent job placement rate. Hatch uses digital tools to help underserved communities upskill. PHOTO: HATCH With the AI Opportunity Fund, the social enterprise hopes to help a broader range of beneficiaries, including women returning to the workforce, senior workers with limited digital exposure, and PWDs. It collaborated with AI Singapore to develop and customise the curriculum. Yeoh Wan Qing, co-founder and chief product officer of Hatch, said: 'AI changes a lot of things in the digital sector – processes are now shorter and faster. We wanted to help because the groups that we work with fall behind (as) they are not ahead with their skills.' She added that many of Hatch's beneficiaries are employed in industries that are 'quite prone to being automated because of the AI revolution', such as administration. Teaching AI skill sets will help them be more efficient at work. 'We've decided to customise a certain part of the curriculum into applications for different sectors – coming up with more use cases on how they can see these skills being applied in their own work and daily lives,' Yeoh said. Those who require moderate support such as early career workers can tap Hatch's AI Readiness Program Core Track, a structured online learning programme; while those who require additional guidance and accommodations such as PWDs can tap the AI Readiness Program Enhanced Support Track. In the fund's second phase, will commit an additional US$10 million to AVPN for AI upskilling initiatives to support micro, small and medium enterprises in South-east Asia.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AVPN is introducing 49 organisations who will train APAC workers on AI as part of the USD15 million AI Opportunity Fund: Asia Pacific
AVPN's landscape report, AI for All: Building an AI-Ready Workforce in Asia-Pacific, reveals the opportunities for AI across the region with an inclusive AI Just Transition Trends uncovered include how young workers are future-proofing their careers with AI, a wide AI skilling awareness gap, and an MSME mismatch in the region. Building on this momentum, the Fund is expanding with an additional USD 10 million from to further AI skilling initiatives and introduce a dedicated track for MSMEs in the Southeast Asia region SINGAPORE, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AVPN, the largest network of social investors in Asia, today announced the recipients for funding from the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia Pacific, a USD 15-million initiative supported by and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The organisations are receiving support to address the unique challenges faced by workers in the AI work era, providing access and opportunities from the evolving job market. The 49 organisations will receive financial support and expert guidance through the initiative, serving as a unique "ecosystem multiplier lever" of the three-year program as part of the "Train the Trainer" component of AVPN's initiative, while leveraging their deep-rooted expertise in workforce development to train various groups of workers across Asia Pacific. The newly-released landscape report by AVPN, AI for All: Building an AI-Ready Workforce in Asia-Pacific, underscores the need for this initiative and the opportunities that come with improving AI skills across the region: AI Skilling Awareness Gap: Out of the 3,000 respondents surveyed, only 15% have engaged in AI skilling programmes, while more than half (57%) remain unaware that these resources even exist. The AI Advantage: Young workers are embracing AI as a means to future-proof their careers in an AI driven future, with 1 in 5 younger workers engaged in AI skilling programmes. Meanwhile, mature workers (aged 50-65) were 1.6 times more likely to indicate concerns about AI trustworthiness and language barriers, indicating the importance of local language outreach and general awareness-building about AI. The MSME Mismatch: 96% of Asia-Pacific's companies are Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), yet many struggle with AI skill development due to systemic barriers such as limited training accessibility, lack of access to digital infrastructure, and constrained financial resources—limiting their ability to adopt AI effectively and remain competitive in an AI-driven economy. As the world shifts towards an AI-driven future, with the potential to create 97 million new jobs, certain roles are likely to evolve in response to automation. The initiative's aim is to ensure workers in Asia Pacific are prepared to benefit from these opportunities. To address this gap in Asia-Pacific's AI work transition, selected organisations will be trained by AVPN's strategic partners, including organisations such as Seoul National University, KORIKA, AI Singapore, AI Education (Vietnam), and Wadhwani AI. Following which, selected organisations will then directly reach and train various groups of workers, including migrant workers, informal workers, women and gender minorities, and persons with disabilities. The full list of the organisations is available here. Amongst the organisations receiving funding are: JAIS (India), which works with rural women solopreneurs (often MSMEs) to enable business growth by equipping them with the right digital skills. BAOBAB Inc. (Japan), which works with refugees and individuals with disabilities, including their caregivers, who all face unique barriers in accessing workforce development opportunities in AI. TagTeam (Singapore), which reaches Singapore's migrant domestic workers and construction workers, equipping them with AI skills in preparation for new employment opportunities when they return to their home countries. Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN, said: "There is a pressing need to bridge critical skills gaps in communities with unmet needs across Asia Pacific. Our funded organisations are at the heart of this important component of the AI Work Transition, and they bring expertise and a profound commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities. Through their innovative approaches and dedication to reach and include those who may be otherwise left behind, the AI Opportunity Fund initiative will pave the way for inclusive growth, ensuring that all segments of society can participate in and benefit from technological advancements, fostering a more equitable future for all. Sanjay Gupta, President, Asia-Pacific, Google, said: "AI has the potential to transform economies and unlock new opportunities, but its benefits must be accessible to everyone. That's why Google is proud to support the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific initiative, which is equipping workers across the region with the skills and tools they need to thrive in an AI-powered future. This initiative ensures that more people can participate in—and benefit from—the growing AI economy. We remain committed to helping build a workforce that is ready to harness AI's full potential for a more equitable future." Antonio Zaballos, Director, Digital Sector Office, ADB, said: "Bridging the digital divide requires more than skills training—it demands strong digital infrastructure, affordable connectivity, and inclusive access to AI-driven opportunities. As AI reshapes industries, communities with unmet needs across Asia and the Pacific must have the tools to participate in and benefit from this transformation. ADB is committed to amplifying initiatives like the AI Opportunity Fund initiative to ensure that AI-powered growth is both inclusive and sustainable." In response to the strong interest in skill development for AI, is providing an additional USD 10 million to AVPN to further AI skilling initiatives this year. This expansion, in collaboration with ASEAN Foundation, will introduce a dedicated track focused on supporting MSMEs in Southeast Asia—a crucial segment for regional economic growth—alongside continued efforts to empower workers across Asia-Pacific. Together with the initial USD 15 million funding from AVPN's initiative aims to support training for 720,000 workers across Asia Pacific and 100,000 MSMEs across the Southeast Asia region. About AVPN AVPN is the largest network of social investors in Asia, comprising over 600 funders and resource providers across 33 markets. Our mission is to increase the flow and effectiveness of financial, human, and intellectual capital in Asia by enabling members to channel resources towards impact. As an ecosystem builder, AVPN enables its members to connect, learn, act, and lead across key pillars and improve the effectiveness of deployed capital, bringing local field needs, regional expertise, and policy insights to the forefront. For more information about AVPN and our work, please visit our website and read our latest Annual Review 2023/24. About Google's philanthropy, brings the best of Google to help solve some of humanity's biggest challenges combining funding, product donations and technical expertise to support underserved communities and provide opportunity for everyone. We engage nonprofits, social enterprises and civic entities who make a significant impact on the communities they serve, and whose work has the potential to produce scalable, meaningful change. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE AVPN
Zawya
14-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Prudence Foundation launches 2025 Disaster Tech Awards and partnership with AVPN
Awards and partnership to drive innovation and investment in climate and health resilience HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 March 2025 - Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, announces the return of the SAFE STEPS Disaster Tech (D-Tech) Awards for its fourth edition in 2025. The awards bring together innovators from around the globe to showcase their technology solutions and innovations that enhance disaster resilience. This initiative aligns with Prudence Foundation's focus area to build community resilience against disasters exacerbated by climate change and its impacts on health. The finals will take place on 11 June, 2025, featuring two solution tracks: "Climate & Health" and "Smart Resilience". The competition offers over US$150,000 in cash prizes and in-kind contributions from strategic partners, live pitch opportunities at Echelon Singapore 2025, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud technology support. The 2025 D-Tech Awards are supported by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Amazon Web Services, E27, and AVPN. Applications are now OPEN for entries until 21 March, 2025. Details of the application criteria, timeline and other relevant information can be found here. Mobilising Adaptation Investments Project In the COP29 Special Report on Climate Change and Health [1] published by the World Health Organization (WHO), Climate Change is the biggest threat to human health. UNEP's Adaptation Gap Report 2023 [2] states that current flow of climate adaptation finance to developing countries falls short by 10-18 times, and calls for scaled up funding for climate and health solutions. To address funding gaps in global climate technology, Prudence Foundation is partnering with AVPN to unlock financing support for market-ready solutions that are prepared to scale. This 18-month project includes developing a knowledge product to guide investors, providing capacity-building support to innovators, and fostering investment flow into climate and health adaptation solutions. Nicole Ngeow, Executive Director of Prudence Foundation, said, "At Prudence Foundation, we believe technological innovation has a significant role to play in improving disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience. With climate change resulting in more frequent and intense disasters across the world, the need to build resilience and support solutions that mitigate or respond to disasters has never been greater. Through the D-Tech Awards and in partnership with AVPN, we aim to create a supportive ecosystem to help innovative solutions to scale and enhance community resilience in the face of increasing risks exacerbated by climate change". "The intersection of climate change and health demands urgent, collaborative action. AVPN's partnership with Prudence Foundation, through the 2025 D-Tech Awards, is a powerful step towards building a robust ecosystem for climate and health innovation. By mobilising our network of social investors and leveraging our expertise in impact-driven capital, we will accelerate the development and scaling of solutions that protect vulnerable communities and build lasting resilience across Asia, "said Madhavika Bajoria, Executive Director, Health Impact at AVPN. Hashtag: #Prudential The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Prudence Foundation Resilient Communities, Today and Tomorrow Established in 2011 in Hong Kong, Prudence Foundation is the community investment and philanthropic arm of Prudential plc. The Foundation builds Financial Wellbeing, and Climate and Health Resilience for underserved Asian and African communities. We are committed to sustainable, long-term solutions that empower individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions, access affordable financial products, as well as be more prepared and protected against climate related health risks. We actively engage in public-private partnerships, collaborate with governments, NGOs, communities, and other private sector entities to build collective efforts for lasting change. To date, our programmes are implemented across 16 markets in Asia and Africa, reaching millions of people. For more information: About SAFE STEPS D-Tech SAFE STEPS D-Tech aims to find, fund, and support innovative technology solutions that enhance disaster resilience. The programme focuses on addressing real-world challenges before, during, and after natural disasters by promoting advancements in Climate & Health and Smart Resilience. Through partnerships with the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Amazon Web Services, and E27, the initiative offers grants, mentorship, and global recognition to innovators, helping to strengthen community resilience and save lives. For more information: About AVPN AVPN is the largest network of social investors in Asia, comprising over 600 funders and resource providers across 33 markets. Our mission is to increase the flow and effectiveness of financial, human, and intellectual capital in Asia by enabling members to channel resources towards impact. As an ecosystem builder, AVPN enables its members to connect, learn, act, and lead across key pillars and improve the effectiveness of deployed capital, bringing local field needs, regional expertise, and policy insights to the forefront. For more information about AVPN and our work, please visit our website and read our latest Annual Review 2023/24. Prudential plc
