ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) received funding of US$5 million from Google to increase Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy in the region. The funding targets more than 5.5 million young people, educators and parents in 10 ASEAN member countries (Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam).
“Through a combination of online and face-to-face training, this initiative focuses on developing the AI literacy skills needed to thrive in the digital era,” said President and Chief Investment Officer for Alphabet and Google, Ruth Porat, at the Al Opportunity Southeast Asia Forum at the ASEAN Secretariat , Jakarta, Wednesday, October 2 2024.
Porat explained that youth will learn the basics of AI and a deeper understanding of the ethical implications of the technology. Meanwhile, parents will get basic AI knowledge and strategies to foster AI literacy at home. Then, teachers will receive practical tools and strategies for integrating AI into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) training programs.
Porat said that Google views AI as an extraordinary generational opportunity because it truly has the potential to transform economic benefits, solve social problems, advance science, and improve security at both the individual and country levels.
In order to realize these four potentials, he continued, Google has invested in building data centers, cloud regions and submarine cables throughout the region.
The US multinational company in the technology sector has continued to work hard for years to bring internet and AI infrastructure to the world. among the community and various organizations in the Southeast Asia region.
“We have also equipped millions of people in Southeast Asia with AI-ready skills. “Today’s announcement underscores our continued support for social impact organizations, to ensure that the AI transformation is inclusive and can be enjoyed by everyone,” he said.
Not only that, Google also announced the provision of a grant of US$ 2 million to a non-profit organization in the agricultural sector, the Edu Farmers International Foundation which is located in Jakarta. The funds will be used to improve food security efforts for 200,000 small farmers and underprivileged families in Indonesia with AI-powered information services.
Present at the AI Opportunity Southeast Asia Forum, ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn said that to date, Google has invested more than US$5.4 billion in the ASEAN region for infrastructure and office space.
Kao explained that the latest grant from Google will feature a national AI awareness campaign and train the trainer sessions to help educators integrate AI into the classroom and improve students’ skills using content from the ASEAN Foundation.
“I urge ASEAN member countries to seize this opportunity as we build a strong digital economy in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045,” he said. (ATN)
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