Asean Foundation, Biji-biji Initiative, Microsoft collaborate to shape an AI-enabled economy for Malaysia 

• Will provide AI literacy training to 6,200 TVET educators in Asean
• Aims to drive employment, education outcomes for those seeking to upskill

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across Asean has become a defining force and is poised to contribute an estimated US$ 1 trillion (RM4.7 trillion) to the region’s GDP by 2030. As the digital landscape evolves, the imperative to prepare the workforce for the challenges and opportunities in this new era of AI has never been more paramount.

Recognising the crucial role of skilling to empower the workforce to supercharge their careers and foster inclusive economic growth, the Asean Foundation and Microsoft have launched the AI Teach for Asean programme aimed at shaping the region’s tech future where AI proficiency is a cornerstone of success.

In collaboration with local nonprofits, workforce institutions, and governments, AI Teach aims to drive significant employment and education outcomes for individuals seeking to upskill themselves. This concerted effort aims to harness the power of AI and other technologies, ultimately enhancing economic outcomes for the workforce.

The AI Teach for Asean programme aims to provide AI literacy training to 6,200 Technology Vocational Education and Training (TVET) educators in Asean, with a focus on Indonesia and Malaysia. Using the Microsoft AI Trainer Toolkit, the programme will empower educators to effectively teach AI concepts and introduce Microsoft and LinkedIn Career Essentials in Generative AI to students, where those who successfully complete the course will be awarded a globally recognised certification that affirms their AI competencies.

AI Teach for ASEAN aims to integrate AI skills into the Tvet system, aligning with evolving industry requirements. This will be achieved through key initiatives, including training-of-trainers for Tvet educators in collaboration with the Senior Officials Meeting on Education and ASEAN Secretariat, ensuring government involvement and support.

 In Malaysia, the main objective is to provide AI literacy training to 1,000 Tvet educators, empowering them to train 100,000 students locally and help them secure better employment and education opportunities. These educators will cascade AI skills training to students via collaborations with local Tvet institutions.

Complementing the training-of-trainers, a country-level hackathon will be rolled-out in Indonesia and Malaysia, leading up to a regional hackathon organised in Indonesia, which aims to foster excitement among trainers to integrate their expertise in Generative AI into teaching methods. Finally, a regional Tvet policy-roundtable on AI skilling will also be held to invite policymakers, AI experts, and nonprofits to share experiences and best practices.

K Raman, managing director for Microsoft Malaysia, shares, "The significance of AI in how organisations and industries operate today cannot be understated. Tvet graduates play a critical role in various key sectors in Malaysia, and this is in line with the Malaysian government’s focus on the Tvet industry as outlined in the Madani Budget 2024. Through AI TEACH Malaysia, we're doing more than just closing the skills gap. We are cultivating Tvet educators as well as a new generation of talent, armed with the skills to build a brighter future for societies with AI."

The ASEAN Foundation, together with Microsoft, will oversee the program's implementation. AI Teach Malaysia will be spearheaded by Biji-biji Initiative with a localised approach to address the nation's unique needs and contexts.

Asean Foundation will focus on delivering the regional policy-roundtable on AI Skilling and organising a regional hackathon.

Rashvin Pal Singh, group CEO of Biji-biji Initiative & Mereka, also commented, “It is inspiring to see organisations and communities come together to support one another and encourage opportunities for a brighter future/ We look forward to be working closely with the Asean Foundation and Microsoft to deliver AI skills to Malaysians and supporting the aspirations of nurturing an inclusive Malaysia.”