AVPN, Asia’s largest network of social investors, has announced the selection of 49 organisations to receive funding from its AI Opportunity Fund Asia Pacific, a $15m initiative supported by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank.
These organisations will train workers across the Asia Pacific region in artificial intelligence (AI) skills, addressing the challenges posed by the evolving job market. The initiative aims to prepare workers for an AI-driven future, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
The AI Opportunity Fund is part of a broader effort to address the AI skilling awareness gap identified in AVPN’s report, “AI for All: Building an AI-Ready Workforce in Asia Pacific.” The report highlights that only 15% of surveyed individuals have engaged in AI skilling programmes, whilst 57% remain unaware of such resources. The fund will also focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 96% of Asia Pacific’s companies but face barriers in AI skill development.
The initiative will see strategic partners, including Seoul National University and AI Singapore, train selected organisations.
These organisations will then reach out to diverse groups, such as migrant workers, women, and persons with disabilities. Among the funded organisations are JAIS India, BAOBAB Inc Japan, and TagTeam Singapore, each addressing unique community needs.
Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN, emphasised the importance of bridging critical skills gaps, stating, “Our funded organisations are at the heart of this important component of the AI Work Transition.” Sanjay Gupta, President of Asia Pacific at Google, added, “AI has the potential to transform economies and unlock new opportunities, but its benefits must be accessible to everyone.”
With an additional $10m from Google.org, the initiative will expand its efforts, introducing a dedicated track for MSMEs in Southeast Asia. The programme aims to train 720,000 workers and 100,000 MSMEs across the region, fostering a more equitable future in an AI-powered economy.
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