Efforts to drive AI literacy forward in ASEAN

The ASEAN Foundation successfully hosted the 1st Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN at the bloc's headquarters/ASEAN secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 12. This event served as a milestone in the implementation of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, bringing together key stakeholders to foster dialogue and shape policies that will drive AI literacy and innovation across the region.

At the regional forum, policymakers, AI practitioners, and local implementing partners (LIPs) from across ASEAN explored collaborative approaches to developing regulatory frameworks and policy initiatives aimed at accelerating responsible AI adoption, bridging AI literacy gaps, and unlocking opportunities in Southeast Asia.

This convention also marked the official commencement of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, launched in October 2024, which aims to enhance AI literacy in ASEAN member states. With a $5 million grant funded by Google.org, the 2.5-year programme aims to equip 5.5 million individuals with essential AI skills.

The 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting, held on January 16-17 in Bangkok, Thailand, reinforced the region's commitment to advancing digital transformation and fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and experts. Key discussions focused on leveraging AI to unlock ASEAN’s digital economy potential, develop interoperable data protection standards, and promote a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital ecosystem. The meeting also emphasised the vital importance of safeguarding personal data to build trust and inclusivity within the region's digital landscape.

“As we move into a future shaped by new ideas and technology, it’s important that every community, no matter where they are, has the knowledge and skills to succeed in the age of AI. With the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, we are dedicated to helping young people, teachers, and families across the region, making sure no one is left behind as AI evolves. By working together, we can close the gap in access to technology and help everyone in ASEAN benefit fully from AI,” said Dr. Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation.

The convention proved timely, as the growth of AI and the adoption of digital technologies will triple ASEAN's digital economy, growing from approximately $300 billion to almost $1 trillion by 2030. Policies in the Digital Economy Framework Agreement are expected to double the projection, boosting the economy to $2 trillion.

Despite the momentum, AI's maturity in the region remains polarised. The digital divide poses challenges such as poor internet connection and lack of digital literacy programmes, slowing down the region’s ambitions to become a premier AI hub. This manifests in the region’s varying level of AI readiness among member states. While Singapore leads the region and ranks second out of 190 countries globally in the Government AI Readiness 2024 Index, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar are still in the early stages of AI adoption, ranking 136th, 145th, and 149th, respectively.

A discussion paper from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia revealed the importance of implementing “policies in bridging the gap to maximise the potential benefits of AI in the region”. To address disparities, the study urges member states to make collective efforts both among themselves and within their own countries.

This call to regional action aligns with the measures and initiatives explored during the convention, geared towards accelerating AI adoption and boosting AI literacy among the member states.

As an LIP of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, Vietnet-ICT drives AI adoption in Vietnam through awareness-building, capacity development, and policy engagement. Their AI literacy courses equip teachers and students with the foundational knowledge of AI concepts, ethics, and applications, while initiatives like the Hour of Code campaign make AI learning accessible and engaging. The teacher training and echo courses help ensure AI knowledge can reach a wider audience. By contributing on-the-ground insights at the regional policy convening, Vietnet-ICT advocates for inclusive AI education policies and aligns initiatives with local needs, bridging the gap between policy and practice to integrate AI literacy into Vietnam’s education system.

CFC Vietnam, another LIP, has worked with the Ministry of Education and Training and UNICEF for over three years to lead educational initiatives on online safety and digital skills for students. Through the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, CFC Vietnam will continue collaborating with the ministry and local education departments to equip teachers and students with essential AI skills. This initiative is especially timely and well-received as the ministry develops the "AI Competency Framework for Teachers". By actively contributing to its development and implementation, the project aligns with Vietnam’s broader education policy and efforts to integrate AI into learning.

“Through AI Ready ASEAN, we aim to enhance AI literacy in Vietnam by equipping youth, educators, and underserved communities with both technical skills and ethical awareness. While many programmes focus on AI usage, we emphasise responsible and safe adoption by integrating critical thinking and real-world applications. We also contribute local insights to regional discussions, ensuring AI initiatives in ASEAN are inclusive and practical. Our goal is to build an AI-ready generation that leverages technology for social good and sustainable development,” said a Vietnet-ICT representative.

An event to mark Vietnam's Artificial Intelligence Day took place in Hanoi on August 23, aiming to foster discussion and exploration of AI's vast potential, while addressing the challenges of applying generative AI.

Vietnam and South Korea will strengthen cooperation in AI, focusing on building core digital infrastructure, data centres, and developing appropriate legal frameworks, while South Korean businesses express interest in investing and collaborating with Vietnamese enterprises for mutual development.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and Nvidia Corporation signed an MoU on the establishment of the Vietnam ​​Research and Development Centre (VRDC) and the AI ​​Data Centre, witnessed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 5.