AI for all:
Building an AI-ready workforce in Asia-Pacific

AVPN‘s landmark report, AI for All: Building an AI-Ready Workforce in Asia-Pacific, released in partnership with Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), highlights both the promise of AI and the region’s readiness gap. As digital transformation accelerates, Asia-Pacific stands at a pivotal moment. This moment requires either harness AI equitably or risk deepening socioeconomic divides.

Call to action

The report reveals that while AI could create up to 97 million new roles globally, only 15% of respondents across Asia-Pacific have engaged in AI skilling. Furthermore, 57% are unaware that such opportunities exist. Mature workers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), who make up 96% of regional businesses, are particularly underserved. This reality widens an already critical AI awareness gap.

AI Opportunity Fund: catalyzing change

To bridge these divides, AVPN has launched the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific, a USD 15 million initiative supported by Google.org and ADB. Forty-nine organizations will receive funding and expert support to equip underserved groups with AI skills and access.

Expanding momentum: dedicated track for MSMEs

To further scale its efforts, Google.org has committed an additional USD 10 million. This introduces a new focus on MSME enablement in Southeast Asia. Despite being economic drivers, MSMEs face structural challenges in digital adoption. The expanded program, developed with the ASEAN Foundation, targets training 100,000 MSMEs. It also aims to train 720,000 workers to close the digital capability gap.

A scalable, community-led approach

Central to the three-year program is a “Train the Trainer” model. It amplifies long-term impact. Partners, including Seoul National University, AI Singapore, Vietnam’s AI Education, and Wadhwani AI, will help participating organizations deliver tailored skilling programs. Impact is already visible: JAIS (India) supports rural women solopreneurs; BAOBAB Inc. (Japan) creates AI pathways for refugees and caregivers; TagTeam (Singapore) empowers migrant workers...