HomeAsia Pacific's Workforce Must Adapt for the AI Era
Artificial Intelligence offers immense potential to drive economic growth and transform the workforce across the Asia Pacific region. However, a significant skills gap prevents many from seizing these opportunities. According to a new report from AVPN, a network of social investors, 58% of people in Asia Pacific are enthusiastic about AI’s possibilities, yet only 15% have received AI training—and many remain unaware such training is available. This underscores the urgent need for initiatives like the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific, which aims to help people throughout the region harness the benefits of AI.
Today, we are announcing the 49 social impact organizations selected by AVPN through an open call and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that will receive funding from the Fund’s first phase. Asia Pacific’s diverse workforce of 2 billion people spans a wide range of languages, cultures, and economic circumstances. These organizations will deliver localized AI training and resources to those most in need—from individual entrepreneurs in rural India to migrant domestic workers in Singapore, and from people with disabilities to their caregivers in Japan. Each program focuses on practical uses of AI tailored to local markets, making training more relevant and effective. This targeted strategy will help close gaps in workforce development and ensure inclusive progress.
Google.org is also expanding the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund with an additional $12 million to help more workers, small businesses, and nonprofits leverage AI within their communities.
This expansion includes an extra $10 million in support to AVPN to continue preparing Asia Pacific workers for evolving job markets, with the goal of training 720,000 individuals and 100,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs form the backbone of the regional economy, accounting for 96% of all businesses and up to 80% of employment. However, research indicates that many face barriers in AI skill development due to limited training access, poor digital infrastructure, and financial constraints.
Additionally, $2 million in funding will go to Infoxchange to provide AI training and tools—including recent Gemini features in Google for Nonprofits—to 10,000 nonprofits across APAC. This support will help these organizations apply AI for social good and foster positive community impact.
A shift to an AI-powered economy must be fair and inclusive, giving every worker the knowledge and tools to participate. Through the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific and our ongoing partnerships, we are committed to ensuring that everyone can share in the promise of AI.
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Artificial Intelligence offers immense potential to drive economic growth and transform the workforce across the Asia Pacific region. However, a significant skills gap prevents many from seizing these opportunities. According to a new report from AVPN, a network of social investors, 58% of people in Asia Pacific are enthusiastic about AI’s possibilities, yet only 15% have received AI training—and many remain unaware such training is available. This underscores the urgent need for initiatives like the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific, which aims to help people throughout the region harness the benefits of AI.
Today, we are announcing the 49 social impact organizations selected by AVPN through an open call and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that will receive funding from the Fund’s first phase. Asia Pacific’s diverse workforce of 2 billion people spans a wide range of languages, cultures, and economic circumstances. These organizations will deliver localized AI training and resources to those most in need—from individual entrepreneurs in rural India to migrant domestic workers in Singapore, and from people with disabilities to their caregivers in Japan. Each program focuses on practical uses of AI tailored to local markets, making training more relevant and effective. This targeted strategy will help close gaps in workforce development and ensure inclusive progress.
Google.org is also expanding the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund with an additional $12 million to help more workers, small businesses, and nonprofits leverage AI within their communities.
This expansion includes an extra $10 million in support to AVPN to continue preparing Asia Pacific workers for evolving job markets, with the goal of training 720,000 individuals and 100,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs form the backbone of the regional economy, accounting for 96% of all businesses and up to 80% of employment. However, research indicates that many face barriers in AI skill development due to limited training access, poor digital infrastructure, and financial constraints.
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A shift to an AI-powered economy must be fair and inclusive, giving every worker the knowledge and tools to participate. Through the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific and our ongoing partnerships, we are committed to ensuring that everyone can share in the promise of AI.
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