ASEAN Launches AI Programme to Train 100,000 MSMEs
The ASEAN Foundation, in collaboration with AVPN, Google.org, and Asian Development Bank, has launched the AI for MSME Advancement in ASEAN (AIM ASEAN) programme. Aiming to train 100,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Southeast Asia in practical AI usage, the programme aligns with ASEAN Vision 2045, fostering a resilient and inclusive digital economy.
The AIM ASEAN programme, led by the ASEAN Foundation and endorsed by the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs (ACCMSME), seeks to support skill development and vocational training. It will facilitate practical training opportunities and cooperation between companies in ASEAN countries and partner nations, improving labor mobility and qualification recognition. The training will focus on hands-on, practical uses of AI to streamline operations, boost online sales, and manage finances more effectively.
The programme will be implemented by nine local organisations in their respective countries. These include Big BWN Project in Brunei Darussalam, Kenan Foundation Asia in Thailand, Viet Nam, and Cambodia, KUMPUL Impact and Kaizen Collaborative Impact in Indonesia, XM Technovator in Lao PDR, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS - ASEAN Student Association in Malaysia, SMEHub Asia in Myanmar, Limitless Lab in The Philippines, and Project Asia Data in Singapore. Additionally, the programme will facilitate national and regional convenings to build a supportive ecosystem for MSMEs in the AI era.
The AIM ASEAN programme, with its focus on practical AI training for MSMEs, is set to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Southeast Asian businesses. By improving AI skills and facilitating cooperation, the programme aims to drive growth and innovation in the region's digital economy.
