Microsoft has announced plans to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in five Southeast Asian markets, aiming to train 2.5 million individuals by 2025.
These efforts will be carried out in collaboration with governments, nonprofit organizations, and commercial entities, with a focus on adding 2.5 million people to an “AI-ready” talent pool as part of the Asean Digital Masterplan 2025. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines are the five Asean member states where the skilling initiatives will take place.
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Microsoft has declined to disclose the exact investments allocated for these plans but highlighted four key areas of focus for its skilling initiatives, including addressing the cybersecurity talent gap and enhancing developers’ AI skills.
Alongside other programs, such as the Ready4AI&Security initiative in Indonesia and Malaysia, Microsoft aims to train 15,000 youths, with a particular emphasis on encouraging women to pursue careers in cybersecurity. This program offers access to Microsoft’s security training and certifications.
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Given the Asia-Pacific region’s cybersecurity skills shortage of 2.7 million individuals last year, Microsoft stressed the importance of AI-powered security capabilities in combating modern cyber threats.
The tech giant also highlighted the significance of vocational institutes in providing practical training for industry-specific roles. Through a collaboration with the Asean Foundation and education ministries in the 10 Asean member states, Microsoft aims to equip 644,000 vocational students with AI skills.
Furthermore, Microsoft plans to extend its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme Asia Pacific to offer AI training to 570,000 youths from underserved communities, enhancing their employability.
According to Piti Srisangnam, Asean Foundation’s executive director, upskilling Asean youth in AI is a crucial step aligned with the region’s 2025 digital masterplan. Building a sustainable digital talent ecosystem will significantly contribute to the region’s development.
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Emphasizing the potential impact of AI skills on economic growth and inclusivity, Andrea Della Mattea, Microsoft’s Asean president, stated that investing in disruptive technologies will position Asean well in the global tech landscape.
On Wednesday, Microsoft also announced plans for a new data center region in Thailand to bolster the market’s cloud and AI infrastructure and provide AI training opportunities for over 100,000 individuals.
Citing research from Kearney, Microsoft projected that AI could contribute nearly $1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030, with Thailand expected to account for $117 billion of this figure.
During Microsoft Build: AI Day in Bangkok, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella emphasized Thailand’s potential to embrace a digital-first, AI-powered future. The new data center region and other investments in cloud and AI aim to empower Thai organizations in both the public and private sectors.
Microsoft currently operates a data center region in Singapore, with additional sites in Asia-Pacific, including South Korea and Japan. New sites in Indonesia and Malaysia are also in the works.
