ASEAN Foundation

As AI becomes deeply embedded in Southeast Asia’s economy, a growing skills gap is emerging between what industries require and what education systems currently deliver. The pace of technological transformation is accelerating and ASEAN’s education sector must adapt just as quickly. Yet AI is not only a disruptor; it is also an enabler. From adaptive learning platforms that personalise instruction to generative AI tutors that extend access beyond the classroom, technology offers new pathways to inclusion and improved learning outcomes, especially for underserved communities. This is where programmes like AI Ready ASEAN play a crucial role. By equipping educators, students, and parents with AI literacy skills, the initiative helps bridge the gap between innovation and real-world readiness. It demonstrates how community-driven learning, local adaptation, and regional cooperation can move the region closer to a digital future that benefits everyone. But preparing ASEAN for an AI-driven era requires more than a single programme. It calls for collective action, continuous learning, and a shared commitment to ensure technology benefits everyone. When education systems evolve alongside innovation and when communities are equipped to learn and adapt, AI becomes a tool for empowerment, not exclusion. 📌 Read the full Op-Ed here: https://lnkd.in/gDXX5deN to explore why building a digitally empowered ASEAN requires AI-ready educators, responsive policies, and lifelong learners working together. This is the knowledge we all need because the future of AI in ASEAN will be shaped by the decisions we make today. #AIReadyASEAN #BeASEAN #WeAreASEAN #FutureReadyASEAN #AIClassASEAN #AIinEducation

🎉 YOU are INVITED! 🎉 Join us at the Enhancing the Digital Skills of SMEs in ASEAN (EDS ASEAN) On-site Event on 24 November 2025 at Sutasoma Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia! Discover the success stories of our ASEAN SME Digital Champions, gain insights from government and industry experts, and expand your professional network with like-minded individuals passionate about the ASEAN digital economy and development. ⚠️ Seats are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. ➡️ Swipe through the carousel to reserve your spot now! ❓ Questions? Email us at eds.asean@aseanfoundation.org #ASEANSMEs #DigitalSkills #WeAreASEAN #DigitalEraReady #EDSASEAN

On 8 November 2025, the ASEAN Foundation joined the 2025 Philippine Media and Information Literacy Summit at the University of the Philippines Diliman, held in celebration of Global Media and Information Literacy Week. The AI Ready ASEAN team showcased the programme through interactive sessions, including the Awareness Raising on AI and the AI 101 Challenge, where participants experienced hands-on AI learning and exploration. The booth attracted enthusiastic visitors who engaged with the activities and learned more about how AI literacy can be made accessible to everyone. One of the event’s highlights was a Fireside Chat featuring Diera Gala Paksi, Project Manager for AI Ready ASEAN, together with local implementing partners Engr. Ben Hur S. Pintor, Chief Tech and Strategy Officer of SmartCT, and Dr. Pang Yee Jiea, Senior Assistant Co-curricular of Kolej Tingkatan Enam Tun Fatimah, moderated by Paolo Miguel Ordonio from Break the Fake Movement. The discussion explored how each organisation is advancing AI literacy in their respective communities, sharing experiences on bridging digital gaps, overcoming on-ground challenges, and empowering learners through initiatives such as the Awareness Raising on AI activities and through www.AIClassASEAN.org. #AIReadyASEAN #BeASEAN #AIClassASEAN #FutureReadyASEAN

Congratulations to our selected ASEAN Y-Impact Creators! 🎉 We’re proud to introduce the remarkable content creators who are ready to drive positive change through the ASEAN Youth Creators for Impact Programme! These young changemakers will harness the power of social media to amplify their voices on social equality and inspire their communities to take action. Stay tuned for their creative campaigns and stories of impact 💬 📩 Got questions? Reach us at AF.influencers@aseanfoundation.org #ASEANYImpact #YImpactCreators #ASEANEquality #WeAreASEAN #BeASEAN

Social media has become an integral part of young people’s lives in Southeast Asia. It is used not merely for communication, but increasingly to drive social change. Responding to this growing trend, the ASEAN Foundation launched the ASEAN Youth Creators for Impact Programme (ASEAN Y-Impact), supported by the Mission of Canada to ASEAN. The programme empowers 11 young creators from 11 ASEAN Member States to develop and lead an eight-week social media campaign promoting social equality. Their campaigns will cover key themes such as women’s empowerment, education rights, mental health, digital inclusion, media literacy, and peacebuilding. The programme kicked off with two days of onboarding and training sessions on 14–15 November 2025. On the first day, the creators were welcomed by Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, who introduced them to ASEAN awareness. They also received guidance from ASEAN Y-Impact Project Specialist Ms. Yulfia Arnis on how to develop effective social media campaign plans. On the following day, participants delved into gender equality and digital advocacy with Ms. Marissa Saraswati, Chairperson and Co-Founder of Anotasi, who shared insights on crafting impactful content that promotes gender equality and challenges social norms in the digital space. Through these sessions, we hope the creators have strengthened their understanding of gender equality and sharpened their digital storytelling skills as they begin designing meaningful campaigns over the coming weeks. #ASEANYImpact #YImpactCreators #ASEANEquality #WeAreASEAN #BeASEAN 

Tell us about your dreams and you could win USD 250! Be part of the Route to the Future Challenge as we celebrate International Education Week 2025! 🌟 Share your dream career or passion, and tell us how AIClassASEAN.org is helping you build the skills to reach it. 📅 Challenge period: 17–30 November 2025, 23:59 (GMT+7, Bangkok Time) 💰 6 ASEAN youths will receive USD 250 each! 📩 After posting on your social media, please submit your entry via https://lnkd.in/gv8eXy5Y 👥 Tag your friends in the comments so they can join the challenge too! Let’s inspire ASEAN youth with our dreams and determination. ✨ #RouteToTheFutureChallenge #AIReadyASEAN #AIClassASEAN #BeASEAN #InternationalEducationWeek #AIinEducation

We’re teaming up with the ASEAN Foundation for a project that celebrates creativity and collaboration: the “ASEAN Youth Creators for Impact Programme”. Excited to welcome 11 inspiring young content creators from across ASEAN! #CanadaFundASEAN —— Nous nous associons à la Fondation ANASE pour un projet qui célèbre la créativité et la collaboration : le Programme jeunes créateurs de l’ANASE pour l’impact . Nous sommes ravis d'accueillir 11 jeunes créateurs de contenu inspirants venus de toute l'ANASE ! #FondscanadiensANASE

We’re looking for a #GraphicDesign Consultant to join our Scam Ready ASEAN team. If you’re passionate about bringing visuals to life and helping empower communities across ASEAN to recognise, detect, and avoid online scams and fraud, this opportunity is for you! 🎨 Learn more and apply at: bit.ly/ScamReadyASEAN_GD (link in bio) 🗓 Deadline: 26 November 2025 📩 Inquiries: ScamReadyASEAN@aseanfoundation.net Stay tuned for more opportunities with us! #ScamReady #LearnPlayProtect #BeASEAN #WeAreASEAN #DesignForImpact #JobOpportunity

On 14 October 2025, the 1st National Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN in Thailand was successfully held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand in Bangkok, organised by the ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO) Thailand with the support of the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org, under the theme “Empowering Thailand’s Digital Future: AI Literacy for All.” The Convening serves as an important platform to ensure that AI literacy becomes a core component of education systems across ASEAN. By uniting policymakers, the private sector, academia, civil society, and youth, it strengthens policy alignment, promotes responsible AI adoption, and advances efforts to close digital divides, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills and values needed to thrive in an AI-driven era. We were honoured to welcome Mr. Bolbongse Vangphaen, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Chitralada Chanyaem, Director of the Bureau of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education Thailand; along with representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat and Google Thailand who joined us in celebrating this milestone initiative. With over 150 participants from government, education, private sector, diplomatic missions, and youth networks, the event featured a panel discussion with Dr. Bank Ngamarunchot from STIPI-KMUTT and Mr. Christian Mortelliti from UNESCAP, highlighting opportunities and challenges in integrating AI in education. A collaborative showcase generated recommendations to support Thailand’s digital transformation as ASEAN Chair of the Education Sector under “Transforming Education in the Digital Era.” AI Ready ASEAN remains committed to driving inclusive AI literacy for all learners across the region. #AIReadyASEAN #BeASEAN #AIClassASEAN #FutureReadyASEAN

The ASEAN Foundation is honoured to be officially recognised as a strategic partner of the Educational Resources and Technology Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, through the ASEAN Data Science Explorers (ASEAN DSE) programme. This recognition was presented on 8 November 2025 at the Apresiasi Murid Fasih Digital (AMFD) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and received on behalf of the Foundation by Mr. Ilan Asqolani, Head of Programme of the ASEAN Foundation. The AMFD is an annual event that celebrates outstanding students and key partners who advance digital literacy and innovation among Malaysian youth. This recognition marks a significant milestone in our collaboration with the Ministry of Education Malaysia, affirming our shared commitment to equipping ASEAN’s young people with essential data and digital skills. Aligned with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” we are proud to contribute to regional efforts that aim to foster inclusive growth, narrow the development gap, and harness digital transformation for the benefit of all. #ASEANDSE #ASEANYouth #WeAreASEAN #BeASEAN #SAP4GOOD