AVPN has expanded the AI Opportunity Fund with an additional USD 10 million from Google.org to enhance AI literacy for educators and youth in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Asia is at an inflexion point where AI is rapidly becoming a foundational literacy, and we have a window of opportunity to get ahead of the curve. With the AI Opportunity Fund, we are equipping the people who will shape that future every day: the teachers in our classrooms, the young people about to enter the workforce, and the MSMEs that keep our economies moving,” Naina Subberwal Batra, chief executive officer of AVPN, said.
Scaling AI literacy across APAC
The next phase of the AI Opportunity Fund will focus on sustained adoption and real-world application of AI skills across classrooms, workplaces, and enterprises across the Asia-Pacific.
“Educators sit at the heart of this next phase,” said Sanjay Gupta, president, Google Asia Pacific. “When teachers are empowered to use AI in thoughtful, responsible ways, they not only transform their own practice, but also unlock opportunity for every learner who passes through their classroom.”
Additionally, the AI Opportunity Fund will introduce a dedicated AI skilling programme for creators, as well as sustaining support for workers and small businesses to harness AI for productivity and growth.
“By focusing on educators, youth, workers, and MSMEs, the AI Opportunity Fund is ensuring that AI literacy turns into practical skills in classrooms, offices, and businesses,” said Antonio Zaballos, director, Digital Sector Office, Asian Development Bank.
AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific
Launched in 2024, the AI Opportunity Fund is a regional initiative advancing inclusive AI readiness across Asia-Pacific.
It has already trained over 500,000 workers and 11,000 small businesses. The expanded programme is projected to reach almost 5.5 million workers, learners, and MSMEs across Asia-Pacific by 2030.
