AI Teach for ASEAN is a new digital initiative by the ASEAN Foundation, launched in 2024 with the support of Microsoft and in collaboration with Biji Biji Initiative and Yayasan Plan International Indonesia. The programme aims to prepare ASEAN’s workforce for the transformative impact of AI by upskilling 6,200 Technology and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) educators, with a strong focus on Indonesia and Malaysia.

Key activities include a training-of-trainers programme across all ten ASEAN Member States, ensuring TVET educators are equipped with the knowledge and tools to integrate Generative AI into their teaching. These master trainers then cascade their learnings to students within local institutions, amplifying the programme’s impact.

To spark innovation and hands-on learning, country-level hackathons in Indonesia and Malaysia were organised, leading up to a regional hackathon hosted in Indonesia. These events serve as dynamic platforms for educators and students to apply AI solutions to real-world challenges in education and the workplace.

By the end of 2024, AI TEACH for ASEAN had trained 2,230 educators, who in turn reached over 73,900 students, significantly boosting AI literacy and readiness among ASEAN youth. The programme also fosters thought leadership through a high-level policy roundtable, driving conversations around inclusive and responsible AI integration in education systems.