Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, announced a USD15 million commitment to its AI Opportunity Fund. This initiative aims to train over one million people in Asia Pacific including the Philippines in essential AI skills, fostering a more skilled and prepared workforce for the future.
Through the USD15 million AI Opportunity Fund, Google will invest in the development of critical AI skills and build confidence among workers and job-seekers, particularly those in underserved communities across the region. This complements Google’s existing digital and AI skilling initiatives in Asia-Pacific, such as AI Essentials for beginners, AI Startup School for entrepreneurs, and Google Cloud AI programs for businesses.
In collaboration with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), a network of social investors, and supported by the Asian Development Bank, this fund will seek applications from social impact organizations that can help us reach those most likely to benefit from AI training. AVPN will work with local partners, selected through an open call for proposals, to identify specific AI-related challenges and opportunities for underserved job-seekers and micro and small businesses in the region.
Selected organizations will receive support on AI in their local languages to help them deliver skills training directly to their communities. In addition, cash grants will help remove barriers to learning, such as limited access to educational resources.
“Equipped with the right tools and expertise, we’re excited to see how people and organizations across Asia-Pacific can make the most of AI to benefit everyone,” said Scott Beaumont, president Asia-Pacific, Google.
To learn more about the USD15 million AI Opportunity Fund and how organizations can apply, visit https://blog.google/around-the-globe/google-asia/the-ai-opportunity-fund-to-build-an-ai-ready-workforce-in-asia-pacific/