AVPN has announced the expansion of the AI Opportunity Fund in the Asia-Pacific region with an extra $10 million from Google.org. The goal is to help teachers and young people learn AI skills, and also support workers and small businesses in using AI.

This next stage will be dedicated to the implementation of AI skills within the classroom and work environment. This program will treat AI skills not as specialized but as essential skills that have become vital for economic and social participation in the modern world.

“Asia is at an inflection 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. We partner with those who will shape this future so that AI becomes a trusted part of how our region learns, works, and does business. Our ambition is clear: to help build AI-ready generations and AI-ready enterprises across Asia, so communities can harness AI for innovation and inclusive growth in the years to come,” said Naina Subberwal Batra, Chief Executive Officer of AVPN.

Focus on Education and Early AI Adoption

The expanded programme is expected to increase its engagement with educators and students across Asia-Pacific, including schools, universities, and training institutions. It aims to build early-stage AI awareness and practical skills.

The initiative is projected to reach more than 4.7 million people in the education sector. The focus on educators is based on their role in integrating AI tools into everyday teaching and learning environments.

“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.”

Support for Creators and MSMEs

Additionally, there will be a dedicated training program for creators to develop skills with AI, which will have a pilot run in an Asia-Pacific market by year-end. The plan includes engaging with the relevant players in the local ecosystems to incorporate AI into the daily processes of the creative industry.

Also, the program will further help MSMEs and workers build AI capabilities that will enable them to become more productive and make sound decisions while having easier access to the market. This would be done through the AIM ASEAN Program, which has been endorsed by the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs.

Policy Engagement and Regional Collaboration

AVPN will collaborate more with the ASEAN Foundation for local adaptation, training programs, and policy work. This program will capitalize on past collaborations within ASEAN institutions and education departments under the auspices of the AI Ready ASEAN program.

By 2030, the expanded fund is expected to reach nearly 5.5 million people, including learners, workers, and MSMEs across the region.

“Scaling AI literacy in a thoughtful, inclusive way is now central to Asia-Pacific’s long-term growth story. 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. This is exactly the kind of partnership that can strengthen human capital, support innovation, and ensure that the benefits of AI are widely shared across the region,” said Antonio Zaballos, Director, Digital Sector Office, Asian Development Bank.