The ASEAN Foundation, supported by Google.org, has launched AI Class ASEAN, an e-learning platform designed to make artificial intelligence (AI) education accessible and relevant across Southeast Asia.
This initiative is a key part of the broader AI Ready ASEAN program, which aims to equip 5.5 million learners — including youth, educators, and parents themselves — with the skills needed to engage with AI responsibly and effectively. The platform’s value lies in its strategic focus on localization and inclusivity, ensuring that its impact is felt at a regional and community level.
A high-level convening
Photo shows Sapna Chadha (left), Vice President, Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, Google Asia Pacific, while doing the thumbs up sign together with H.E. Amb. Sitsangkhom Sisaketh, Chair of the Board of Trustees of ASEAN Foundation; H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of ASEAN; Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation; and Marija Ralic, Head of Google.org APAC
The two-day convening, held under the theme “Bridging AI Literacy and AI Safety: Building Responsible AI in ASEAN,” brought together policymakers, educators, youth leaders, civil society organizations, and private sector experts. The event served as a forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by the rise of artificial intelligence in the region.
The program featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, a talk show, networking sessions, and the official launch of a flagship digital learning initiative: AI Class ASEAN.
How it works: Regional and local impact
AI Class ASEAN is not just a digital library; it is a dynamic learning ecosystem built for the diverse needs of the ASEAN region. The platform features 70 localized modules with real-time translation and AI-powered tools that facilitate a collaborative and multilingual learning environment.
This approach makes foundational AI concepts accessible to a wide audience, bridging language barriers and cultural differences to build a cohesive, AI-literate community.
The program is also tailored to the specific needs of each country through local implementing partners (LIPs). In the Philippines, for example, partners like Break The Fake Movement and their collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) are crucial.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation, shares how AI Ready ASEAN brings together regional stakeholders to champion AI safety and promote ethical, responsible adoption
They are integrating AI literacy into schools and media and information literacy (MIL) efforts, making the learning directly relevant to the daily lives of Filipinos. This ensures that the training is not just theoretical but also practical, addressing local issues like disinformation.
The platform’s inclusive design targets multiple demographics — from students to educators and parents — creating a shared understanding of AI’s ethical and practical applications. This approach fosters a community-wide conversation about responsible AI, empowering citizens to use the technology critically and creatively.
As Marija Ralic, Head of Google.org Asia Pacific, noted, the program is about “ensuring that foundational AI education reaches those who have the most to gain from it,” helping to “build a generation that can engage with AI critically, creatively, and confidently.”
Why it matters: Bridging the digital divide
Representatives from the Malaysian government and ASEAN delegates at the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025
As AI continues to reshape economies and industries, the AI Class ASEAN platform is a critical step toward future-proofing the region. It addresses the urgent need for a skilled workforce and an informed citizenry that can navigate the complexities of an AI-powered future.
By building a network of local partners and providing a flexible, multilingual platform, the program ensures that no one is left behind in the race toward digital innovation. It is a powerful example of how cross-sector collaboration can create a more resilient, better-informed, and more connected ASEAN.
As Paolo Miguel Ordonio, Executive Director of Break The Fake Movement, stated, “We want to dispel the notion that coding is exclusively for computer programmers; it’s for anyone who wants to think critically, solve problems, and create something new.”
This sentiment perfectly underscores the platform’s mission to demystify AI and make its benefits accessible to all.
