Google set to train communities in Asia-Pacific region in AI with a $27M investment

Google has announced an additional $12 million investment into its AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific, expanding the initiative’s total commitment to $27 million. This expansion aims to provide AI training to underserved communities across the region, including workers, small businesses, and nonprofits.

The fund’s initial phase, launched in 2024, supported 49 organizations selected by the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN). These organizations have been instrumental in delivering localized AI training to diverse groups, such as rural entrepreneurs in India, migrant domestic workers in Singapore, and individuals with disabilities in Japan.

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The new funding includes $10 million allocated to AVPN to further train 720,000 workers and 100,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Asia-Pacific. MSMEs, which constitute 96% of companies in the region, often face challenges in accessing AI training due to limited resources.

Additionally, $2 million is designated for Infoxchange to assist 10,000 nonprofits in integrating AI tools into their operations, enhancing their capacity to serve communities effectively.

This initiative responds to findings that, while 58% of people in Asia-Pacific are optimistic about AI’s potential, only 15% have received any AI training. By expanding access to AI education, Google aims to bridge this gap and promote inclusive growth in the region.