The ASEAN Foundation, with support from Google.org, has officially launched AI Class ASEAN in Malaysia, a free e-learning platform designed to equip over 5.5 million learners across Southeast Asia with essential Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge and skills.
The launch, held during the 2nd Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN, marks a major milestone for the USD 5 million, 2.5-year programme that aims to promote inclusive and responsible AI adoption. The platform offers 70 localised modules with AI-powered chatbot support, multilingual translation, and discussion forums to make learning accessible, interactive, and relevant for diverse ASEAN communities.
YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, stressed the importance of ethical and sustainable AI development for Malaysia and ASEAN’s future, citing the country’s AI Technology Action Plan 2026–2030 as a framework to ensure high-value applications across key sectors.
In Malaysia, the initiative is locally implemented by Universiti Teknologi Petronas – ASEAN Student Association (UTP-ASA) and Kolej Tingkatan Enam Tun Fatimah (KTETF). Together, they have partnered with schools, universities, and government agencies to integrate foundational AI concepts into classrooms and co-curricular activities. Efforts include Hour of Code campaigns, AI competitions, and educator training, reaching tens of thousands of participants nationwide.
“Empowering our communities with the right AI knowledge is key to a future-ready ASEAN,” said Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation. “AI Class ASEAN delivers opportunity, inclusion, and shared progress for all.”
The two-day convening brought together policymakers, educators, youth leaders, civil society groups, and industry experts to discuss AI literacy, safety, and opportunities in the region. The launch was symbolically officiated by key ASEAN and Google leaders, and later showcased at the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 in the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Since its inception, AI Ready ASEAN has benefited over 400,000 learners through grassroots initiatives. Moving forward, the programme aims to train at least 250,000 Malaysians and develop a generation of ethical, skilled AI users and innovators.
