Turning AI momentum in Southeast Asia into tremendous economic growth

Southeast Asia's (SEA) digital landscape combined with its tech-optimistic population has shaped a powerful environment for AI-driven growth. According to the 'AI Opportunity in Southeast Asia' report, AI is taking root at record speed, with 70% of people in the region already using generative AI tools weekly. This adoption could help power the next stage of growth, potentially boosting the region's economy by US$270 billion.

This incredible momentum is building a foundation for real, tangible progress across the region. Our focus is on supporting governments, businesses and communities to turn this massive potential into shared success.

We're already seeing research and innovation translate into real-world impact across critical areas like science and sustainability. To build on this momentum, we announced a series of new initiatives at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS), held alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit. These initiatives detail our work with organizations across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to equip everyone with the AI skills needed for this AI-powered economy.

Accelerating scientific discovery through AI

AI is accelerating the pace of scientific discovery for Southeast Asia. AlphaFold, the AI technology from Google DeepMind that has revolutionised our understanding of proteins, has become an indispensable tool across the region, with over 85,000 researchers using the AlphaFold Data Base to model intricate 3D protein structures.

AlphaFold has helped facilitate breakthroughs in diverse areas of biological research. In Malaysia, researchers are using it to better accelerate the search for effective treatments and vaccines that cause melioidosis, a deadly infectious disease. And in Singapore, scientists are using the same technology to detect early indicators of Parkinson's disease, paving the way for more proactive and personalized healthcare solutions.

Building sustainability and resilience

Just as AI is driving progress in human health, it's also unlocking new possibilities for sustainability and climate resilience across the region.

An example of Google DeepMind's Agricultural APIs in action.

We're expanding our Agricultural APIs to Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. These models, developed by Google DeepMind's AnthroKrishi team, can provide real-time agricultural insights-such as crop type, field size, distance to water, and a crop's last sow or harvest date-supporting agricultural sustainability across the Asia-Pacific region amidst changing climate conditions.

Google.org is providing climate analytics nonprofit, TransitionZero, with US$1.5 million in funding to develop an AI-powered tool to make clean energy planning more cost effective and accessible, accelerating the global transition to clean energy. Starting with partnerships in countries including Malaysia and Singapore, this tool will help governments and organisations make smarter and faster decisions or crucial energy investments.

Providing people with AI skills and safety across the region

For AI to be truly helpful, people need the right skills to use it. We're focused on providing training so that everyone, from students to experienced professionals, can succeed in an AI-powered economy.

A facilitator is teaching students, gathered around him, during an AI Ready ASEAN workshop.

A facilitator is presenting ideas at the AI Ready ASEAN policy convening

Participants, organizers, and Master Trainers from the AI Ready ASEAN program pose for a group photo following a successful workshop.

A Gemini Academy training in Indonesia

Our approach begins with building a strong foundation of AI literacy for everyone. Google.org's support towards the ASEAN Foundation's launch of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative is at the heart of this commitment. Since launching in October 2024, this regional program has equipped over 800,000 young people, educators, and parents with essential AI literacy skills. The initiative's new online platform, AI Class ASEAN, launched just two months ago, and is already serving over 14,000 users, further scaling access to crucial training in a self-paced format.

Digital adoption must be paired with safety and wellbeing. That is why Google.org is committing US$5 million to promote youth digital wellbeing in Southeast Asia. We will support leading nonprofits to equip teenagers, parents and teachers with practical resources and tools to build healthy, positive relationships with technology.

Google is also providing targeted support for classrooms and educators. Our Gemini Academy has trained more than 290,000 teachers across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, helping them integrate AI tools into their classrooms. And to ensure the next generation is prepared, we have rolled out our Gemini AI Pro Plan free for 12 months for students aged 18 and above throughout the region.

Continuing the AI journey together

Our commitment to making sure everyone can benefit from technology isn't new.

Since 2020, Google.org has supported social impact organizations in Southeast Asia with more than $40 million in cash donations, $80 million in product donations and 20,000 hours volunteered by Googlers with their tech expertise. And this has helped to reach close to 4 million learners across Southeast Asia including equipping youth, educators, MSMEs to help them improve digital skilling, cybersecurity and AI literacy.

The opportunities ahead can only be realized through collaboration. By working closely with governments, businesses, and communities across ASEAN, we can build an AI ecosystem that is innovative, inclusive and responsible.

Together, we can ensure AI becomes a powerful engine for progress and helps create a more prosperous and resilient future for everyone in the region.

• Google in Asia