Turning AI momentum in Southeast Asia into tremendous economic growth – blog.google

Report on Google’s AI Initiatives in Southeast Asia and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Advancing SDG 4: Quality Education through AI Literacy and Educator Support

Google has implemented several key initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and digital literacy across Southeast Asia, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).

• AI Ready ASEAN Initiative: In partnership with the ASEAN Foundation, this program has equipped over 800,000 young people, educators, and parents with essential AI literacy skills since its launch in October 2024.
• AI Class ASEAN Platform: A new online, self-paced platform that has already engaged over 14,000 users in its first two months, scaling access to crucial AI training.
• Gemini Academy for Educators: More than 290,000 teachers across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines have been trained to integrate AI tools into their teaching methods.
• Student AI Access: The Gemini AI Pro Plan is being provided free of charge for 12 months to students aged 18 and above throughout the region to ensure the next generation is prepared for an AI-driven future.

Promoting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being in the Digital Age

Recognizing the importance of mental and social well-being in an increasingly digital world, Google.org is committing resources to support SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

• A commitment of US$5 million is dedicated to promoting youth digital wellbeing in Southeast Asia.
• The funding will support leading non-profit organizations in equipping teenagers, parents, and teachers with practical resources and tools to foster healthy and positive relationships with technology.

Fostering Economic Growth and Reducing Inequalities (SDG 8 & SDG 10)

The initiatives are designed to foster inclusive economic growth (SDG 8) and reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by providing equitable access to technology and skills.

• By equipping youth and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with digital skills, cybersecurity knowledge, and AI literacy, these programs enhance employability and support economic development.
• Since 2020, these efforts have reached nearly 4 million learners, helping to bridge the digital divide and ensure that a broader segment of the population can benefit from technological advancements.

Strengthening Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) and Long-Term Impact

The success of these programs is rooted in a collaborative approach, reflecting the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Google emphasizes that progress can only be realized through strong partnerships.

1. Sustained Regional Investment: Since 2020, Google.org has supported social impact organizations in Southeast Asia with significant resources, including:
   • Over $40 million in cash donations.
   • $80 million in product donations.
   • 20,000 hours volunteered by Google employees.
2. Collaborative Ecosystem Development: The strategy involves close collaboration with governments, businesses, and communities across the ASEAN region.
3. Shared Vision: The ultimate goal of these partnerships is to build an AI ecosystem that is innovative, inclusive, and responsible, ensuring that AI becomes a powerful engine for a prosperous and resilient future for everyone in the region.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education: The article’s primary focus is on providing AI literacy and digital skills to youth, educators, and parents through various programs.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The initiatives discussed are centered on advancing AI technology, building an AI ecosystem, and increasing access to digital tools and platforms.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article emphasizes the collaborative approach between Google.org, the ASEAN Foundation, governments, businesses, and communities to achieve its objectives.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 4 (Quality Education):
  • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship. The article directly addresses this by describing programs like “AI Ready ASEAN” and “Gemini Academy” which aim to equip hundreds of thousands of young people and teachers with essential AI literacy skills, preparing them for the future job market.
• Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure):
  • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet. The launch of the “AI Class ASEAN” online platform and the provision of the “Gemini AI Pro Plan” free for students are direct actions to increase access to advanced digital technology and training resources.
• Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
  • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The entire initiative described is a model of this target. It is a partnership between a private entity (Google.org), a civil society organization (ASEAN Foundation), and explicitly mentions collaboration with governments and other businesses to build an inclusive AI ecosystem.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of People Trained: The article provides specific numbers that serve as direct indicators for Target 4.4. It states that over 800,000 young people, educators, and parents have been equipped with AI skills, and more than 290,000 teachers have been trained through the Gemini Academy.
• Digital Platform Engagement: As an indicator for Target 9.c, the article mentions that the new “AI Class ASEAN” online platform is already serving over 14,000 users, measuring the reach and adoption of the technology being provided.
• Financial and Resource Mobilization: The article quantifies the resources mobilized for the partnership (Target 17.17) by stating the commitment of US$5 million for youth digital wellbeing, over $40 million in cash donations, $80 million in product donations, and 20,000 volunteered hours since 2020.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: blog.google