The digital transformation across Southeast Asia, coupled with a population enthusiastic about technology, is creating fertile ground for artificial intelligence to drive significant economic expansion. A recent report titled ‘AI Opportunity in Southeast Asia’ reveals that generative AI tools are already being used weekly by 70% of individuals in the region. This widespread integration could contribute an additional US$270 billion to the regional economy, marking a pivotal shift in growth dynamics.
This momentum is laying the groundwork for measurable advancements across multiple sectors. Efforts are now focused on empowering governments, enterprises, and local communities to convert this technological surge into inclusive economic outcomes.
Innovation in AI is already yielding practical benefits in science and environmental sustainability. At the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS), held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit, a set of new programs was unveiled. These aim to collaborate with institutions across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to equip diverse groups with the competencies required in an AI-driven economic landscape.
In scientific research, AI is dramatically accelerating discovery timelines. AlphaFold, an AI system developed by Google DeepMind that has transformed protein structure prediction, has become a critical resource throughout the region. Over 85,000 scientists are leveraging the AlphaFold Database to model complex 3D protein configurations.
This tool has enabled progress in various biological domains. Researchers in Malaysia are applying it to expedite the development of treatments and vaccines for melioidosis, a severe infectious illness. Meanwhile, in Singapore, experts are utilizing the same system to identify early biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease, opening avenues for more personalized and preventive healthcare strategies.
On the sustainability front, AI is enhancing climate resilience and agricultural efficiency. Google DeepMind’s AnthroKrishi team has expanded its Agricultural APIs to Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These models deliver real-time data—such as crop classification, field dimensions, proximity to water sources, and planting or harvest history—supporting sustainable farming practices amid shifting climate patterns.
Additionally, Google.org has committed US$1.5 million in funding to TransitionZero, a nonprofit specializing in climate analytics. This support will help develop an AI-based platform to streamline clean energy planning, making it more affordable and accessible. Initial collaborations will launch in Malaysia and Singapore, assisting public and private entities in making faster, data-informed decisions on energy infrastructure.
To ensure broad participation in the AI economy, skill development remains a priority. Google.org is backing the ASEAN Foundation’s AI Ready ASEAN initiative, which since October 2024 has trained over 800,000 young people, educators, and parents in fundamental AI literacy. The recently launched online portal, AI Class ASEAN, has already reached more than 14,000 users, offering self-directed learning opportunities.
Digital empowerment must go hand in hand with safety. To this end, Google.org is allocating US$5 million to advance youth digital wellbeing in the region. This funding will enable leading nonprofits to provide adolescents, teachers, and families with tools and guidance to foster healthy interactions with digital platforms.
Educational institutions are also receiving targeted support. Through Gemini Academy, over 290,000 teachers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines have been trained to incorporate AI tools into their teaching methods. Furthermore, students aged 18 and above across Southeast Asia now have free access to the Gemini AI Pro Plan for 12 months, preparing the next generation for a tech-integrated workforce.
Google.org’s long-term commitment to social impact in the region includes over $40 million in monetary grants, $80 million in product donations, and 20,000 hours of technical volunteering since 2020. These efforts have reached nearly 4 million learners, supporting youth, educators, and micro, small, and medium enterprises in improving digital proficiency, cybersecurity awareness, and AI understanding.
Realizing the full potential of AI will require sustained collaboration. By partnering with policymakers, private sector leaders, and civil society across ASEAN, it is possible to cultivate an AI ecosystem that is not only innovative but also equitable and ethically grounded.
Collectively, these initiatives can position artificial intelligence as a transformative force, driving inclusive progress and building a more resilient and prosperous future for all in Southeast Asia.
— news from blog.google
— News Original —
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. n nThis 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. n nWe’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. n nAccelerating scientific discovery through AI n nAI 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. n nAlphaFold 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. n nBuilding sustainability and resilience n nJust as AI is driving progress in human health, it’s also unlocking new possibilities for sustainability and climate resilience across the region. n nWe’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. n nGoogle.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. n nProviding people with AI skills and safety across the region n nFor 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. n nOur 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. n nDigital 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. n nGoogle 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. n nContinuing the AI journey together n nOur commitment to making sure everyone can benefit from technology isn’t new. n nSince 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. n nThe 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. n nTogether, we can ensure AI becomes a powerful engine for progress and helps create a more prosperous and resilient future for everyone in the region.