Google.org recently announced a significant investment in the future workforce of Asia-Pacific.

Google’s philanthropic arm will commit $15 million to its AI Opportunity Fund in order to equip more than a million people across the region, including the Philippines, with essential artificial-intelligence skills. The initiative seeks to bridge the digital-skills gap and prepare individuals for the evolving job market.

The AI Opportunity Fund goes beyond simply teaching technical skills. It aims to foster confidence and a positive perception of AI among workers and job seekers, particularly those from underserved communities. It complements Google’s existing efforts in digital and AI skilling, such as AI Essentials for beginners, AI Startup School for entrepreneurs, and Google Cloud AI programs for businesses.

Google.org has partnered with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network, a network of social investors. The initiative also benefits from the support of the Asian Development Bank.

AVPN will partner with local organizations that can reach underserved job seekers and micro and small businesses in need of AI skills development. This is to ensure that training directly benefits those who might not otherwise have access to such resources. Selected organizations will receive funding and support to deliver AI skills training tailored to their local communities and languages. Cash grants will likewise be given to help address barriers to learning, such as limited access to technology or internet connectivity.

“Equipped with the right tools and expertise, we’re excited to see how people and organizations across Asia-Pacific can make the most of AI to benefit everyone,” said Google Asia-Pacific president Scott Beaumont.

Visit this page learn more about the $15 million AI Opportunity Fund and how organizations can apply.

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Alora Uy Guerrero

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Editor-in-chief: Alora Uy Guerrero is a 24-year media veteran who has survived the newsrooms of giants like Yahoo and a high-stakes detour into OPPO's digital marketing. She eventually returned to her journalism roots to helm REVU. A strict advocate for quality over quantity, Alora lives by a family-first philosophy — mostly because her babies are the only bosses she can't negotiate with. When she isn't chasing kids or deadlines, she's probably traveling, shooting, or passionately over-analyzing her favorite bands, films, and basketball teams.