News
Google Invests in Southeast Asia's AI Growth: Skills, Sustainability, and Discovery
Source: blog.google
Published on October 26, 2025
What Happened
Google is doubling down on its commitment to Southeast Asia, launching a series of initiatives at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit. The goal? To transform the region's AI momentum into tangible economic growth and social benefits. With 70% of Southeast Asians already using generative AI weekly, the region is ripe for AI-driven progress, potentially boosting its economy by $270 billion.
Why It Matters
Southeast Asia's digital landscape, combined with its tech-optimistic population, creates a fertile ground for AI adoption. Google's investment focuses on three key areas: equipping people with AI skills, accelerating scientific discovery, and building sustainability and climate resilience. These initiatives aren't just about tech; they're about ensuring the benefits of AI are shared across all levels of society. Google understands that technology’s potential hinges on widespread digital literacy and responsible implementation.
Key Initiatives
To foster AI literacy, Google.org is supporting the ASEAN Foundation's AI Ready ASEAN initiative. Since its launch in October 2024, the program has provided over 800,000 individuals with essential AI skills. The AI Class ASEAN online platform has already attracted over 14,000 users. To support educators, the Gemini Academy has trained over 290,000 teachers in integrating AI tools into classrooms. Students get access to the Gemini AI Pro Plan free for 12 months.
Google DeepMind's AnthroKrishi team is expanding its Agricultural APIs to Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These APIs provide real-time agricultural insights, such as crop type and field size, to support agricultural sustainability. Google.org is also providing $1.5 million in funding to TransitionZero, a climate analytics nonprofit, to develop an AI-powered tool for clean energy planning.
AI is accelerating scientific discovery in Southeast Asia. Google DeepMind's AlphaFold is being used by over 85,000 researchers to model intricate 3D protein structures. In Malaysia, researchers are using AlphaFold to accelerate the search for treatments and vaccines for melioidosis. Scientists in Singapore are leveraging the technology to detect early indicators of Parkinson's disease.
Our Take
Google's multifaceted approach addresses critical needs in Southeast Asia's AI ecosystem. By focusing on education, sustainability, and scientific advancement, Google is laying the groundwork for long-term, inclusive growth. However, ethical considerations surrounding AI deployment, data privacy, and potential job displacement must be addressed to ensure responsible innovation.
Looking Ahead
Google's investment in Southeast Asia highlights the region's growing importance in the global AI landscape. By fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities, Google aims to create an AI ecosystem that is innovative, inclusive, and responsible. The success of these initiatives will depend on continued collaboration and a commitment to addressing the ethical implications of AI technology.