- According to the “AI Opportunity in Southeast Asia” report, 70% of Southeast Asians currently use generative AI tools weekly; if harnessed correctly, AI could contribute an additional $270 billion to the region’s GDP.
- At the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit (ABIS 2025), Google announced a series of new initiatives to support governments, businesses, and communities in leveraging AI for growth and sustainable development.
- In the science sector, Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold technology helps over 85,000 researchers simulate 3D protein structures. In Malaysia, AlphaFold assists in finding a cure for melioidosis; in Singapore, the tool aids in early detection of Parkinson’s disease.
- In the agriculture – sustainability sector, Google is expanding its Agricultural APIs to Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, providing real-time data on crop types, field area, water source proximity, and harvest cycles – helping to increase resilience to climate change.
- Google.org is funding $1.5 million to the organization TransitionZero to develop an AI tool for clean energy planning, deployed first in Malaysia and Singapore to optimize renewable energy investment.
- The AI Ready ASEAN program, in collaboration with the ASEAN Foundation, has trained over 800,000 youth, teachers, and parents in AI skills. The newly launched online platform, AI Class ASEAN, has attracted over 14,000 users.
- Google continues to invest $5 million in digital health and youth safety, while training 290,000 teachers through the Gemini Academy in 5 countries.
- Students aged 18 and over receive free use of the Gemini AI Pro Plan for 12 months to practice AI skills.
- Since 2020, Google.org has provided over $40 million in cash, $80 million in products, and 20,000 hours of expertise, helping 4 million learners in Southeast Asia enhance digital skills, cybersecurity, and AI literacy.
📌 With the fastest AI adoption rate globally, Southeast Asia is seen by Google as a “new growth engine.” From agriculture to healthcare, education, and energy, Google and DeepMind’s programs are helping the region transform AI momentum into sustainable, inclusive, and responsible growth, moving toward a prosperous digital future.
