Terry KS AVPN has expanded its AI Opportunity Fund with an additional USD10 million from Google.org to scale AI literacy and adoption across Asia-Pacific. The initiative aims to equip educators, youth, workers, and MSMEs with practical AI skills to drive inclusive growth.
SINGAPORE, 5 MAY 2026 – AVPN, Asia’s largest network of social investors, has announced a significant expansion of its AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific, backed by an additional USD10 million contribution from Google.org. The move is set to accelerate AI literacy efforts across the region, targeting educators, youth, workers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The next phase of the initiative builds on earlier progress in advancing AI readiness and shifts focus towards real-world application and sustained adoption. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in daily life and business, the programme positions AI not as a specialised skill, but as a fundamental literacy essential for future economic participation.
According to AVPN CEO Naina Subberwal Batra, the region is at a critical juncture where widespread AI understanding can shape long-term growth and innovation. The Fund aims to empower key contributors to the ecosystem, including educators and entrepreneurs, to integrate AI into learning, work, and business practices.
A major focus of the expansion is education, with plans to reach over 4.7 million individuals through schools, universities, and training institutions. By equipping educators with AI tools and knowledge, the initiative seeks to embed AI fluency into everyday teaching and learning processes, preparing future generations for an AI-driven economy.
In parallel, the Fund will introduce a dedicated AI skilling programme for creators, with a pilot set to launch in selected Asia-Pacific markets. The programme aims to integrate AI tools into creative workflows, enhancing productivity and supporting sustainable growth within the creative sector.
Support for MSMEs and the workforce remains a core pillar. Through continued collaboration with regional partners such as AIM ASEAN, the initiative will help small businesses adopt AI to improve efficiency, decision-making, and market access. Workers will also benefit from practical, role-based AI training, ensuring a seamless transition from education to employment.
On the policy front, AVPN is strengthening its engagement with regional institutions, including the ASEAN Foundation and ASEAN ministries, to align AI training with local needs and policy frameworks. The integration of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative further reinforces efforts to scale impact across the region.
By 2030, the expanded AI Opportunity Fund is expected to reach nearly 5.5 million individuals and businesses across Asia-Pacific, reinforcing its mission to make AI a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.