JAKARTA, INDONESIA – The ASEAN Foundation has appointed award-winning communications consultancy Vero as its regional media engagement partner for AI Ready ASEAN, a landmark program designed to boost AI literacy across Southeast Asia.
Launched in 2024 with a USD 5 million grant from Google.org, AI Ready ASEAN spans 2.5 years and is structured around five key pillars: training of trainers, in-depth AI education, a regional awareness campaign, national and regional convenings, and research on AI across ASEAN. With implementation already underway, including the rollout of an e-learning platform, the initiative marks a significant step toward making AI knowledge more accessible and sustainable across the region.
At its core, the program seeks to engage 5.5 million people across ASEAN, including youth, educators, parents, and underserved communities. Of this number, at least 800,000 participants will benefit from more intensive AI training, equipping them with the tools to participate in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
“Southeast Asia’s economic and social progress is set to accelerate with the emergence and integration of AI into society,” said Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation. “It is our mission to ensure that ASEAN citizens are well equipped and ready to thrive in an AI-powered economy. We are excited to partner with Vero as our communications partner to help amplify our progressive and innovative efforts in promoting the responsible use of AI. With its strong presence across ASEAN, we believe Vero can help us reach wider audiences and inspire more people across the region to embrace this initiative.”
As ASEAN Foundation’s PR partner, Vero will lead strategic media engagement, crafting communication strategies and assets to raise awareness of the program across all ten ASEAN member states.
“With AI technology evolving fast and transforming the world in unprecedented ways, AI literacy and equitable adoption have become essential to ensuring that everyone can participate in and benefit from this innovation,” said Diah Andrini Dewi, Executive Account Director at Vero. “We are honored to support ASEAN Foundation’s mission in building an empowered society through inclusive learning and to help amplify the reach and impact of AI Ready ASEAN.”
This collaboration builds on Vero’s earlier involvement with the program’s first convention in February, where the consultancy secured coverage from top-tier media outlets in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
AI Ready ASEAN emphasizes the responsible use of AI, guided by principles of ethics, fairness, transparency, and digital inclusion. Implementation is being carried out in partnership with local organizations to ensure training materials are contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and widely accessible.
Aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and guided by the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the program underscores the region’s commitment to harnessing AI for sustainable and inclusive growth.
