An Asia and the Pacific-wide initiative is now accepting expressions of interests to tap a $15-million fund that aims to equip the region’s workforce with essential AI knowledge and tools needed for the evolving workplace.

Launched by social investor network AVPN, with the support of Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia–Pacific aims to support workers from a diverse range of organizations, including charitable nonprofits, public interest organizations, social enterprises, civic institutions, municipalities, labor unions, professional bodies and associations.

The AI skilling initiative aims to ensure that jobs and roles presented by AI are accessible to more people in the region, specifically those from underserved communities. Successful applicants will receive funding, comprehensive training based on Google and external AI courses, and the option for additional tailored training aimed at supporting vulnerable workers.

According to a poll by accounting and consulting firm PwC, while 41% employees in Asia–Pacific are confident in AI's potential to boost productivity, some 16%  believe AI could replace their jobs. About 34% view it as an opportunity to learn new skills.

"AI presents tremendous opportunities for the Asia–Pacific region, but it's crucial to equip people with the skills needed to thrive. This new AI Opportunity Fund in Asia Pacific will help to empower underserved communities and ensure everyone benefits from the transformative power of AI," said Google Asia–Pacific President Scott Beaumont in a news release.

AVPN CEO Naina Subberwal Batra said building an AI-ready workforce is an essential social mandate for businesses and governments, and one that can unlock Asia's full workforce potential, considering the region will have 165 million working-age people by 2030. “There is urgency for such an enablement initiative, as the new world work realities unfold, and we start to see the socioeconomic impact of AI work transition on workers who have limited support to adapt and catch up,” she said. “AVPN is optimistic about leveraging the knowledge and reach of impact organizations that are already actively working on the ground to bridge the gaps for an AI workplace just transition, and to ensure that the benefits of AI work opportunities reach more of our workers."

"Asia's evolving work landscape, shaped by the increasing influence of AI, highlights the pressing need to bridge critical skills and knowledge gaps in underserved communities. The AI Opportunity Fund: Asia–Pacific will support organizations to upskill and reskill workers, ensuring they can access and benefit from the evolving opportunities in the age of AI," said ADB Principal Regional Cooperation Specialist Jason Rush.

Applications for the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific will open soon. Interested organizations can register their interest to be notified when applications open.