The ASEAN Foundation has appointed communications consultancy Vero to lead regional media engagement for its AI Ready ASEAN program, a major initiative aimed at boosting AI literacy across Southeast Asia.
AI Ready ASEAN, a 2.5-year program supported by a USD 5 million grant from Google.org launched in 2024, is structured in five core phases—training of trainers, in-depth AI training, a regional awareness campaign, national and regional convenings, and research on AI across ASEAN. Implementation is already underway, with the launch of an e-learning platform serving as a key step toward making AI literacy more accessible and sustainable.
The program aims to reach at least 5.5 million people in the region, engaging youth, educators, parents, and underserved communities, with 800,000 participants benefiting from more in-depth training.
As ASEAN Foundation’s PR partner, Vero’s scope focuses on media engagement activities, including developing communication strategies and assets that will strengthen the program’s visibility and reach across the region.
“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.”
“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.”
Building on this commitment, Vero has already led media engagement for the program’s first convention in February, securing earned coverage from top-tier publications across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
AI Ready ASEAN promotes responsible AI use, emphasizing principles of ethics, fairness, transparency, and digital inclusion. Implementation will be carried out in close partnership with local organizations across ten member states, ensuring that training and learning materials are contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and accessible to all.
The program supports the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, with the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement serving as a guiding framework to achieve the objectives and strengthen the region’s capacity to harness AI for sustainable development.
