ASEAN MSMEs AI Skills Training – AIM ASEAN

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of Southeast Asia’s economy, yet many face barriers to adopting advanced digital tools. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative opportunities for MSMEs to improve efficiency, resilience, and competitiveness.

To address this, the ASEAN Foundation launched the ASEAN MSMEs AI Skills Training (AIM ASEAN) program under the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia Pacific, in collaboration with AVPN and with support from Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

AIM ASEAN is a two-year regional initiative that will empower 120,000 MSMEs across all 10 ASEAN Member States. AIM ASEAN aims to accelerate AI adoption among Southeast Asian MSMEs by equipping business owners with the skills they need and encouraging regional collaboration to build a sustainable AI training ecosystem, ultimately making these businesses more efficient, competitive, and resilient. –

As a Lead Implementing Partner, Kenan Foundation Asia will deliver the AIM ASEAN project in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, reaching 46,600 MSMEs through tailored AI training and ecosystem support.

THE PROJECT

ASEAN MSMEs AI Skills Training – AIM ASEAN equips MSMEs with AI knowledge and tools to strengthen business operations, marketing, and e-commerce, while fostering policy dialogue and ecosystem collaboration. Activities combine blended training, awareness campaigns, and national policy roundtables to ensure lasting impact.

KEY ACTIVITIES (2025–2027)

• Localized AI Training – Develop and deliver various AI modules including AI basics, adoption steps, responsible use, deployment frameworks, advanced data, culture building, and risk management, via blended learning (self-paced e-learning, webinars, and onsite workshops).
• Awareness Campaigns – Social media engagement and outreach to highlight AI adoption and MSME success stories.
• Master Trainers & Networks – Train business leaders to cascade AI knowledge to wider MSME networks.\
• Policy Roundtables – Convenings in each country to align with government priorities and strengthen long-term ecosystem support.

EXPECTED IMPACT

• 46,600 MSMEs across Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia gain practical AI skills to strengthen competitiveness.
  MSMEs report tangible business improvements such as higher customer engagement, stronger online presence, and operational efficiency gains.
• Policy convenings shape national dialogue on AI for MSMEs, supporting integration into government priorities.
  The project contributes directly to AIM ASEAN’s regional mission of empowering 120,000 MSMEs across ASEAN to harness AI for growth and resilience