As Southeast Asia sets its sights on the future, one thing has become abundantly clear: artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just a tool for innovation, it is a pivotal element of progress. In the education sector, AI is emerging as a powerful force for driving inclusion, ensuring that every learner has access to quality education regardless of their background or circumstances. While still in its early stages, the potential of AI in education is undeniable.
The adoption of AI is gaining momentum across diverse industries, including government services, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and human resources. A study by EDBI and Kearney in 2020 projects that AI could contribute a staggering $1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030, underscoring its significance in shaping the region’s future.
AI has the potential to address educational access and equity issues, especially in underserved communities and remote areas, through online learning platforms and virtual classrooms. Additionally, it empowers teachers to develop clear and concise study materials, expand opportunities for student-educator interaction, and tackle specific student challenges.
For instance, AI-based adaptive learning platforms can analyse students’ strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles to provide tailored content and assistance, catering to different learning preferences and abilities. Additionally, algorithms can automate quantitative grading, provide learning assistance, and generate educational materials, driving innovation and advancement in education.
AI for a future-ready workforce
Many countries in Southeast Asia have developed national strategies to drive AI advancement, with a focus on capacity development. For example, Thailand’s National AI Strategy and Action Plan 2022–2027 advocates for an efficient ecosystem fostering AI development and application. This includes initiatives to promote AI education through dedicated scholarships and aims to establish an international accreditation system. Similarly, fostering AI talent is a strategic objective of Malaysia’s National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021–2025, aiming to promote an inclusive understanding and knowledge of AI principles in schools and to provide opportunities for skilling and reskilling.
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AI in education is pivotal for bridging talent gaps and offering essential upskilling opportunities to vulnerable workers. Recently, Singapore unveiled its second National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, emphasising substantial investments in adult education and training to equip workers with the skills needed to leverage AI effectively. The country also targets a threefold increase in its AI workforce, aiming to reach 15,000 practitioners within the next three to five years.
With strategic investment and careful implementation, AI can significantly enhance inclusion in education throughout the SEA region. However, some challenges need to be addressed.
Challenges in inclusive education
While AI has made inroads into education, its transformative potential remains largely untapped. The integration of digital technology in educational settings has been gradual and inconsistent, with varying effects across different contexts. Factors such as socioeconomic status, community demographics, teacher readiness, educational level, and national income contribute to the disparities in AI adoption and effectiveness.
One of the primary barriers is the digital divide, which refers to inequalities in internet access and technological infrastructure that impede fair access to AI-driven educational resources and tools. According to a UNESCO report, on average, 57% of students in Southeast Asia have access to the internet at home. However, the figures vary significantly across countries. For instance, only 16% of students have access in Cambodia, while a majority of 98% do in Singapore.
The report highlighted that while mobile internet is the most accessible form of connection in SEA, it often does not support educational applications. In 2022, active mobile broadband subscriptions averaged 101 per 100 people.
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Digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia has witnessed growth in recent years, although the pace of expansion differs from one country to another. For instance, in Thailand, over 97% of schools now have internet access, with an average of 17 students sharing one computer in each school.
In Southeast Asia, the response to AI in education ranges from cautious to increasingly receptive, reflecting a growing interest in integrating it into educational tools and platforms. Countries like Singapore and Indonesia are actively adopting generative AI to improve learning experiences. However, there are concerns about data privacy and security, as well as the ethical implications of using AI algorithms to make educational decisions.
Moving forward, it is crucial for policymakers, educators, and technology developers to collaborate and ensure that AI initiatives in education are guided by principles of equity, transparency, and accessibility.
By embracing AI technologies and addressing the challenges, we can build a more inclusive and equitable education system that empowers learners of all backgrounds and abilities.
Get to know Thanit Apipatana
Thanit Apipatana is a Bangkok-based entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor with a keen interest in venture building, real estate, F&B, sports and philanthropy. Mr Apipatana has advised and invested in a number of companies across the region, including Singapore-based proptech startup Mogul.sg and Thai-based Life Below Labs. As a thought leader, Mr Apipatana shares his insights on entrepreneurship, F&B, education, sports and the social sector.
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