Cart is emptyEmpowering ASEAN with AI Literacy: AYO Successfully Organizes the 1st National Convening of AI Ready ASEAN in Bangkok
14th October 2025
The ASEAN Youth Organization (AYO) successfully organized the 1st National Convening of AI Ready ASEAN on 14 October 2025 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok, under the theme “Empowering Thailand’s Digital Future: AI Literacy for All.” The convening comprised three main sessions: an opening ceremony, a panel discussion, and a showcase.
AI Ready ASEAN, ASEAN Foundation’s flagship project, with support from Google.org, aims to equip 5.5 million people across ASEAN with fundamental AI knowledge and practical skills. The initiative promotes AI literacy, digital inclusion, and ethical AI use, particularly among youth, educators, and parents.
Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation, opened the convening, highlighting the program’s goal of making AI literacy inclusive and accessible. He emphasized Thailand’s digital leadership, the training of 2,000 Master Trainers to reach millions across ASEAN, and the importance of youth engagement and cross-sector collaboration for an innovative, inclusive AI future.
Mr. Bolbongse Vangphaen, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed appreciation to ASEAN Foundation and Google.org for their support in strengthening ASEAN’s digital readiness.
Representing the Ministry of Education, Ms. Chitralada Chanyaem, Director of the Bureau of International Cooperation, highlighted the ministry’s efforts to integrate AI and digital learning in classrooms, in line with Thailand’s role as Chair of the ASEAN Education Sector (2024–2025) under the theme “Transforming Education in the Digital Era.”
H.E. Mr. Soonthorn Chaiyindeepum, President of the ASEAN Association of Thailand, described the initiative as a timely step toward building digital resilience and preparing ASEAN youth for an AI-driven future. Mr. Hazremi Bin Hamid, Senior Officer for Digital Economy at the ASEAN Secretariat, expressed support for the program, noting its vital role in strengthening AI literacy and inclusion in the region. Mr. Phermsak Lilakul, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager at Google Thailand, reaffirmed Google’s commitment to advancing Thailand’s digital transformation, highlighting a USD 5 million investment in the initiative to expand AI education nationwide.
The panel discussion on “The Implementation of AI in Education” featured Dr. Bank Ngamarunchot, Director at the Science Technology and Innovation Policy Institute (STIPI); Mr. Christian Mortelliti, Sustainable Specialist from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific; and Mr. Hazremi Bin Hamid. Panelists discussed integrating AI into education, balancing innovation with ethical considerations such as data privacy, bias, and responsible AI use, and underscored the need for digital literacy, policy alignment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to prepare a future-ready generation.
During the showcase session, participants worked in groups to analyze real-life AI scenarios and propose collective recommendations for Thailand’s AI future. Discussions highlighted Thailand’s ongoing efforts under the Thailand 4.0 agenda, expanding digital learning, and growing youth innovation. Key challenges identified included unequal access to technology, limited AI literacy, and ethical and data privacy concerns. The session concluded with a shared vision of an inclusive, responsible AI-driven Thailand where technology empowers education, innovation, and social good.
Over 150 participants from schools, universities, government agencies, private organizations, and civil society attended the convening, including AI Ready ASEAN Master Trainers, distinguished panelists, and youth leaders.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Senjaya Mulia, Founder of the ASEAN Youth Organization, emphasized that AI Ready ASEAN is about empowering people to thrive in the digital era. Reflecting on milestones from the Hour of Code and the Training of Trainers to the 1st National Convening, he highlighted their role in bridging Thailand’s digital gap and called for continued collaboration to build an inclusive, AI-ready Thailand and ASEAN.
As the key organizer, ASEAN Youth Organization reaffirmed its mission to empower ASEAN youth with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to create positive, sustainable change in their communities.