ASEAN Foundation Targets Training 50,000 Indonesian MSMEs to Master AI

The ASEAN Foundation is continuing to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) operators, with more than 16,000 MSMEs in Indonesia having already participated in training on applying AI to improve business efficiency and competitiveness. “Through AIM ASEAN, we are targeting more than 100,000 MSMEs across ASEAN, including more than 50,000 MSMEs in Indonesia,” said AIM ASEAN Programme Manager Eci Ernawati at the National Policy Convening Indonesia: Charting the Blueprint for AI-Inclusive Indonesia event in Jakarta on Wednesday. “To date, more than 16,000 MSMEs in Indonesia have taken part in the training,” Eci added. The AI for MSME Advancement in ASEAN (AIM ASEAN) programme is a regional initiative by the ASEAN Foundation aimed at helping MSMEs in Southeast Asia leverage AI to grow stronger, more efficient, and more competitive. The two-year programme is run in collaboration with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) and supported by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Eci explained that AIM ASEAN is designed to make AI technology more accessible, understandable, and applicable for MSME operators, particularly in Indonesia. She also stated that her organisation is working with various experts and local partners to ensure the training materials are relevant to the needs of MSMEs, including how to apply AI practically and responsibly. Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science at Bina Nusantara University (BINUS), Professor Derwin Suhartono, highlighted the importance of digital literacy so that AI utilisation can be carried out safely and responsibly. He stated that every technology carries risks, including AI technology. “Whatever we do, whatever we input into the AI systems we are familiar with daily, there is a risk there,” said Derwin. According to him, the public needs to understand how AI technology works, including how the system processes the data entered by users. He explained that any data or information entered into an AI service is generally stored in a system or server whose location may not be known to the user. Derwin added that a challenge that still needs to be mapped is the extent to which the public understands how AI processes inputs and interacts with its users. He emphasised that this understanding needs to be conveyed seriously and explained thoroughly to the public so that society can utilise AI responsibly. Without adequate understanding, Derwin continued, AI has the potential to be used recklessly. He cited the viral content “First Day in Hell” on YouTube, which he considered to reflect irresponsible use of AI because it raised inappropriate sensitive material.