As AI becomes a transformative force across Southeast Asia, projected to contribute USD 1 trillion to the region’s GDP by 2030, equipping students with meaningful AI skills has never been more essential. Recognising that future-ready skills extend beyond basic AI usage, SEAMEO RECSAM is rethinking how students interact with AI—not as a mere tool like a calculator or computer, but as a platform for innovation, critical thinking, and even AI training itself.

AI literacy is not just about using AI; it involves understanding, questioning, and, critically, shaping AI. This goes beyond rote usage to include training AI systems, enhancing data handling skills, and developing an understanding of AI ethics. By instilling these advanced skills, SEAMEO RECSAM helps students take ownership of their learning and prepares them to be creators and ethical stewards in an AI-driven society.

Through the Train-the-Trainer AI Literacy Workshops, held in partnership with AI Labs, SEAMEO RECSAM empowers educators who then enable students to explore, innovate, and train AI models. This programme aims to enhance AI comprehension and integration in education, pushing beyond basic applications to foster deeper learning experiences. Workshops provide educators with hands-on experience, from working with AI-powered tools to interacting with complex automation systems like AI-driven tomato sorting machinery. These sessions encourage educators to see AI as a learning partner, not just a background tool, fostering an educational ecosystem where students can develop, test, and refine AI applications.

The programme’s emphasis on critical AI engagement ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in real-world problem-solving. They learn not only to operate AI but to identify its limitations, make data-driven improvements, and even train AI systems for specific tasks, promoting active learning and creativity. Students are encouraged to experiment, from data analysis to model building, giving them the opportunity to refine AI capabilities based on their unique insights and learn to think critically about AI’s ethical implications.

In the coming years, SEAMEO RECSAM aims to deepen AI literacy through continued workshops focused on cultivating a proactive AI mindset, problem-solving skills, and ethical AI engagement. By equipping learners to be responsible innovators, SEAMEO RECSAM positions them to not only succeed but to shape their future in a world increasingly influenced by AI.