Under the leadership of ASEAN Foundation, SME Hub Asia Myanmar is participating as a regional implementation partner to provide practical AI expertise training to over 4,400 small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Myanmar over the next two years. The "AI for MSME Advancement in ASEAN (AIM ASEAN)" program was launched in Myanmar starting in June and has been officially introduced through an online platform.
The AIM ASEAN program is a two-year regional initiative implemented by ASEAN Foundation under the "AI Opportunity Fund: Asia Pacific" program, with support from Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and in partnership with AVPN. The program will provide practical and region-appropriate AI training to MSME businesses across all ASEAN countries to improve business operations, expand market opportunities, and foster long-term business sustainability within a stronger digital economy.
As the regional implementation partner for Myanmar, SME Hub Asia Myanmar will lead specially tailored AI training programs designed to suit MSME businesses in Myanmar until April 2027. The program began with a soft-launch on May 9, 2026 in Myanmar, during which Zoom training series called "AI READINESS & ADOPTION PROGRAMME" led by local AI experts were held every Saturday or Sunday.
On June 29, 2026, MSME business owners throughout Myanmar will be introduced to a dedicated digital learning platform through which they can study online at their convenience, and the program will be formally scaled up. The platform will provide self-paced AI lessons, practical business modules, learning resources, and educational support materials. This platform is designed to make AI technology accessible and easy to learn for business owners from various sectors and regions, and will support long-term digital transformation capability and business sustainability.
Most MSME business owners in Myanmar are increasingly interested in AI technology, but still have needs regarding "where to start and how to begin." AIM ASEAN Myanmar aims to address these needs by providing easy-to-learn, business-focused AI training opportunities despite lack of technical experience. One distinguishing feature of AIM ASEAN is that it combines curriculum tailored to local needs, experiences from local experts, and practical business methods, allowing Myanmar MSME business owners to study AI technologies that directly align with their daily operations and domestic business environment.
Liam, Program Manager at SME Hub Asia Myanmar, stated: "As SME Hub Asia Myanmar, we are delighted to have the opportunity to bring AIM ASEAN, an effective regional initiative of ASEAN Foundation, to Myanmar's MSME business owners. At this time, AI technology is significantly transforming businesses across the ASEAN region, so the most critical moment has arrived for Myanmar businesses to begin learning how to utilize AI for growth and long-term sustainability. Our key objective at SME Hub Asia Myanmar is to help MSME businesses innovate and build a sustainable future. Through this AIM ASEAN program, we will create easy access to digital knowledge for business owners and ensure that Myanmar's MSME businesses do not lag behind amid the rapidly advancing AI business opportunities in the region."
The program includes training modules on: Key Considerations & Framework for Successful AI Deployment, Advanced Data Management & Governance for AI, Artificial Intelligence (AI) – The Basics and Use Cases, The AI Adoption Journey – Steps for Business Owners, and Using AI Responsibly – Ethical & Governance Principles.
These modules are specially designed to help MSME businesses understand AI concepts, responsibly integrate AI into business operations, and build stronger and future-ready businesses through practical digital methods, platforms, and data-driven decision-making.
Media release: SME Hub Asia Myanmar
