Google.org invests $1m to train NGOs in Asia on AI, cybersecurity

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Google.org, the tech giant’s philanthropic arm, has partnered with nonprofit firm Infoxchange and the Asian Development Bank to train non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and impact reporting.

Nearly 50 NGOs from 11 Asia-Pacific countries, such as Singapore’s Mandai Nature and the Philippines’ Haribon Foundation, will participate in the 12-month program, which offers personalized digital consulting and training, among other things.

Google.org is investing US$1 million in the initiative.

Infoxchange’s recent APAC NGO Digital Capability Report found that only half of the surveyed NGOs were confident in using technology to advance their social mission. Despite billions of dollars invested in international aid, many NGOs have little capacity and funding to keep up with digital developments.

The report also found that one in six of the surveyed NGOs had a cybersecurity incident in the past year. In Indonesia, the number is one in three.

“The recent report highlights the urgent need to prioritize cybersecurity practices and invest in the necessary training and infrastructure to protect sensitive data while upskilling leaders in new and emerging technologies,” said Infoxchange CEO David Spriggs.

Infoxchange and TechSoup Asia Pacific will lead the initiative, with support from regional civil organizations like Indonesia’s Kitabisa, India’s Nasscom Foundation, and Korea’s NPO IT Support Center. 

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