05 April 2024

Microsoft has said that it will train 100,000 Philippine women in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and cybersecurity.

The women will use an online platform to learn how to use Microsoft’s AI tools, including those powered by OpenAI’s large language models, to gain workplace skills and to be able to recognise cybersecurity threats. Microsoft will partner with government agencies and local schools to provide the training to government employees.

Philippine trade undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba said that the training could “help to bolster cybersecurity and trust in tech adoption.”

The joint initiative could also help address the Philippines’ problem with disinformation, said Mary Snapp, vice-president of global strategic initiatives at Microsoft: “there’s going to be a really strong focus and education campaign so that people who are looking at content are much better able to identify what’s been changed and what’s not been changed.”

Microsoft also aims to roll out an AI-powered reading progress tool for around 27 million Philippine students, in partnership with the Philippine education department.