Amazon Web Services (AWS) is more than just a cloud computing giant; it's playing a key role in transforming the digital landscape in Southeast Asia. AWS is not only offering enterprise solutions but also focusing on training the region's future workforce in digital and cloud computing skills. During the AWS re:Invent 2024 event held in Las Vegas, Jeff Johnson, Managing Director of AWS ASEAN, emphasized the company's dedication to digital skills training.

"We understand the need for continuous learning, and we are heavily invested in digital training," said Johnson. AWS claims to have trained over 1.3 million digital talents across Southeast Asia, collaborating with educational institutions and governments to enhance local capabilities.

In Indonesia, AWS partnered with Dicoding, an education platform focused on programming. The collaboration has been running since 2021, offering scholarships to develop digital skills in back-end and devOps fields. To date, over 200,000 individuals have benefited from this initiative. AWS also runs the "re/Start" program in Indonesia in partnership with Orbit Future Academy. The 12-week program provides job training and cloud computing skills, with no prior technical experience required. This initiative is not limited to Indonesia; it's also available in countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Since 2017, AWS has trained more than 800,000 digital talents in Indonesia, contributing to the nation’s growing digital ecosystem. AWS's commitment extends beyond technical skills. As Jenni Troutman, AWS's VP of Global Product Leader, explained, the company also focuses on non-technical skills, particularly for AI and machine learning technologies.

Troutman highlighted that AI and generative AI are transforming the way people search for information and perform tasks. "It's not just about being technical anymore. We also emphasize creative thinking and how individuals can use these tools in innovative ways," she said. AWS aims to teach individuals not only how to understand technologies like AI but also how to effectively use them, from creating accurate prompts to problem solving creatively.

AWS’s training initiatives reflect the company’s broader goal of equipping Southeast Asia's workforce with the digital skills necessary for success in an increasingly tech-driven world. Whether it's cloud computing, AI, or soft skills, AWS is paving the way for digital transformation across the region.

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