51³Ô¹ÏÍø

51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT launches AI Ready ASEAN program 

Apr 24 2026

As the newly designated Mindanao Regional Hub, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT) officially launched the AI Ready ASEAN program, marking a major milestone in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and regional digital transformation. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT is aggressively implementing this program across its academic and extension platforms to equip communities with vital AI skills. These early actions demonstrate the university’s commitment to an inclusive, innovation-driven learning environment that aligns directly with global technological trends.

The Institute for Policy and Innovation Leadership (IPIL), through its Policy Center for Emerging Trends and Technology (PCETT), spearheads this rollout. By leveraging the university’s academic expertise and deep community networks, IPIL brings AI education directly to students, educators, parents, and partner institutions. To jumpstart engagement, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT quickly launched a series of foundational programs. 

The Hour of Code – CCS Immersion Onboarding introduced students to core computing and AI concepts through hands-on activities. To expand outreach beyond the classroom, the university rolled out complementary extension projects, including my.comapps Extension – AI 2025 and my.ICT Extension – Hour of Code, delivering highly accessible learning opportunities to the broader community. 

The university has hosted targeted training sessions, such as the Hour of Code and Hour of AI modules, to deepen participants’ grasp of real-world AI applications. Notably, several faculty members and Master Trainers took the lead to integrate AI tools directly into their coursework. Without waiting for formal mandates, these proactive educators are already enriching the student experience and preparing learners for emerging technological demands. 

51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT strategically embeds AI education across instruction, extension, and community engagement. By combining structured training, curriculum updates, and targeted outreach, the university is building a robust foundation to scale AI literacy throughout Mindanao. Led by the ASEAN Foundation and supported by Google.org, the broader AI Ready ASEAN program empowers millions across Southeast Asia to understand and responsibly use AI.

51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT continues to forge stronger partnerships with local governments, schools, and grassroots organizations to foster digital inclusion and a fully AI-ready Mindanao.

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