The internet has opened new doors for learning, connection, and opportunities.
But along with these benefits comes a major challenge—misinformation and disinformation spreading rapidly online.
To address this, the ASEAN Digital Literacy Program (DLP) was launched, helping millions of people in Southeast Asia navigate the digital world with confidence, safety, and responsibility.
Here’s everything you need to know about this transformative initiative.
Overview
The ASEAN Digital Literacy Program is a flagship project of the ASEAN Foundation, funded by a USD 1.5 million grant from Google.org.
Running from 2022 to 2024, it worked across all ten ASEAN Member States—including the Philippines—to strengthen digital literacy, fight misinformation, and promote responsible online engagement.
While the program itself ended in 2024, its vision continues through DigitalClassASEAN.org, a multilingual e-learning platform.
This platform reflects the same mission as the ASEAN DLP: to equip citizens with the skills to think critically, identify false information, and use technology responsibly.
It ensures that the program’s benefits remain accessible long after its official conclusion.
Who Can Apply
The program reached a wide range of beneficiaries across Southeast Asia, with a strong focus on communities most affected by online disinformation.
Those who directly benefited include:
- Educators and trainers who received specialized training and cascaded the lessons to their students and communities.
- Youth leaders mobilized under the ASEAN Youth Advisory Group.
- Students and young professionals eager to strengthen their digital skills.
- General citizens, including vulnerable and underserved groups, who attended awareness sessions and accessed resources online.
Note: While the official program cycle ended in 2024, its resources remain open and accessible to all citizens of ASEAN.
Requirements
During its implementation, participants only needed to:
- Register for Training-of-Trainers (ToT) workshops or community sessions.
- Have access to the internet or participate onsite, depending on the activity.
- Be willing to engage in discussions on digital safety, cultural understanding, and responsible use of technology.
Today, anyone can access the program’s legacy platform, DigitalClassASEAN.org, without cost or strict requirements.
How to Apply
For those interested in exploring the resources left behind by the ASEAN DLP, here’s how you can get started:
- Visit the platform: Go to DigitalClassASEAN.org.
- Select your language: The site is available in all ten ASEAN languages, including Filipino.
- Create a free account: Sign up with your email or social media account.
- Choose a module: Access any of the five modules covering digital literacy, online safety, and combating misinformation.
- Learn at your own pace: All lessons are self-paced, interactive, and free to use.
Processing Time
Capacity-building workshops during the program typically lasted several days, depending on the depth of training.
However, the online resources on DigitalClassASEAN.org are available instantly.
You can complete a module in a few hours or spread your learning across several weeks, depending on your schedule.
Fees
All ASEAN DLP activities—both during its active years and through its lasting digital platform—are free of charge.
There are no hidden fees for registration, training, or accessing the e-learning materials.
Tips
- Start with the basics: If you’re new to digital literacy, begin with introductory modules before diving into advanced topics.
- Apply lessons in real life: Practice fact-checking the news you see daily on social media.
- Share your knowledge: Encourage your family and friends to take the free modules with you.
- Join youth or community groups: Look for organizations that continue to run ASEAN DLP-inspired sessions.
- Stay updated: Follow the ASEAN Foundation or DICT announcements for future projects that build on this legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the ASEAN Digital Literacy Program still ongoing?
A: The official program ended in 2024, but its resources remain active through DigitalClassASEAN.org.
Q: Who can use the DigitalClassASEAN.org platform?
A: Anyone in ASEAN—including Filipinos—can register and access the learning modules for free.
Q: What topics are covered in the modules?
A: Lessons include spotting misinformation, online safety, digital ethics, and cultural understanding in the digital age.
Q: Do I need to pay or show qualifications?
A: No. The platform is free and open to all, regardless of background.
Q: Can teachers still integrate the modules into classrooms?
A: Yes. The modules are designed to be adaptable for schools, youth groups, and community learning sessions.
Watch: Launching www.DigitalClassASEAN.org
The ASEAN Foundation launched DigitalClassASEAN.org to help Southeast Asians navigate the digital world with confidence.
This new learning space offers free courses that teach users how to spot fake news, protect their privacy, and make smart choices online.
It supports families, educators, and youth leaders by making digital safety easier to understand and apply.
Through storytelling, comics, and interactive lessons, the platform turns everyday online habits into safer routines.
DigitalClassASEAN.org stands as a fresh tool for building smarter, more secure communities across the region.
Conclusion
The ASEAN Digital Literacy Program may have officially concluded, but its impact continues to ripple across Southeast Asia.
With over 190,000 individuals directly trained and more than 700,000 people engaged online, it created a strong foundation for digital responsibility in the region.
More importantly, the platform DigitalClassASEAN.org ensures that anyone can continue to build skills to protect themselves—and their communities—against online misinformation.
In a world where fake news spreads faster than truth, this program reminds us that knowledge is our best defense.
So if you want to sharpen your digital skills and help others do the same, the resources are just a click away.