Meta Marks Milestone with 'Live Skilling' Launch in Bangladesh
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has officially launched its Live Skilling program in Bangladesh in partnership with international consultancy firm LightCastle Partners. The initiative is expected to accelerate local business expansion and global market penetration through the strategic application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovative capacities. Organizers anticipate that this effort will drive digital transformation, foster innovation, and create significant employment opportunities, particularly for youth and professionals in related sectors.
The launch was held at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, under the theme “Enhancing AI Capabilities Through Micro-Enterprises: Policy, Innovation, and Inclusion.” The program was formally inaugurated by Ruici Tio, Regional Head of Safety and Integrity Programs, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Meta.
Among the distinguished attendees were Shihab Quader, Director General of Bangladesh’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) program; Shahriar Hasan Jisun, National Consultant of the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) initiative under the ICT Division; Simon Milner, Vice President of Public Policy, Meta Asia-Pacific; Ruzan Sarwar, Public Policy Manager at Meta; Shahriar Chowdhury, Founder and CEO of digital learning platform Shikho; and Oli Ahaad, Founder and CEO of Dhaka AI Labs. The event was attended by over 75 participants, including senior officials from government and private institutions, and technology experts.
Bijon Islam, Co-founder and CEO of LightCastle Partners and host of the ceremony, stated that the program will offer training to SME entrepreneurs, startups, and digital professionals. The sessions are expected to commence within four to six weeks, with Meta’s skilled business professionals selecting participants for the training.
Shihab Quader remarked, “AI can truly serve micro-enterprises. It is essential to focus on how AI can be used to enhance the innovative capacity of youth and professionals for expanding SMEs and businesses.”
Simon Milner commented, “We are proud to announce the launch of Meta Live Skilling in partnership with LightCastle Partners. This program will train youth on Meta’s AI tools, helping to meet market demand, create employment, and support business expansion in Bangladesh.”
During the inauguration, Shikho’s CEO Shahriar Chowdhury presented a detailed overview titled “Transforming Education in Bangladesh through Artificial Intelligence,” showcasing how AI tools have revolutionized digital learning in the country’s ed-tech sector.
In a panel discussion, experts highlighted the significant role of AI in addressing current economic challenges in Bangladesh. Several key recommendations were presented, including the use of AI to enhance productivity in SMEs, simplify and improve the service sector, foster inclusion through accessibility, formulate practical AI policies, strengthen supporting infrastructure, ensure institutional coordination, and promote AI-driven creativity.
Speakers emphasized that prioritizing these areas and tackling technological challenges are vital to accelerating national development.
The program concluded with a shared understanding that Meta Live Skilling marks a pivotal step in Bangladesh’s AI journey, aiming to empower local entrepreneurs, academics, and innovators to address real-world challenges and apply their skills through the adoption of AI technologies.
