Outline:
Launch of AI Learning Week 2025: A Regional Initiative for AI Empowerment
Ricoh Asia Pacific has unveiled a new internal initiative called AI Learning Week, aimed at equipping employees with practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills. This event is designed to accelerate the adoption of Microsoft Copilot, the use of custom AI agents, and to reinforce Ricoh’s leadership in shaping the future of work through responsible and applied AI.
Running from 18–22 August 2025, AI Learning Week will be co-sponsored by Microsoft and Talogy, a leading talent management solution provider. The event will bring together over a thousand employees across Ricoh’s operations in the Asia Pacific region for hands-on sessions, leadership panels, and solution showcases. The initiative underscores Ricoh’s belief that empowering employees with AI fluency is essential to delivering lasting value for customers and strengthening strategic technology partnerships.
“AI Learning Week isn’t just about upskilling—it’s about readiness,” said Kei Uesugi, Regional Director of Ricoh Asia Pacific. “By investing in our people and working alongside Microsoft, we are building the internal strength required to lead AI transformation across the region.”
A Strategic Framework for Regional Scale
Ricoh Asia Pacific’s AI strategy is built around a three-tiered innovation framework that supports varying levels of customer AI maturity and business needs. This includes:
- Pre-Configured Solutions such as AI-enabled multifunction devices, intelligent document processing, and workflow automation
- Enablement and Advisory Services to help organisations adopt AI responsibly and effectively
- Advanced Applications using AI agents, large language models, and vertical-specific solutions tailored to customer challenges
This structure allows Ricoh to scale innovation efficiently across markets while encouraging local adaptation and capability-building.
Local Innovation, Regional Impact
Across the region, Ricoh operating companies are already delivering on this strategy through market-led innovation and practical application.
In Hong Kong, Ricoh has launched the Ricoh InnoAI Programme. Developed in partnership with Cyberport and the Ricoh Software Research Center Beijing, Ricoh InnoAI offers AI startups and enterprise partners access to a purpose-built R&D centre, commercialisation pathways, and advanced infrastructure to accelerate innovation.
“Through InnoAI, we are building a business-ready AI ecosystem, anchored in Hong Kong, ready to scale and support customers across the region,” said Ricky Chong, Managing Director of Ricoh Hong Kong. “We are excited to be working at the intersection of technology, talent, and trust; to attract new talent, and help our customers grow.”
In New Zealand, Ricoh has solidified its position as a leader in enterprise AI adoption and Microsoft Copilot deployment. As a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner across Data & AI, Infrastructure, Modern Work (SMB), and Security (SMB), Ricoh New Zealand has met Microsoft’s highest standards for capability, performance, and customer success. This recognition enhances Ricoh’s credibility in the Microsoft ecosystem and reinforces its role as a trusted advisor to customers seeking secure, scalable, and productivity-enhancing solutions.
Building on this foundation, Ricoh New Zealand has implemented structured Copilot programmes across key business functions—including finance, marketing, customer operations, and digital services. These deployments are supported by comprehensive AI readiness assessments that help define business needs, identify adoption barriers, and prioritise use cases. The insights gained feed into enablement frameworks and real-time feedback loops that drive continuous improvement, both internally and for Ricoh’s customers.
This hands-on experience—underpinned by its Solutions Partner credentials—has positioned Ricoh New Zealand as a strategic contributor to Ricoh’s go-to-market model in the Asia Pacific region with Microsoft, translating product capability into practical, scalable business outcomes.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Vision
Leo Liu, General Manager, Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau, added: “Microsoft is delighted to collaborate with Ricoh for AI Learning Week, empowering teams across the Asia Pacific region to unlock the full potential of AI Agents. Through hands-on sessions and real-world demonstrations, we are committed to supporting Ricoh in harnessing the power of Microsoft Copilot and custom AI agents. Our aim is to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and transform the way work gets done—today and for the future.”
As Ricoh continues to invest in its people, platforms, and partnerships, AI Learning Week serves as a timely demonstration of how strategic enablement at scale can power the next phase of workplace transformation across Asia Pacific.