Only Singapore and Malta beat Australia in major new Commonwealth study, showing the country's strong position to turn AI into new businesses, better jobs and billions in economic growth.
ST JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Australia has beaten Britain and Canada to claim third place in a major international study of how well young people are prepared for the artificial intelligence revolution, with researchers finding that AI could make the country's economy A$80.6 billion larger after ten years.
The result places Australia among the Commonwealth's leaders in preparing young people for AI, reflecting its technological strengths and growing opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.
The Ayre Index, a new study covering all 56 Commonwealth countries, gives Australia 71.0 points out of 100. Singapore tops the rankings with 77.6, followed by Malta on 75.0. Britain comes fourth on 70.8 and Canada fifth on 70.2.
Australia's position reflects strong access to technology and a solid base of digital capabilities. It scores 8.7 out of 10 for access and 7.5 for digital and AI capability, placing it among just 15 Commonwealth nations that meet the study's readiness benchmark.
Australia's strong performance also highlights the economic opportunities ahead. Using scenarios developed by the International Monetary Fund, the Index's researchers calculate that AI could make the country's economy A$80.6 billion larger after ten years. The estimated gain ranges from A$40.9 billion in the conservative scenario to A$120.3 billion in the most optimistic case.
The Ayre Think Tank, founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Calvin Ayre, unveiled the study at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
Mr Ayre told Commonwealth delegates: "I've spent my life in businesses where new technology changes everything, and I know you can't stand still. AI is going to change how we work, how we do business and how wealth is created. What matters is giving young people the skills and the chance to get ahead – whether to start businesses, find jobs or build something for themselves."
He stressed that nobody can afford to be complacent right now. "Some Commonwealth countries are ahead, others have catching up to do. Nobody can afford to be complacent. That's why we created this Index. It shows countries where they stand, what they're getting right and where they need to do better. Governments now have to decide what they're going to do about it."
The research brings together 1,128 sources and considers the conditions affecting roughly 732 million young people aged 15 to 29 across the Commonwealth. About 5.4 million live in Australia.
While Australia has established strong foundations for AI, the study highlights that access to technology does not automatically translate into economic success. It says that the real opportunity lies in equipping young Australians to use AI productively, whether by developing new businesses, improving existing industries or creating better employment opportunities. Turning technological advantage into practical skills and commercial success will be essential to unlocking AI's wider economic benefits.
One telling contrast lies in how Australia scored 8.7 out of 10 for access to technology but 5.3 for conditions supporting decent jobs, business creation and moves into employment. This, the study says, is where training and stronger links to employers can make a difference.
Professor C. Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal at the University of the West Indies' Five Islands Campus, emphasised the importance of giving young people a greater role in developing AI.
"We need to make sure that the next generation will be able to do more than just consume AI products made elsewhere," he said.
Despite its impressive international ranking, Australia has further opportunities to strengthen the skills of its next generation. A 2025 national assessment found that 37 per cent of Year 10 students met the national standard for digital literacy, compared with 46 per cent in 2022, showing the need to improve on these foundational skills.
Australia is already investing in the skills needed to build on its international standing. Queensland has begun introducing Corella, an AI platform designed to help teachers and students make practical use of the technology in state schools. Victoria has also launched an A$8.2 million programme to provide specialist AI training for 1,300 workers, with free courses available through eligible businesses.
Australia's third-place finish confirms its position among the Commonwealth's leaders in preparing young people for the AI revolution. With strong technological foundations and growing investment Stin education and training, the country is well placed to translate that advantage into greater productivity, new industries and international business opportunities.
The study emphasis that the priority now is to ensure that more young Australians have the skills and opportunities to benefit from that success.
More about the Ayre Index and the Ayre Think Tank can be found at https://calvinayre.com/for-progress-think-tank.
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Australia beats Britain and Canada to take THIRD place in major AI study from Ayre Think Tank, as A$80.6 billion opportunity beckons
HENGDIAN, China, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zhang Xinyuan, founder of Vimi Wellness and a relationship expert, hosted "6V of Happiness: Life Is a Stage," a five-day theatrical competition held from October 27 to 31, 2026, bringing together women from across China for professional training and stage performances. Winners earned the opportunity to sign on for roles in the online drama series The Secret Garden of Sisters 2. The event also featured Zhang's annual keynote and the launch of the "108 Happiness Hubs Partner Program." This marks the second consecutive year Vimi Wellness has held its annual large-scale in-person event.
Five Days of Performance: Women Step Into the Spotlight
As the centerpiece of Vimi Wellness's 2026 annual event, "6V of Happiness: Life Is a Stage" brought women's personal development into the world of theater. Participants entered Hengdian's film and television production facilities for professional acting classes, character development, and rehearsals.
The five-day program included morning exercise, theatrical training, traditional costume photography, and a final competition. Participants arrived at the red carpet in qipao, traditional Chinese dresses, and took the stage to showcase their performances. They came from diverse backgrounds, including working mothers, entrepreneurs, teachers, artists, and retired women embracing new experiences.
At the awards ceremony, ten awards were presented, with winners receiving opportunities to sign on for roles in The Secret Garden of Sisters 2. The first installment, released under the title Wild Grass and Sweet Vines, previously premiered on Hongguo Short Drama, a Chinese short-form drama platform.
Zhang emphasized that new opportunities mattered more than trophies. For many participants, the experience was a chance to rediscover and express themselves, stepping in front of the camera as individuals rather than being defined solely by family roles.
Annual Keynote: Redefining What It Means to Become a Better Self
During the event, Zhang delivered her annual keynote, The Body Is the Beginning of All Good Things, which was also livestreamed. Addressing what it means to become a better version of oneself, she outlined three dimensions: physical strength, psychological resilience, and maintaining one's sense of self in relationships.
On physical well-being, Zhang emphasized that health is the foundation of quality of life and emotional well-being. She encouraged women, particularly in middle age, to prioritize regular exercise, healthy eating, emotional balance, and quality sleep.
On psychological resilience, she highlighted the importance of consistent practice and self-adjustment, explaining that resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but about adapting to challenges and continuing to grow.
On relationships, she introduced the concept of maintaining one's sense of self: understanding and respecting others while expressing personal needs, establishing boundaries, and preserving individual identity.
Zhang also reviewed Vimi Wellness's achievements over the past five years, including 2,000 days of online morning and evening classes, 126 sessions of its 21-day training programs, and a community of more than 100,000 women. She announced the brand's 2027 goal: to make becoming a better version of oneself a lasting way of life rather than a temporary goal.
"Vimi Wellness Partner Program" Launched to Extend the Power of Growth
The keynote concluded with the launch of the "Vimi Wellness Partner Program," which aims to recruit 108 partners across China, with a planned allocation of three per province or region. Partners will bring Vimi Wellness's support system and personal development programs to local communities through women's growth workshops and in-person courses. The program is also recruiting partners internationally, aiming to extend its philosophy of mutual support and shared growth to more countries and regions.
The program offers five areas of support: a professional framework including attachment models, relationship assessment tools, course SOPs, progress-tracking tools, and case studies; 12 personal development lessons across three stages; enhanced in-person courses at Vimi Wellness's Hangzhou and Hainan campuses; monthly livestreamed training sessions; and exclusive Vimi Wellness brand authorization.
Applicants must be Vimi Wellness members who have completed the brand's courses and training programs and share its belief that becoming a better version of oneself is a way of life. Brand ambassadors and previous competition winners receive priority consideration. Both domestic and international partners will be selected through a mutual process involving individual applications and brand evaluation.
"Women should support women. We can use the paths we have walked to light the way for others who share our aspirations," Zhang said. "This work carries social value while also offering sustainable business opportunities."
The initiative aims to extend the impact of personal growth into wider communities. Through sharing, companionship, and mutual support, partners can help more women build confidence, understand themselves, care for themselves, and continue growing. The goal is to create a wider culture in which women support and inspire one another.
In closing, Zhang referenced a poem by Mary Oliver, encouraging women to reflect on how they spend their one precious life. She expressed her hope that every woman would have the ability to care for herself, the resilience to face challenges, the courage to make choices in relationships, and the kindness to support others while remaining independent and shining in her own right.
About Vimi Wellness
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hangzhou, China, Vimi Wellness specializes in women's intimate health and relationship psychology. The brand holds 25 national patents, and founder Zhang Xinyuan has 17 years of industry experience. Its proprietary Vimi Lingdongshu pelvic floor muscle training system has served more than 100,000 women.
Vimi Wellness operates a research and education center in Hangzhou and has established a health and wellness base in Boao, Hainan, in collaboration with Shulan Hospital. Its integrated model combines education, products, and medical services to provide comprehensive health support for Chinese women throughout every stage of life.
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Vimi Wellness Founder Zhang Xinyuan Hosts "6V of Happiness: Life Is a Stage," Celebrating Women's Growth Through Performance
