AI for Rakyat programme to equip 100,000 youths with AI tools

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Digital Ministry has launched the AI for Rakyat programme, offering youths aged 18 to 30 free access to artificial intelligence tools for three months after completing six modules. This initiative, which commences tomorrow, aims to enroll 100,000 Malaysian youths by 2027 through the newly established Rakyat Digital portal. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the programme as one of six immediate actions for citizens during his National Day Eve speech at the PICC in Putrajaya today.

Participants must successfully finish and pass the prescribed six modules, including AI Nation 2030: Madani Approach, Cybersafe for Rakyat, Generative AI, AI Safety, Agentic AI for All, and Cloud for Rakyat. Successful completion will grant three months of complimentary access to selected AI applications and software from local and international providers like YTL AI Labs IlmuChat, Alibaba's Wonderclip, MuleRun, and Google's Gemini Enterprise.

The ministry plans to expand the AI software and tools available to further enrich the learning experience.

Digital Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Fabian Bigar emphasized that the programme aims to ensure that youths not only grasp AI technology but also gain access to tools that can enhance learning, creativity, and productivity. The government's goal is to foster a digitally literate society and prepare Malaysians for the future by building knowledge, skills, and confidence in responsibly using AI technology.

Rakyat Digital, the national digital learning portal, is spearheaded by the Digital Ministry under MyDigital Corporation and aligns with Malaysia's ambition to become an inclusive AI nation by 2030 under the MD2030 agenda.