Perkasa bahasa Melayu dalam dunia digital untuk tarik minat generasi alpha

Menteri Pendidikan Fadhlina Sidek has announced that those born between 2010 and 2024, or Generation Alpha, acquire language knowledge not just from text books and classrooms but through video, digital games, animation, music, streaming content and online interaction. Addressing the National Launch of the National Malay Language Month 2026 in George Town, Fadhlina emphasized the need to adapt the teaching approach and expand the usage of Malay language in the digital world of the young generation.

She highlighted the importance of creative and educational digital content, including animations, educational games, short informative videos, electronic publishing, and technologically advanced applications in attracting the attention of Generation Alpha. The Education Minister also stressed on the government's commitment to boosting digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 2027 National Budget, particularly in funding the Ministry, agencies and educational institutions to contribute accurate and annotated digital language data to the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP).

Under the Ministry of Education's (MOE) efforts, the 'Malay Language Champions' Program has produced 259 Malay Language Champions, besides building 1,924 Malay Language Students and 970 Malay Language Youth across the country, along with more than 500 Malay Language Ambassadors deployed nationwide. Besides, MOE's collaboration with DBP has expanded recognition of excellence in writing, academics, and promotion of Malay language and literature among university students through the DBP Bitara Awards starting this year.

Fadhlina also highlighted the importance of preserving the Jawi script as a valuable written heritage of Malay that records the evolution of knowledge, ideas, and community culture, which needs to be actively mobilized by schools, parents, educational institutions, and DBP. To strengthen the promotion of Malay language, Fadhlina announced that the MOE will allocate RM10,000 for each agency, higher education institution (HEI), Teacher Training Institute (PTBI), and non-governmental organization (NGO) running Malay language promotion programs in 2027.

The initiative aims to broaden participation, strengthen strategic cooperation, and incentivize high-impact programs to build a more organized movement in strengthening the use of Malay language throughout the country. Regarding the National Malay Language Month 2026, Fadhlina announced the theme "Our Language, Our Face" to remind that language is not just a communication tool but also reflects identity, values, and culture, and becomes a vital foundation for building mutual understanding and unity among diverse communities and mother tongues.

During the event, Bernama Radio received DBP 2026 Friendly Picture Award for its contribution and commitment to promoting Malay language.