Bridging rural digital skills gap with AI, digital training
KUALA LUMPUR: For some farmers, fishermen and small business owners in Muar, preparing for Malaysia’s artificial intelligence (AI) future begins with learning how to set up an email account, use Microsoft Word and work with Excel spreadsheets.
Muar, a rural area in Malaysia, is addressing the digital skills gap with the launch of the Program Kemahiran Digital, Pengaturcaraan dan Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) Muar. Funded by Microsoft, the initiative aims to equip local residents with essential digital skills, including email management, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint use.
The programme, developed by YouthLabs Social Hub founder Kamariah Shakirin Mustafa, targets entrepreneurs and young people who want to use technology to improve their businesses and education. The first cohort, comprising ten local entrepreneurs, completed training on Oct 29 and will receive certificates upon completing Microsoft AI training in early November.
The programme will introduce coding and game development to young people in November, aiming to encourage them to create their own digital content. With the growth of AI investment in Johor, it is crucial for local communities to develop the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. The initiative is designed to continue monthly, with each cohort limited to 10 participants to match the available computers at the RDC Centre.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
