{
  "id": 12802998,
  "title": "Over 9,000 youths redeem free AI software under govt initiative",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/over-9-000-youths-redeem-free-ai-software-under-govt-initiative",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-08T05:43:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1550426/over-9000-youths-redeem-free-ai-software-under-govt-initiative"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As of October 4, the Malaysian government's AI Untuk Rakyat programme has seen over 9,000 young people redeem free access to three months of premium AI software, according to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. The ministry aims to provide this premium software to up to 100,000 eligible youths. As of the same date, 11,979 youths had completed the required six learning modules to qualify for the initiative, as reported in parliament. Gobind emphasized that the programme is part of broader efforts by the Digital Ministry to bolster digital literacy and AI skills, particularly among Malaysians, especially the youth. The initiative provides up to 100,000 eligible youths with three months of access to premium AI software, with the current redemption count at 9,182 as of October 4. The Digital Minister highlighted that the ministry is adopting a 'whole-of-nation' approach to digital literacy and AI adoption, focusing on expanding access, raising awareness, and encouraging responsible technology use. The Rakyat Digital portal, as of September, has recorded 1.58 million participants, offering 11 learning modules covering various digital and emerging technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, blockchain, and quantum technology. The government is also expanding digital learning opportunities through the Rakyat Digital Global Learning Pass, which provides 100,000 Coursera licences in phases, with 12,336 participations recorded as of October 4. The ministry's outreach programs extend to rural areas, including the Jelajah Digital Komuniti programme in Tubau, Bario Digital Outreach, TaniGo Digital in Sarawak, and the Rakyat Digital AI Productivity Day programme in Bachang, Melaka. These initiatives aim to ensure Malaysians from diverse backgrounds can benefit from digital transformation, including those in rural communities.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 9,182 youths have redeemed three months of free access to premium artificial intelligence (AI) software under the AI Untuk Rakyat programme as of Oct 4.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}