{
  "id": 17948007,
  "title": "Bridging rural digital skills gap with AI, digital training",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/bridging-rural-digital-skills-gap-with-ai-digital-training",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-03T10:28:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/11/1569979/bridging-rural-digital-skills-gap-ai-digital-training"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Muar, Malaysia launches AI digital training program to bridge rural skills gap.",
    "First cohort of ten entrepreneurs completes training, to receive certificates in early November."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Targeted training for entrepreneurs and youth in Muar ensures that rural communities can participate in Johor's growing digital economy rather than being left behind by rapid technological shifts.",
  "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."
}