{
  "id": 4577548,
  "title": "Ministry committed to bridging digital gap, empowering youth in AI — Mohammed Taufiq",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/ministry-committed-to-bridging-digital-gap-empowering-youth-in-ai",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-31T04:59:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1522674/ministry-committed-bridging-digital-gap-empowering-youth-ai-%E2%80%94-mohammed"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized the Ministry's commitment to bridging the digital gap and empowering youth in artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to ensure no youth group is left behind in technological advancements, implemented through the existing youth development ecosystem and strategic cooperation with various stakeholders. Recognizing the rapid AI technology developments, the Ministry emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between youth with AI access and skills and those left behind by the current wave of change. The Ministry welcomes PM Anwar Ibrahim's 2026 National Day Address announcement on expanding AI access for youth. The AI for the People program targets 100,000 Malaysians aged 18-30, offering free three-month AI application subscriptions upon completion of learning modules on the Rakyat Digital platform. Taufiq highlights the initiative as a national investment in developing knowledgeable, skilled, and competitive youth capable of navigating economic and employment changes. He encourages youths to become technology creators and leaders, utilizing AI for increased productivity, high-value jobs, entrepreneurship, and innovative societal solutions. Additionally, Taufiq urges youths to explore and master AI responsibly, considering security, privacy, and information integrity.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry will expand opportunities for artificial intelligence (AI) upskilling to ensure no youth group is left behind in technological development.",
  "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."
}