One Million Malaysians Successfully Complete ‘AI Untuk Rakyat’ Self-learning Online Programme In Record Time
One Million Malaysians Successfully Complete ‘AI Untuk Rakyat’ Self-learning Online Programme In Record Time
In an extraordinary display of national enthusiasm and commitment to digital literacy, the ‘AI untuk Rakyat’ programme has reached a historic milestone, with over one million Malaysians completing the transformative self-learning online initiative in record time, in less than 6 months since its launch, surpassing the initial goal of reaching one million within one year.
Launched by Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 16 January 2024, ‘AI untuk Rakyat’ underscores the government’s unwavering dedication to equipping Malaysians with essential knowledge about Artificial Intelligence (AI).
‘AI untuk Rakyat’ is a collaborative effort between the Malaysian government, through the Malaysia Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution hosted by MyDIGITALCorporation (an agency under the Ministry of Digital) and technology partner Intel Corporation.
This collaboration harnesses expertise and resources to create a comprehensive and accessible learning experience for Malaysians of diverse age groups, backgrounds, and geographical locations.
The programme comprises two modules: AI Aware and AI Appreciate. Participants receive digital badges upon successful completion of each module, highlighting their achievements in understanding and appreciating AI. The programme also boasts inclusivity and multilingual access, offering content in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Tamil, and Mandarin.
Its compatibility with talkback applications ensures complete accessibility for the visually impaired, enriching the learning experience for all participants. To minimise the digital divide, community centres such as National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) offers the programme in rural areas.
The rapid uptake of ‘AI untuk Rakyat’ underscores Malaysians’ eagerness to embrace digital literacy and AI education. This milestone demonstrates our collective commitment to building a digitally-inclusive society and preparing our citizens for the opportunities and challenges of the future with a digital-first mindset.
This remarkable response to the programme also signifies a significant shift towards a more technologically-adept populace, laying the foundation for Malaysia to thrive in the digital age.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of several key organisations. The Public Service Department (JPA) ensured that 100% of its staff completed the programme. The Ministry of Education (MOE) provided full support, encouraging widespread participation.
Entities including SMK (P) Methodist Girl School, the Malaysia Volunteers Corps Department (RELA), and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) organised briefing sessions, providing good feedback and fostering better awareness about AI. On-ground presence at various events including Jelajah Madani Kuala Selangor, Expo Buku Melaka, and the Pusat Komuniti Desa mobile programme in Labuan, significantly contributed to the ‘one million participants’ milestone.
‘AI untuk Rakyat’ aims to foster interest in science, technology, and innovation (STI), particularly AI. The programme hopes to spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and specifically in AI-related courses among students, in order to produce future talents for the nation.
To further incentivise participation, the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), through the National Science Centre (PSN), offers free admission to PSN for badge-earners until 31 December 2024. This programme is a pivotal government initiative aimed at improving AI awareness and potentially eliminating common misconceptions about AI. Everyone is encouraged to participate, in order to increase their AI literacy, at www.ai.gov.my.
Moving forward, there will be an expansion of AI literacy initiatives to further equip Malaysians with essential digital skills. Through sustained efforts and collaborations with public and private sector organisations, we aim to empower individuals and support our nation’s journey towards becoming a digitally-driven, high-income nation and a regional leader in digital economy.
Minister of Digital, Malaysia
5th June 2024