CYBERJAYA: AI Malaysia, a government initiative to boost AI adoption, will soon introduce specialised modules for youth on the Rakyat Digital platform.
An estimated 100,000 youths aged 18 to 30 will receive a free three-month subscription to AI software upon completing several modules on the Rakyat Digital platform, which will begin on Aug 31.
These modules will focus on AI security, Cyber SAFE, Agentic AI, Generative AI and Cloud Untuk Rakyat, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Those who complete the modules will then be able to subscribe freely (for three months) to popular AI apps,” he said at the launch of AI Malaysia yesterday.
AI Malaysia is a state-backed national initiative to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption, align national policies, and drive innovation toward achieving Malaysia’s AI Nation 2030 vision.
Among those present at the AI Nation launch were Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and the Digital Ministry’s secretary general Datuk Fabian Bigar.
In his speech, Anwar spoke of the need for the “democratisation of access to AI”.
“Resistance is not always from the traditionalists and conservatives but some of the elites who resist change in their territories.
“People in rural communities, if given proper awareness, can become agents of change. Likewise, those regarded as the elite may resist change if they feel it threatens their existing skills, habits or position.”
He said the challenges faced by the government’s AI team was to persuade people that this transformation should not widen existing inequalities or deepen the gap between urban and rural communities or between the wealthy and the poor.
However, Anwar acknowledged the security concerns about the masses using AI apps.
“How do we address questions surrounding a sovereign cloud? How do we deal with the implications of the United States’ CLOUD Act, which may allow access to data across other systems?” he asked, referring to the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act.
Anwar also cautioned against the need to ensure ethics and cultural values remained intact when embracing AI.
“AI technology, with all its sophistication and intelligence, may seem as though it is reaching for the skies. But we do not want our religion, culture and moral values to erode. We must remain firmly rooted to the ground,” he said.
Gobind, speaking to reporters later, said that a “whole-of-nation” approach is necessary to ensure the creation of an AI Nation by 2030, adding that a “whole-of-government” approach would ensure everyone has access to secured AI technology.
The “whole-of-nation” approach is a public sector strategy where different departments and agencies work together to break down administrative “silos”, share data and deliver unified public services.
He also said that a command centre comprising 13 states would manage the efforts to create an AI Nation.
As for security, he said: “While we want to build an AI ecosystem that is able to empower Malaysians, we also recognise the threats that surround it.”
“When it comes to the question of personal data, we have to ensure that we are aware that it can get into the hands of the wrong people.”
As such, he said the government had strengthened the Personal Data Protection Act and the Personal Data Commissioner’s Office.
Last month, the Prime Minister launched the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030, which is aimed at transitioning the country into an inclusive AI Nation.
The goal, among others, is to elevate the digital economy’s contribution to 30% of the GDP.
