PUTRAJAYA: The Digital Ministry is focusing on strengthening the nation's digital ecosystem, empowering local tech talent and building a future-ready workforce under Budget 2027 towards realising Malaysia's broader ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030.
In a statement on Sunday (Oct 11), the ministry said these efforts include producing 200,000 AI-skilled individuals by strengthening AI Malaysia Bhd to develop high-skilled talent, digital infrastructure and efficient, secure and ethical AI governance.
"The Fifth Madani Budget, themed ‘Reaching for the Skies, While Anchored on Our Values’, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Friday, reflects the government's bold commitment to driving the nation's digital transformation towards an AI Nation, anchored in the inclusive Malaysia Digital framework," the statement read.
The ministry also announced that under Budget 2027, funds from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will be channelled to help 4,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adopt AI technology and automate their operations, in support of local business growth.
The initiative, according to the statement, also includes training and certification for 5,000 AI professionals, aimed at upgrading the skills and capabilities of the sector's workforce.
In a bid to attract local and international talent, the government also announced a two-year extension of the DE Rantau Nomad Pass for existing holders who have reached the maximum two-year limit, allowing them to continue living and working remotely in Malaysia.
The ministry said the inclusive digitalisation agenda will also be extended to more than 300 pondok schools nationwide through a collaboration between the Malaysian Islamic Development Department and MDEC, including providing devices and digital skills training for teachers and students.
The statement added that an extra 100,000 free subscriptions to popular AI applications, including ChatGPT, will broaden public access to the technology, empowering digital skills and human capital, particularly among youths.
It said the Digital Rakyat Platform offers Malaysians free access to over 16,000 digital courses and Professional Certificates in partnership with Coursera.
"These measures translate the philosophy of 'Reaching for the Skies, While Anchored on Our Values' into action, positioning Malaysia on the global high-tech stage while ensuring that no group is left behind in the digital development agenda.
"The ministry welcomes the commitment shown in this budget and stands ready to mobilise every capability to accelerate the nation's digital transformation, thereby propelling Malaysia towards becoming a resilient AI Nation by 2030," the statement read.
Budget 2027 provides a government allocation of RM459.8bil, complemented by RM25bil in investment from government-linked investment companies, RM11bil in public-private investment and RM14.2bil from Federal Statutory Bodies and Minister of Finance (Incorporated) companies, bringing the total to RM510bil and continuing an expansionary fiscal policy. - Bernama
