Serena (left) with Dr Mahathir and Chloe (right) in a new video to promote coding as an essential digital skill. — Microsoft
Microsoft has released a new YouTube video featuring Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad learning how to code from Chloe Soh Ke Er and Serena Zara Taufiq, who are both just 10 years old.
In the video titled "#STEM skills are the passport to individual and national success", viewers will be introduced to Serena who described herself as a CEO for social enterprise Serena's Secrets while Soh said she builds robots to help farmers. Dr M appears to be learning how to code using the Microsoft MakeCode for Minecraft on Windows 10 programme.
The video even includes snippets where the girls – who are also both Microsoft Malaysia ambassadors – asking for advice on how to be a wise Prime Minister.
Dr Mahathir explained in the video how technology plays an important role as Malaysia go on a digital transformation journey.
"Mobility, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence (or AI), and big data analytics are among the most important drivers of digital transformation. With that, STEM needs to be democratised in order to develop Future Ready Malaysian Talent,” he said.
According to Microsoft, the video is aimed at raising awareness and "breaking down barriers" on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and enhancing understanding about digital literacy among Malaysians.
The company explained that as local businesses and organisation embrace digital transformation, digital skills and STEM education are some skills that must be acquired by individuals.
"As such, we have a shared responsibility to learn, unlearn and relearn new digital skills, as we work towards building a Digital Nation that is digital by default, transformational and secure by design," Microsoft said in a statement.
The video includes a link for viewers to learn more about STEM and coding with Microsoft. In March, Microsoft Malaysia partnered with the Education Ministry to launch STEM4ALL, an initiative that aims to transform the education industry in Malaysia by equipping future workforce with essential digital skills and understanding about different forms of new technology.
