Kuala lumpur: Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo stated that the government is still in discussions with relevant stakeholders concerning the AI applications to be included in its AI Untuk Rakyat programme, designed to benefit 100,000 Malaysian youths. Gobind emphasized that the details have yet to be finalized, with an official announcement expected once a decision is reached. "I do not want to say something and later have a situation where it changes. Give me two weeks to come back to you with that," he remarked to reporters following the launch of AI Malaysia, a national AI entity under the Ministry of Digital.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AI Untuk Rakyat programme, unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aims to provide free access to leading AI applications for Malaysians aged 18 to 30 who complete AI modules on the Rakyat Digital platform. Gobind highlighted that the programme is part of a broader government initiative to boost AI awareness, access, and adoption throughout the country. The Digital Ministry is concentrating on three core areas-awareness, access, and adoption-to ensure the public comprehends AI, gains access to it, and eventually integrates it into everyday life.
Gobind further elaborated on the importance of these facets, stating, "Knowing that technology exists is not enough. If there is no access, it creates a problem because people know the technology is available but cannot use it. After that, we need to ensure Malaysians actually use the technology. That is where adoption comes in." To facilitate this, the ministry is developing concise, practical modules under the AI Untuk Rakyat programme, covering topics such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud technology, and other digital transformation-related areas.
Participants who complete these modules will be awarded digital accreditation and may receive potential rewards or tokens to encourage ongoing interaction with AI tools. Gobind noted that "those details are still being worked out, including who we are partnering with and what form the rewards will take," while adding that Malaysian businesses and industries would be prioritized in the programme's implementation. Earlier, Anwar announced that the AI Untuk Rakyat programme would commence on August 31, aiming to benefit 100,000 youths. Participants who complete the necessary courses are expected to gain free access to leading AI software for a duration of three months.