Kota Kinabalu: More than 445,000 free Google Cloud and Gemini licences have been made available to civil servants nationwide until 2028, as part of the government’s push to strengthen AI adoption and digital skills in the public sector.
Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, said the initiative also includes Microsoft training for 800,000 participants, as well as free online courses titled AI for the People and Introduction to Generative AI, now mandatory learning for all civil servants under the government’s digital upskilling drive.
“These initiatives aim to empower public servants with practical knowledge and tools to use AI in improving efficiency, productivity, and decision-making, in line with the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (RTEDM) and the Ekonomi Madani framework.
“The public service has been identified as the main catalyst in transforming Malaysia into a digital nation through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence.
The World Bank’s GovTech Skills Survey 2025 showed that generative AI tools have already saved an average of 2.5 working hours per day among civil servants,” he said during the Digital@Sabah 2025 launch at the Sabah International Convention Centre Thursday.
Themed “Rise of AI: Powering a Smarter Future”, the programme was co-organised by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Sabah Digital Ministry Office. It brings together government agencies, the private sector, and academia to explore how AI can enhance public service delivery and foster innovation across industries.
In his welcoming address, UMS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor said the event plays a vital role in strengthening strategic cooperation between the public and private sectors to advance digital transformation and technological capacity in Sabah.
He expressed hope that the programme would spark new ideas, expand professional networks, and encourage the ethical use of AI toward building a progressive and sustainable Sabah.
“UMS is committed to strengthening the digital ecosystem through strategic collaborations, impactful education, and research, ensuring that technological progress brings comprehensive benefits to the people of Sabah.
“Digital@Sabah serves as a collaborative platform that unites different sectors to exchange expertise and ensure balanced, continuous digital policy implementation,” he said.
Kasim also highlighted that the event provides forums, workshops, ICT exhibitions, and digital training sessions to help participants explore AI’s potential in improving services, expanding access to knowledge, and building an inclusive digital society.
Meanwhile, Wilson said the National AI Office (NAIO) is developing the National AI Action Plan 2030, a key roadmap to guide Malaysia’s AI ecosystem, alongside efforts to introduce the country’s first AI legal framework to ensure responsible and ethical use of technology.
He revealed that Sabah’s civil servants are among the most prepared to adopt AI, based on an AI Literacy Study conducted by the ministry’s Sabah office and UMS, which scored 3.56 out of 5.0 on readiness.
“This shows encouraging progress for Sabah as we move towards digitising public services and integrating AI-driven solutions aligned with Malaysia’s goal of becoming an AI nation by 2030,” he said.
Wilson added that programmes like Digital@Sabah not only raise awareness of AI’s potential but also strengthen collaboration between federal and state agencies, academia, and the private sector in accelerating digital transformation.
He further called for continuous efforts to develop digitally skilled human capital, especially among Sabah’s youth, to ensure they become creators and innovators in the AI-driven economy rather than mere consumers.
Both leaders expressed optimism that with shared commitment and collaboration, Sabah can emerge as an innovative, sustainable digital state that thrives in the era of smart governance and inclusive technology under the Malaysia Madani and Sabah Maju Jaya agenda.
