Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Ministry will expand AI upskilling opportunities to equip youth with digital skills and prevent gaps in technology access
KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) will expand opportunities for artificial intelligence (AI) upskilling to ensure no youth group is left behind in technological development.
Its Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said this would be implemented through the existing youth development ecosystem as well as strategic cooperation with ministries, agencies, educational institutions, industry and the community.
“With the rapid development of AI technology, we need need to ensure there is no gap between the youth who have access to and skills in AI and those who are left behind by the current wave of change.
“Opportunities to master the technology must be available to all young people, regardless of their background,” he said in a statement today.
He said the ministry welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement in his 2026 National Day Address on efforts to expand access to AI technology among youth.
The AI for the People programme is open to Malaysians aged between 18 and 30, with an initial target of 100,000 participants.
Participants who complete the AI learning modules through the Rakyat Digital platform will enjoy free three-month subscriptions to leading AI applications starting Sept 1.
Mohammed Taufiq said the initiative was a strategic national investment in developing a knowledgeable, skilled and competitive generation capable of navigating changes in the economic and employment landscapes.
“Young Malaysians should not merely be technology users, but must also be empowered to become technology creators and leaders.
“The mastery of AI needs to be translated into increased productivity, the creation of high-value jobs, entrepreneurship and innovative solutions to challenges faced by society and the country,” he said.
He also encouraged youths to explore and master AI productively and responsibly by taking into consideration security, privacy and information integrity.
