CYBERJAYA: Malaysians aged between 18 and 30 will be eligible for free artificial intelligence (AI) software subscriptions once they complete a course on the Rakyat Digital platform, as part of the government’s efforts to create an AI Nation by 2030.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the initiative was part of the government’s 3A approach – awareness, access and adoption.
“We must raise awareness of artificial intelligence, give people access to it and ensure they adopt it in their daily lives,” said Gobind.
“That is why the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) announced today that 100,000 Malaysians would receive three months’ free access to AI software after completing several modules on the Rakyat Digital platform.
“While the government wants to support students and young people, we also want to ensure Malaysian businesses are not left behind.”
Speaking after the launch of AI Malaysia this morning, Gobind said his ministry had been given two weeks by Anwar to finalise the programme’s implementation details.
AI Malaysia is a government-backed initiative aimed at accelerating AI adoption, aligning national policies and driving innovation in support of Malaysia’s AI Nation 2030 vision. The event was launched by Anwar.
“We hope to have everything ready within two weeks, although we have until Merdeka to roll it out. Hopefully, we can get it done sooner.
“We are developing digital accreditation courses to equip participants with AI-related skills.
“Upon completing the courses, participants will receive digital rewards, including tokens redeemable for AI software subscriptions.”
The modules cover blockchain, cybersecurity, cloud computing and other areas of digital transformation.
Gobind said the finer details, including the accreditation programme’s structure and token system, were still being finalised.
“We will also prioritise Malaysian businesses, as the government is looking at ways to ensure local companies benefit from greater access to AI tools and technologies,” he said.
“Negotiations with AI software providers are ongoing, and an announcement on the software subscriptions and other programme details will be made within the next two weeks, ahead of the official launch.
“This is not merely a whole-of-government strategy, but a whole-of-Malaysia initiative involving academics and other experts who will contribute their expertise.”
The establishment of AI Malaysia is guided by the National AI Action Plan 2026-2030, which includes the introduction of the AI Governance Bill and the establishment of the Malaysia AI Safety Institute.
