Microsoft has launched “AI for Malaysia’s Future” (AIForMYFuture), aiming to provide AI skills to 800,000 Malaysians by 2025.

Announced at the Microsoft Cloud and AI Summit Malaysia, this initiative supports the Malaysian government’s goal of creating a skilled AI workforce, as outlined in the National AI Roadmap 2021-2025.

It also builds on Microsoft’s broader investment in Malaysia’s digital economy, including a US$2.2 billion commitment announced in May 2024.

AIForMYFuture will collaborate with the soon-to-be-launched National AI Office (NAIO) and other stakeholders like Biji-biji Initiative, HRD Corp, TalentCorp, IWFCIM, MyDIGITAL Corporation, MTVET Secretariat, and Jobstreet by SEEK.

The aim is to offer AI learning opportunities to a diverse population, including government officials, civil servants, industry professionals, teachers, students, and underserved communities.

This initiative has a strong focus on inclusivity, ensuring access to AI education for all, particularly women entrepreneurs, marginalised groups, and employees seeking upskilling.

The initiative builds on past programmes like AI TEACH Malaysia, which equips TVET educators and students with AI skills, and Ready4AI&Security, which supports women in building AI and cybersecurity careers.

These programmes have already benefited over 73,000 people.

Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator will offer personalised learning pathways for individuals to gain foundational and advanced AI skills.

This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s commitment to democratising AI and empowering Malaysians to participate in the country’s growing AI economy.

“When public and private sectors collaborate in AI transformation, then AI can truly scale in Malaysia – from the agriculture sector in the north to the semiconductor industry in Penang as well as businesses in urban centers and entrepreneurs across the nation – resulting in smart economic hubs and a conducive AI ecosystem:

One which fosters local innovation, create opportunities and enable employability, and ultimately, delivering benefits for businesses and the rakyat,”

said YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia.

“Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index found that 84% of Malaysian knowledge workers are already using AI at work – signaling a strong opportunity to channel this enthusiasm into widespread impact.

The launch of AIForMYFuture reinforces our commitment to equipping Malaysians with the skills they need to be part of Malaysia’s AI economy and contribute to the country’s AI-powered growth journey.”

said Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia.

Featured image: (From left) Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia; Andrea Della Mattea, President of Microsoft ASEAN; YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia; Fabian Bigar, Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital; Izwan Ismail, Vice President of Group Technology and Commercialisation at PETRONAS