PETALING JAYA: The Digital Ministry and Microsoft have launched Microsoft Elevate, an expanded national artificial intelligence (AI) capacity building initiative to strengthen Malaysia’s AI readiness, aligned with the country’s AI Nation 2030 ambitions.
The partnership broadens the scope of Malaysia’s AI skilling agenda to include educators, MSMEs, retired servicemen and women, learning institutions, and members of the civil service. This is delivered in partnership with the National AI Office (NAIO), Sekretariat Majlis TVET Negara alongside Biji-biji Initiative and Mereka.
Microsoft Elevate aims to reach learners across Malaysia with a phased roadmap extending to 2030 that progresses from skilling and workforce activation, through sector deepening, to institutionalisation and long-term sustainability. As part of the pilot phase rolled out in January this year, Microsoft Elevate has reached 80,000 learners to date.
This initiative builds on Microsoft’s long‑standing support for Malaysia’s digital and AI progress, including skilling 800,000 Malaysians with AI skills through its AIForMYFuture initiative, as well as the Bersama Malaysia initiative, empowering 1.53 million Malaysians with skills in cloud, AI and cybersecurity.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said: “As Malaysia accelerates its ambition to become a regional AI hub, building digital capabilities that reach every segment of our society is essential. Achieving meaningful, whole-of-nation progress will require strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.
We welcome Microsoft Elevate, an initiative supported by NAIO and Sekretariat Majlis TVET Negara, and implemented by Biji-Biji Initiative and Mereka, to strengthen AI readiness and digital inclusion, ensuring Malaysians from all walks of life are ready to participate in an AI-driven future.”
Malaysia’s AI Nation 2030 vision recognises that becoming an AI-driven nation requires more than technology adoption – it demands people who understand and use AI confidently, institutions that can adopt AI responsibly at scale, and ecosystems that translate AI capability into real-world impact. This requires a coordinated, cross-sector approach that connects the efforts of multiple ministries, agencies, and ecosystem partners to reach key segments of Malaysian society.
Biji‑Biji Initiative and Mereka group CEO Rashvin Pal Singh said, “For AI to truly create impact, it has to reach classrooms, educators, and communities in practical and accessible ways. Through Microsoft Elevate, we are working closely with the National AI Office and Sekretariat Majlis TVET Negara to translate AI from a concept into everyday practice, in ways that are responsible, inclusive, and relevant to real, practical needs. This initiative represents an important step in ensuring that no one is left behind as Malaysia builds its AI‑ready future.”
Microsoft Asean legal and government affairs general manager Dr Jasmine Begum said, “AI can only deliver real value when people across society understand how to use it meaningfully and responsibly in their everyday work and decision‑making. Technology is an enabler, while impact comes from how individuals, organisations, and institutions apply AI in ways that are practical, trusted, and relevant to real‑world needs.”
She added, “Microsoft Elevate is designed to build capabilities at scale; supporting communities, enterprises, and public sector institutions to adopt AI confidently and responsibly. Through these programs, we aim to ensure Malaysia’s AI ambitions are realised in a way that delivers long‑term impact, enabling more people to gain the skills, access, and support they need to thrive in the AI economy.”
Microsoft Elevate is a global initiative by Microsoft aimed at empowering communities by providing AI skills, knowledge and tools to people and organisations. It is being rolled out in multiple markets across Southeast Asia and beyond, supporting governments and institutions as they prepare people for an AI-powered economy.
