Gobind Singh Deo says government yet to finalise AI apps for 100,000 youths under AI Untuk Rakyat programme
CYBERJAYA: Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the government is still in talks with relevant stakeholders regarding the AI applications to be provided under its AI Untuk Rakyat programme for 100,000 Malaysian youths.
He added that the details have yet to be finalised, and an announcement will be made once a decision has been reached.
“I do not want to say something and later have a situation where it changes. Give me two weeks to come back to you with that,” he told reporters after the launch of the AI Malaysia framework here today.
The AI Untuk Rakyat programme, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, offers free access to leading AI applications for Malaysians aged 18 to 30 who complete AI modules on the Rakyat Digital platform.
Gobind said the programme is part of the government’s push to enhance AI awareness, access and adoption nationwide.
He added that the Digital Ministry has been focusing on three key areas of awareness, access and adoption to ensure people understand AI, can access it, and eventually use it in their daily lives.
“Knowing that technology exists is not enough. If there is no access, it creates a problem because people know the technology is available but cannot use it. After that, we need to ensure Malaysians actually use the technology. That is where adoption comes in,” he explained.
Gobind said the ministry is developing short, practical modules under the AI Untuk Rakyat programme, covering AI, cybersecurity, cloud technology and other digital transformation-related areas.
Upon completion, participants will receive digital accreditation and potential rewards or tokens to promote continued engagement with AI tools.
“Those details are still being worked out, including who we are partnering with and what form the rewards will take,” he said, adding that Malaysian businesses and industries would also be given priority in the programme’s rollout.
Earlier, Anwar announced that the AI Untuk Rakyat programme would begin on Aug 31 and was expected to benefit 100,000 youths, with participants who complete the required courses set to receive free access to leading AI software for three months.
