Microsoft Plans To Upskill 800,000 Malaysians In AI By 2025
The tech giant will achieve this under its AI for Malaysia’s Future (AIForMYFuture) initiative.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 11 Dec 2024, 01:35 PM
Microsoft has unveiled an ambitious plan to equip 800,000 Malaysians with AI skills by 2025 through its new initiative, AI for Malaysia’s Future (AIForMYFuture)
Announced at the Microsoft Cloud and AI Summit in Kuala Lumpur on 10 December, the initiative aims to bolster Malaysia's AI talent pipeline while aligning with the government’s National AI Roadmap 2021-2025.
AIForMYFuture will work closely with Malaysia’s soon-to-be-launched National AI Office (NAIO). The NAIO, spearheaded by the Digital Ministry, aims to advance the adoption of AI through cross-sector collaborations.
"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,” Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said at the launch.
84% of Malaysians are already using AI at work, Microsoft's 2024 Work Trend Index found
Microsoft Malaysia Managing Director Laurence Si said this signals 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."
The programme promises to drive cross-sector collaboration, partnering with organisations such as Biji-biji Initiative, HRD Corp, International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (IWFCIM), Jobstreet by SEEK, MyDIGITAL Corporation, the National TVET Council (MTVET) Secretariat, and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp).
Microsoft's AIForMYFuture aims to ensure inclusivity, targeting not only professionals and students but also underserved communities and women entrepreneurs
Microsoft's AI Skills Navigator will serve as a key tool, offering tailored learning pathways for diverse groups.
The strategy includes initiatives to prepare students, upskill professionals, and empower marginalised groups. AIForMYFuture builds on Microsoft's prior successes, such as providing digital skills to over 1.5 million Malaysians by 2023. Recent programmes, including AI TEACH Malaysia, have already laid the groundwork for advancing AI education in technical and vocational training.
With AIForMYFuture, Microsoft aims not only to democratise AI education but also to create a workforce ready to drive Malaysia’s AI-powered growth.
