The faster growth of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is impacting numerous areas of society by shaping career prospects and accelerating technological advancement along with the development of digital skills. An initiative led by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in collaboration with the Biji-biji Initiative and strategic partners, has launched the MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH programme in Negeri Sembilan to prepare local communities for the evolving landscape. The programme aims to build AI skills and digital literacy among the people of Negeri Sembilan while supporting the goals of the Negeri Sembilan Digital Economy Plan 2027.
The initiative receives key support from
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Negeri Sembilan through its activities spanning the Seremban and Kuala Pilah campuses. UiTM is positioning itself as a \"Globally Renowned, Locally Rooted\" to lead knowledge transfer and capacity development in the surrounding community based on its vision. With this programme, the university demonstrates its commitment to the UiTM2025 framework, which encompasses four key impact areas: technological innovation and talent development, as well as cultural transformation and economic growth. UiTM is building AI training to support the development of advanced technologies and provide local members with the skills needed to succeed in digital markets.
The two-day MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH programme was conducted on 25 and 26 January 2025 at UiTM Negeri Sembilan (Seremban and Kuala Pilah campuses) and over 60 National Information Dissemination Centres (NADIs) across the state. The widespread implementation of this training initiative will facilitate access to artificial intelligence, providing optimal support to disadvantaged groups. The programme provides important resources for career advancement through its combined teaching method of core AI ideas and ethical standards along with real-world skills such as resume writing and portfolio creation.
The programme promotes broader societal innovation as it goes beyond improving individual skills. The programme closes digital knowledge gaps to create an educational environment in which all people, regardless of their background, have access to technological progress. This program follows the quintuple helix model, bringing together UiTM, the government, the private sector, alumni, and the community. This is demonstrated through its collaboration with MCMC as the government regulator, private sector partners Biji-Biji Initiative and Microsoft, as well as UiTM and its alumni. These reciprocal partnerships demonstrate that educational institutions and government agencies, together with private interests, are developing strong and sustainable improvements for local communities.
These initiatives have far-reaching economic impacts that are remarkable. Equipping the workforce with digital skills and AI competencies is critical as industry needs continue to evolve with advancing digital and AI technologies. The MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH programme boosts economic performance through job creation and the ability to develop a workforce that can respond well to technological upheavals. Malaysia\'s move towards a digitally focused economy is supported by these programmes as they prepare the population for future job markets while enabling them to contribute to improving the industry.
This programme is an example of a comprehensive digital inclusion strategy that relies on the essential involvement of academia and government agencies as well as private organisations to help communities empower themselves. These initiatives are creating a technologically literate and inclusive society through their work to promote AI literacy, eliminate the digital divide, and develop career preparation. Education and strategic partnerships will also be critical to digital inclusion in the coming technological revolution, as they prevent a community from being left unattended.
