Youth and Sports Ministry Expands Artificial Intelligence Upskilling Programme

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Ministry is expanding its AI upskilling programme to provide widespread AI education to young people aged 18 to 30, targeting 100,000 participants nationwide. This initiative aims to close technological skill gaps among youth, preparing them to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and adapt to the changing economic landscape shaped by AI advancements.

The Youth and Sports Ministry of Malaysia is set to broaden its artificial intelligence (AI) upskilling programme to ensure widespread access to AI education among young people across the country. Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari emphasized that the expansion aims to prevent disparities in technological skills among youth groups, fostering inclusivity in the face of rapid AI advancements.

The initiative will be carried out through the existing youth development framework and strengthened by collaborations with government ministries, agencies, educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and community organisations. “With the rapid development of AI technology, we need to ensure there is no gap between the youth who have access to and skills in AI and those who are left behind by the current wave of change,” Dr Mohammed Taufiq said in a statement released on Monday.

This move complements Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent National Day address, which pledged increased efforts to widen access to AI technologies for Malaysian youth. The expanded programme, marketed under the “AI for the People” initiative, is open to Malaysians aged 18 to 30 and initially aims to reach 100,000 participants nationwide.

Participants who complete the AI training modules via the Rakyat Digital platform will receive complimentary three-month subscriptions to leading AI applications beginning September 1. According to the minister, this initiative represents a strategic investment at the national level intended to produce a knowledgeable and skilled generation equipped to manage evolving economic and employment landscapes shaped by technological innovation.

Dr Mohammed Taufiq stressed the importance of empowering young Malaysians not only as users of technology but also as creators and leaders within the field. He highlighted that mastery of AI should translate into enhanced productivity, the generation of high-value employment, entrepreneurial ventures, and innovative solutions addressing both societal and national challenges.

The ministry’s expansion aligns with broader government efforts to digitalize key sectors and provide comprehensive AI training across the country, aiming to keep the nation competitive in the global technology arena.

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