The Communications and Multimedia Commission has launched the "Microsoft AI TEACH Skills for AI-Enabled Economy," which can help society prepare to face the challenges of the digital world.
Dato' Mohd Faizal, Executive Councillor in charge of heritage, technology, innovation, and digital affairs in Negeri Sembilan, stated that this initiative is seen as one of the continuing efforts to empower local communities through the development of artificial intelligence (AI).
He mentioned that the program also supports the vision of building a digitally literate society as outlined in the Negeri Sembilan 2027 Digital Economy Development Blueprint.
"I am pleased that Negeri Sembilan will witness an AI technology adaptation initiative that will have a positive impact on local communities. The program is a strategic step to enhance the digital skills of the people."
"With knowledge in AI and the latest technologies, this project can help us improve workforce competitiveness and narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas."
He said this to reporters after officiating the Negeri Sembilan Microsoft AI Economic Skills Training opening ceremony today (26th).
Attendees included Senior Director of the Southern Region of the Communications Commission, Mohd Rizal, State Economic Planning Unit Director Dato' Mohd Nahar, and Vice-Chancellor responsible for industry network research, community, and alumni affairs at UiTM Negeri Sembilan, Asrizah.
Also present were Negeri Sembilan Communications Commission Director Dachy Musa, Malaysia Microsoft Public Sector Senior Director Azhar, Biji-biji Initiative Chief Ecosystem Officer Zayal Sujan, and Negeri Sembilan Social Security Organization Employment Services Senior Director Sobhana.
This program is jointly implemented by the Communications Commission in collaboration with execution partner Biji-biji Initiative and strategic partners, namely UiTM Negeri Sembilan Seremban Campus and Kuala Pilah Campus, as well as the Social Security Organization, involving over 400 local community participants at the Seremban Campus (129 participants) and Kuala Pilah Campus (34 participants).
Additionally, 62 National Information and Communication Centers (NADI) in Negeri Sembilan were mobilized, involving 237 participants, allowing those who could not attend the main event in person to participate online.
Mohd Faizal stated that in Negeri Sembilan, the program will focus on communities around NADI, aligning with the government's wish to narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas, so no one is left behind in technological advancements.
He said that since its launch on June 20, 2024, the program has successfully trained 1,352 local community members, including in Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Penang, Melaka, and Selangor.
Through the program, participants will receive training in the field of AI, including understanding basic AI concepts, AI ethics, and enhancing their employment opportunities through resume and portfolio building.
31-year-old participant Herma stated that the program is very helpful, especially for the contemporary generation, as it can improve skills to face an increasingly challenging world and can also be applied in the employment field.
The quality officer, who has worked in a private company for six years, said, "This is my first time attending an AI course, and I learned many new things, including how to easily create presentations in 'slides' and use more structured sentences during reports."
38-year-old Nurul Fazni also said that today, knowledge of AI technology is essential to avoid falling behind in society, and IT literacy knows no age bounds.
"AI is not only an essential technological tool but also a catalyst for more inclusive and sustainable economic development."