PRESS RELEASE
FROM STUDENTS TO FARMERS: NAIO HIGH-IMPACT PROGRAMME PROVIDES AI SKILLS TRAINING TO ALL SEGMENTS OF SOCIETY
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 MARCH 2025 – The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has significant implications for the workforce, not only in Malaysia but globally.
In response, the Ministry of Digital, through the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO), has planned and implemented high-impact programmes. These include AI skills training for all segments of society, engagements between the Government and private sectors, and strategic cross-sector collaborations.
“The collaboration with Microsoft under the AI for Malaysia’s Future (AIFor-MY-Future) programme, for instance, has been implemented to provide a platform for AI-related skills development and talent generation. This programme aims to reach 800,000 local participants through crosssector partnerships,” said Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, in the Dewan Negara today.
“To accelerate AI adoption in the agriculture sector, ‘NAIO Lab’ has been introduced. Launched on 6 February 2025, ‘NAIO Lab’ is an initiative resulting from a collaboration with the Global AI Village (GAIV). The first project under this initiative, AI ‘Rakan Tani,’ aims to help farmers increase productivity and generate higher incomes.”
Gobind added that ‘NAIO Lab’ anticipates creating over 450 high-skilled AI job opportunities, benefiting various fields, including healthcare, agriculture, and transportation. NAIO has also outlined future initiatives such as the formation of AI Sector Clusters and Working Groups consisting of domain experts. These initiatives focus on cross-sector ministerial collaborations to identify challenges and propose suitable solutions to enhance national productivity in terms of global competitiveness and the digital economy.
The Ministry, through NAIO, is also exploring potential collaborations with the Ministry of Higher Education to align efforts in implementing AI adaptation initiatives. These initiatives emphasize Campus Digitalization, the Development of Top National Talent, AI Technology, and comprehensive digital transformation access, in line with the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2025-2035.”
At the same time, NAIO has also planned collaborations with TalentCorp to assist the workforce in AI skills training and talent development.
The Ministry of Digital is also developing a comprehensive and holistic National Digital Talent Framework. This strategic initiative is designed to expand, coordinate, and strengthen the country’s digital talent ecosystem.
This framework focuses on nurturing digital talent through lifelong education, starting from primary school education to opportunities for upskilling and reskilling programs. These initiatives aim to update digital knowledge and skills to align with technological advancements and meet current industry needs.
“With full cooperation from all ministries, educational institutions, industries, and communities, this framework is expected to be fully completed by June 2025,” he added.
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Issued by:
Office of the Minister of Digital
Ministry of Digital
