KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have been urged to take advantage of the newly-launched 'AI Untuk Rakyat' programme to enhance their knowledge and understanding of artificial intelligence technology.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said a basic understanding of AI technology will open up many opportunities in the country's push for a digitally-driven economy.
"By leveraging this opportunity, we can build a future-proof digital economy and enable Malaysia to generate higher value on the global stage.
"Together, we can collectively build a technologically savvy society to achieve the aspiration of becoming a digitally-driven economy by 2030," he said in his speech at the launch of AI Untuk Rakyat programme today.
The programme was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Rafizi said the programme is another government initiative to bridge the digital literacy gap among the people.
"For students, it provides a basic overview of the AI world, with the aim of attracting their interest to venture further and subsequently build a career in this sector.
"For other groups of society, the programme offers a fundamental understanding of AI, helping them to understand that AI is a technology that can bring benefits to individuals, communities and the country.
"It is not as Hollywood has portrayed and exaggerated AI as a technology that will take over human functions and, in turn, conquer the world."
Rafizi said the programme is open to all Malaysians for free and is provided in four languages namely Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil.
"It has two modules namely AI Aware and AI Appreciate. With a flexible self-learning approach, this programme can be completed according to one's speed or can also be completed within four hours.
"It can be accessed via portal www.ai.gov.my."
Rafizi said the government is targeting one million participants within a period of three years.
"In addition to promotions through social media, this programme will also be promoted through government departments and agencies such as Rakan Muda under the Youth and Sports Ministry; digital economy centres (PEDi) under the Communications Ministry; the National Science Centre under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and others."
He added in line with a 'whole-nation approach' under the Madani framework, the government also welcomed the involvement of the private sector to jointly make this programme a success.