AI Teach Malaysia: Bridging the gap in AI education

In response to the exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biji-biji Initiative, the ASEAN Foundation, and Microsoft have united their efforts to introduce the groundbreaking AI TEACH Malaysia program. This initiative marks a significant stride in equipping the workforce with crucial AI skills, ensuring inclusive economic growth and empowering careers.

The official launch of the AI TEACH Malaysia program took place at Biji-biji Initiative’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The program leverages the Microsoft AI Trainer Toolkit to empower educators with the skills needed to effectively teach AI concepts. Additionally, it introduces the Microsoft and LinkedIn Career Essentials in Generative AI to students, offering a globally recognized certification upon successful course completion.

In Malaysia, the Biji-biji Initiative takes the lead in spearheading AI TEACH Malaysia, employing a localized approach tailored to the unique needs and contexts of the nation. The primary objective is to provide AI literacy training to 1,000 Technology Vocational Education and Training (TVET) educators in Malaysia. These educators will then cascade AI skills training to 100,000 students locally, creating enhanced employment and education opportunities.

Rashvin Pal Singh, Group Chief Executive Officer of Biji-biji Initiative and Mereka, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “It is inspiring to see organizations and communities come together to support one another and encourage opportunities for a brighter future.”

The launch event witnessed the presence of key figures such as Tuan Haji Muhammad Razali bin Anuar, Chief Industry Development Sector of the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Mr. Muhammad Nizam bin Ahmad, National TVET Council (MTVET) Secretariat, and Mr. Andreas Charles Akobiarek, Head of the Recruitment Unit of Employment Services Department, MYFutureJobs.

Regional Impact: AI TEACH for ASEAN

A central element of the program involves collaboration with local nonprofits, workforce institutions, and governments to drive employment and education outcomes. The AI TEACH for ASEAN program, set to contribute significantly to the region’s GDP, aims to provide AI literacy training to 6,200 TVET educators across the ASEAN region, with a specific focus on Indonesia and Malaysia.

K Raman, Managing Director for Microsoft Malaysia, emphasized the profound significance of AI in contemporary organizational operations and underscored the critical role TVET graduates play in key sectors in Malaysia.

“Through AI TEACH Malaysia, we’re doing more than just closing the skills gap. We are cultivating TVET educators as well as a new generation of talent, armed with the skills to build a brighter future for societies with AI,” K Raman shared.

The program’s implementation includes a training-of-trainers for TVET educators in collaboration with the Senior Officials Meeting on Education and ASEAN Secretariat, ensuring government involvement and support. This initiative aligns with the Malaysian government’s focus on the TVET industry, as outlined in the MADANI Budget 2024.

To complement the training efforts, country-level hackathons will be conducted in Indonesia and Malaysia, leading up to a regional hackathon organized in Indonesia. These events are designed to foster excitement among trainers and encourage the integration of Generative AI expertise into teaching methods.

Furthermore, a regional TVET policy-roundtable on AI skilling is planned, bringing together policymakers, AI experts, and nonprofits to share experiences and best practices.