The Ministry of Digital Technologies Malaysia, in strategic cooperation with Microsoft Corporation, officially announced the launch of a large-scale initiative called Microsoft Elevate. The event took place on April 24, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur and was officially opened by His Excellency Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Technologies Malaysia. This expanded national artificial intelligence capacity building program aims to significantly strengthen Malaysia's readiness for the AI era, fully aligning with the country's ambitious goals outlined in the 'AI Nation 2030' strategy. The initiative is designed to integrate advanced technologies into all aspects of society.
The Microsoft Elevate program demonstrates an inclusive, whole-of-government approach, extending Malaysia's AI skilling agenda to educators, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), military veterans, educational institutions, and civil servants. The project is implemented with the active support of the National Artificial Intelligence Office of Malaysia (NAIO), the Secretariat of the National TVET Council (Sekretariat Majlis TVET Negara) in conjunction with partners such as Biji-biji Initiative and Mereka. This comprehensive approach reflects a nationwide commitment to ensuring every segment of Malaysian society is ready for the era of artificial intelligence.
The launch of Microsoft Elevate is a natural continuation of Microsoft's long-standing support for Malaysia's digital and AI advancement. The new initiative builds on the strong foundation laid by previous successful digital literacy campaigns. For instance, under the targeted AIForMYFuture program, 800,000 Malaysians have already received basic AI skilling. Additionally, through the Bersama Malaysia initiative, over 1.53 million Malaysians have acquired skills in cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Already in the pilot phase of Microsoft Elevate, launched in January this year, the program successfully reached 80,000 learners, highlighting its rapid commencement and significant scale.
Malaysia's Minister of Digital Technologies, Gobind Singh Deo, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating that to achieve Malaysia's ambition of becoming a regional AI hub, it is crucial to build digital capabilities that encompass all segments of society. He noted that meaningful nationwide progress is only possible with strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. Welcoming Microsoft Elevate, the Minister highlighted its role in bolstering AI readiness and digital inclusivity, ensuring that Malaysians are prepared to participate in an AI-driven future, regardless of their social or economic background.
The 'AI Nation 2030' vision implies that becoming an AI-driven nation requires not only the adoption of technology but also people who confidently understand and use AI, institutions capable of responsibly implementing AI at scale, and ecosystems that transform AI opportunities into real impact. Under the Microsoft Elevate program, educators from primary and secondary schools, TVET institutions, community colleges, and universities receive practical, role-based AI skills for integrating it into teaching, curriculum development, and student engagement, preparing a new generation for an AI-powered future.
Rashvin Pal Singh, Executive Director of Biji-biji Initiative and Mereka, emphasized that for artificial intelligence to truly deliver benefits, it must be made accessible to classrooms, educators, and communities in a practical and understandable way. Through Microsoft Elevate, partners are working closely with the National AI Office and the Secretariat of the National TVET Council to translate AI from concept into daily practice, making it responsible, inclusive, and relevant to real, practical needs. This initiative is a crucial step to ensure that no one is left behind as Malaysia builds its AI-powered future.
In the long term, this partnership is designed not only to enhance the country's overall technological readiness but also to stimulate sustainable economic growth and innovation. The synergy of government resources, educational standards, community initiatives, and Microsoft's cutting-edge technological expertise forms a unique innovative ecosystem capable of scaling and adapting. The goal is to create a strong foundation for Malaysia to not only meet global AI standards but also to emerge as a leading hub for advanced technology and human capital in the region.
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