SINAR HARIAN
January 16, 2024, 1:16 PM
SERDANG: The government is seriously implementing the digital transformation of the country and wants to ensure that the people are fully aware of this initiative, becoming both digitally and Artificial Intelligence (AI) literate, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We have no choice but to ensure that the people fully understand what I refer to as digital literacy and AI literacy,” he told the media after launching the AI For the People program at Universiti Putra Malaysia here today.
AI For the People is a self-learning online program designed to enhance public understanding and awareness of AI.
Following the program’s launch, Anwar aims to reach one million users by the end of this year.
It is reported that Malaysia’s digital sector has made a significant contribution of 23.2 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the impact of the digital economy is expected to continue to rise, contributing an estimated 25.5 percent to the country’s economy by 2025 and creating up to 500,000 job opportunities.
Also present was Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli.
Anwar also said that the AI For the People program should be started as soon as possible among public servants and students.
“This is an introduction to what digital technology and AI are, and we need to make it mandatory for students and public servants to participate,” he said.
The program sees the government collaborating with semiconductor chip manufacturer Intel, and users can register on the www.ai.gov.my portal.
The Prime Minister said that for higher education institutions, Vice-Chancellors need to ensure that all students participate in the four-hour basic AI understanding program on the portal.
He also asked CEOs and Vice-Chancellors to submit reports on AI proficiency to their respective ministries and institutions within a month.
“What AI for the people is doing cuts across ministries, cuts across departments. Therefore, I feel it is a significant loss if we do not take advantage and make it mandatory for all students and lecturers to master this basic understanding,” he said.
Anwar also mentioned that he himself would join the program tonight.
“Tonight, Rafizi will check whether I have opened this program or not,” he said. – Bernama