- 100,000 Malaysian youths to receive free generative AI access through the upgraded Rakyat Digital platform
- Portal expands national AI and digital learning ecosystem in support of Malaysia Digital 2030 and AI Nation ambitions
Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo has launched the upgraded Rakyat Digital portal at the AI Malaysia Takeover 2026 (AIMTO_26) event, expanding the government’s national digital learning platform and introducing a new programme that will provide 100,000 Malaysian youths with three months of free access to leading generative AI applications.
Gobind said the initiative reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring Malaysians are prepared for an AI-driven future and supports the country’s aspiration to become an AI Nation by 2030.
“We cannot afford to be mere spectators or passive consumers of technologies developed elsewhere. We must build the capabilities to participate actively in the AI revolution — not only as users, but as innovators, creators and builders,” he said.
In line with Malaysia’s aspiration to become an AI Nation by 2030, the government must ensure every citizen has the opportunity to build the skills, confidence and capabilities needed. By combining access to artificial intelligence (AI) tools with structured learning, the initiative aims to help more Malaysians — especially young people — develop practical AI skills, cultivate a culture of lifelong learning and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.
First launched in January 2024, Rakyat Digital has evolved into Malaysia’s Digital Learning Hub, the government’s online learning platform designed to make digital and AI knowledge more accessible to Malaysians. The upgraded portal, developed by the Ministry of Digital and driven by MyDIGITAL Corporation, brings together multiple digital learning initiatives under a single account.
What began as a digital literacy initiative has evolved into a broader AI and digital learning ecosystem built around three priorities: Awareness, Access and Adoption.
Under Awareness, Malaysians will have free access to foundational digital and AI learning modules through the Digital Literacy Hub, helping users understand AI, use it safely and responsibly, and build confidence in participating in the digital economy.
Under Access, 100,000 Malaysian youths aged 18 to 30 who complete selected learning modules will receive three months of complimentary access to leading generative AI applications. The programme will begin on 31 August 2026 and be rolled out in four cohorts of 25,000 participants, subject to phased implementation and applicable terms and conditions, with the first cohort starting on 16 September 2026. Eligible participants must complete modules covering AI Safety, CyberSAFE for Rakyat, Generative AI, Agentic AI, Cloud for Rakyat, and a new module on MADANI Malaysia values and principles. Registration is now open at www.rakyatdigital.gov.my
Through the government-funded Global Learning Pass, Malaysians will also be able to access more than 16,000 courses and professional certifications on Coursera from leading universities and industry players around the world.
“From October 2026, Rakyat Digital will introduce the AI Builders Hub, providing Malaysians with a hybrid pathway to apply what they have learned, experiment with AI and develop practical solutions of their own. The aim is to help more Malaysians move from learning and using technology to building solutions that are Made by Malaysia,” Gobind said.
The initiative is being implemented through a whole-of-nation approach involving government, industry, academia, the public, and community and talent development partners. The approach aims to ensure rural communities, senior citizens, youth, persons with disabilities, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are not left behind.
Gobind also said a board is being established for AI Malaysia Berhad following its launch by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on 28 July 2026. A chairman has been appointed, along with the chief secretary, the deputy secretary-general of the Ministry of Digital, and two other board members whose appointments were signed today.
“I think probably in the next two weeks or so we’ll have a press conference to introduce them,” he said.
Malaysia’s vision towards 2030: Digital talent and society
Malaysia’s journey towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030 is built on four key pillars: AI as the technological foundation, data and digital assets as programmable value, highly connected intelligent autonomous systems, and a technology-driven society.
To achieve this vision, the Ministry of Digital is focusing specifically on two strategic thrusts of the Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030) Action Plan:
- Thrust 1 (Digital Talent): Preparing citizens to work and engage confidently with technology. Key targets include 80% digital literacy among the population, 700,000 workers reskilled, and the provision of alternative learning pathways and a National Learning Platform/Digital Skills Wallet to enable an agile workforce transition.
- Thrust 2 (Digital Society): Ensuring digital progress is translated equitably to rural areas, underserved communities and underrepresented groups, including a target of producing 5,000 rural digital entrepreneurs.
AI-driven upskilling and reskilling remains a key focus of both the Malaysia Digital 2030 Action Plan and the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030 as Malaysia prepares for AI-driven changes across the workforce. By cultivating a culture of lifelong learning, the initiative aims to help the local workforce transition into higher-value, future-ready roles and ensure Malaysians remain competitive in an AI-driven economy.
AIMTO_26, supported by the Ministry of Digital with MyDIGITAL Corporation as strategic partner, brings together stakeholders across government, industry, academia and the startup ecosystem to shape Malaysia’s AI future through strategy, innovation and technology adoption. Taking place at The Campus, Ampang, the event is hosting an AI Learn-a-thon on 12 August 2026 — a guided, collaborative hands-on learning programme aimed at rapidly building AI skills while attempting to set a Malaysia Book of Records entry for the Largest AI Learn-a-thon category. More information is available at www.aimto.my
The launch of the upgraded Rakyat Digital portal strengthens the Ministry of Digital’s ongoing commitment to advancing the MADANI Government’s agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), MD2030, and the National AI Action Plan 2026–2030.
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