100,000 free AI subscriptions to open to youth

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 October – The Malaysian government will provide an additional 100,000 free artificial intelligence (AI) subscriptions to young people, a move announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following the strong uptake of the initial initiative.

The decision underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the digital tools necessary to compete in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The Prime Minister emphasized that young people must equip themselves with technology skills that are set to become critical fields in the future. He highlighted specific areas of focus, including computer coding, data science, and quantum technology. By broadening access to these tools, the government aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application, ensuring that Malaysian youth are not left behind in the global race for digital proficiency.

This strategic pivot reflects a broader national effort to transform the workforce into a tech-savvy demographic capable of driving innovation.

To support this digital education drive, the government is leveraging the Platform Rakyat Digital, a digital education platform that offers a wide array of online courses for free. This initiative is the result of a strategic partnership with Coursera, a leading global online learning platform. Through this collaboration, users can access more than 16,000 courses and Professional Certificate programs.

These programs are offered by renowned universities and industry organizations from around the world, providing Malaysian learners with access to high-quality, internationally recognized education without the burden of tuition fees.

Beyond individual skill development, the 2027 Budget allocates a substantial RM6 billion to strengthen research, development, and commercialization activities across various ministries. This significant financial injection is intended to foster an environment where technological innovations can be developed locally and brought to market. The allocation signals a shift towards a more structured and funded approach to technological advancement, moving beyond mere adoption to active creation and commercialization of new technologies.

In a specific move to bolster the domestic AI sector, AI Malaysia Berhad has been allocated nearly RM15 million. Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, stated that this funding is earmarked to strengthen the development of a safe and ethical AI ecosystem. The focus on ethics and safety suggests that the government is prioritizing responsible AI development, aiming to ensure that the technologies adopted align with national values and regulatory standards.

This allocation is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to position Malaysia as a hub for trustworthy AI solutions.

These initiatives are part of a larger national target to produce 200,000 skilled workers in the field of artificial intelligence. The government recognizes that talent development is the cornerstone of a robust digital economy. To complement this talent pipeline, support is also being extended to the corporate sector through a RM30 million fund provided by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

This dual approach ensures that both the supply of skilled labor and the demand for AI integration within businesses are addressed simultaneously.

The MDEC fund is specifically targeted to assist 4,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adapting to AI technology and automating their business operations. By helping smaller businesses integrate AI, the government aims to enhance their productivity and competitiveness in the market. Additionally, the program will provide training and certification for 5,000 AI professionals, further upskilling the workforce to meet the demands of the industry.

This comprehensive support system is designed to create a sustainable ecosystem where businesses and workers can thrive together.

The combined measures reflect the government’s concerted effort to expand the use of digital technology, enhance the skills of the youth, and assist local businesses in adapting to AI developments. By investing in both human capital and corporate infrastructure, Malaysia is positioning itself to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by the AI revolution. The successful implementation of these programs will be crucial in achieving the nation’s digital transformation goals and ensuring long-term economic resilience.

Related: AI Malaysia Berhad · Dewan Rakyat · Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim · Kuala Lumpur