By Alex Smith |
Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital and Microsoft have announced the launch of Microsoft Elevate, an expanded national artificial intelligence capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s AI readiness in line with its ‘AI Nation 2030’ strategy.
The programme, officiated by Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, will extend AI training across multiple segments of society, including educators, micro, small and medium enterprises, retired servicemen and women, students in K-12 education and technical and vocational education and training institutions, and members of the civil service. It is being delivered in collaboration with the National AI Office Malaysia, Sekretariat Majlis TVET Negara, and implementation partners Biji-Biji Initiative and Mereka.
Microsoft Elevate will follow a phased roadmap to 2030, progressing from skills development and workforce activation to sector-specific adoption and longer-term institutional integration. A pilot phase launched in January 2026 has reached 80,000 participants.
The initiative builds on Microsoft’s previous programmes in Malaysia, including ‘AIForMYFuture’, which has provided AI training to 800,000 people, and ‘Bersama Malaysia’, which has delivered skills in cloud computing, AI and cybersecurity to 1.53 million participants.
“As Malaysia accelerates its ambition to become a regional AI hub, building digital capabilities that reach every segment of our society is essential,” said Gobind Singh Deo. “Achieving meaningful, whole-of-nation progress will require strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. We welcome Microsoft Elevate, an initiative supported by NAIO and Sekretariat Majlis TVET Negara, and implemented by Biji-Biji Initiative & Mereka, to strengthen AI readiness and digital inclusion, ensuring Malaysians from all walks of life are ready to participate in an AI-driven future.”
The programme is designed to support a coordinated, cross-sector approach to AI adoption, with training tailored to different user groups. Educators across schools, technical and vocational education and training institutions, and universities will receive role-based AI training to support teaching and curriculum development. Micro, small and medium enterprises will be offered training focused on productivity, operations and customer engagement. Retired servicemen and women will receive foundational skills to support transition into civilian roles, while institutional leaders will be trained to guide AI adoption within organisations. Students across K-12 and technical and vocational education and training pathways will be provided with foundational and applied AI skills aligned with workforce requirements.
“For AI to truly create impact, it has to reach classrooms, educators, and communities in practical and accessible ways,” said Rashvin Pal Singh, group CEO of Biji-Biji Initiative and Mereka. “Through Microsoft Elevate, we are working closely with the National AI Office and Sekretariat Majlis TVET Negara to translate AI from a concept into everyday practice, in ways that are responsible, inclusive, and relevant to real, practical needs. This initiative represents an important step in ensuring that no one is left behind as Malaysia builds its AI-ready future.”
Microsoft Elevate is a global initiative by Microsoft aimed at empowering communities by providing AI skills, knowledge and tools to people and organisations. It is being rolled out in multiple markets across Southeast Asia and beyond, supporting governments and institutions as they prepare people for an AI-powered economy.
“AI can only deliver real value when people across society understand how to use it meaningfully and responsibly in their everyday work and decision-making,” said Dr Jasmine Begum, general manager of legal and government affairs for Microsoft ASEAN. “Technology is an enabler, while impact comes from how individuals, organisations, and institutions apply AI in ways that are practical, trusted, and relevant to real-world needs. Microsoft Elevate is designed to build capabilities at scale; supporting communities, enterprises, and public sector institutions to adopt AI confidently and responsibly.”