Malaysia targets 200,000 AI-skilled people under Budget 2027
The digital ministry also outlined AI adoption support for 4,000 businesses and training and certification for 5,000 AI professionals.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital said on October 11 that Budget 2027 measures aim to develop 200,000 people with AI skills by strengthening AI Malaysia Bhd. The effort forms part of the country’s ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030.
The ministry said the programme would focus on highly skilled talent, digital infrastructure and AI governance that is efficient, secure and ethical.
Funding from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will support 4,000 micro, small and medium enterprises in introducing AI and automating operations. The measures also include training and certification aimed at improving the capabilities of 5,000 AI professionals, according to the ministry.
The government also announced that existing DE Rantau Nomad Pass holders who have exhausted the two-year limit will receive a further two-year extension. This will allow them to remain in Malaysia and continue working remotely.
More than 300 pondok schools across Malaysia will receive devices and digital skills training for students and teachers through cooperation between MDEC and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, the ministry said.
A further 100,000 subscriptions to widely used AI applications, including ChatGPT, will be provided free. The ministry said this would widen access to AI and support digital skills development, particularly among young people.
