Putrajaya, May 14, 2025 — Malaysia’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce took a bold leap forward today with the launch of the National AI Talent Accelerator (NAITA)—a major initiative aimed at equipping over 100,000 Malaysians with AI skills within the next 18 months.
The program, jointly spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital, the Ministry of Higher Education, and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), targets students, mid-career professionals, and tech entrepreneurs.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer optional—it’s foundational to national competitiveness,” said Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, at the launch event.
Key Components of the NAITA Program:
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AI Foundation Courses in collaboration with global leaders like Google, NVIDIA, and Microsoft
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University AI Labs across 15 public institutions to encourage research and innovation
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SME AI Readiness Grants, giving local businesses resources to upskill teams
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AI in Bahasa Malaysia modules to ensure accessibility across demographics
The program is closely aligned with the MyDIGITAL Blueprint and complements Malaysia’s broader push to become the region’s AI development hub by 2030.
Private Sector and Global Partners On Board
Tech firms, including Huawei, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and IBM, have signed MOUs to support NAITA through curriculum development, mentorship, and real-world deployment opportunities. These partnerships are expected to generate over 12,000 internships and job placements in the next two years.
Education Meets Industry
In addition to reskilling programs, NAITA is embedding AI courses into secondary and tertiary education curricula. The “AI for All” campaign will reach schools nationwide with introductory courses on ethical AI, machine learning, and automation tools.
“We are not just teaching tools—we are cultivating creators,” said Dr. Siti Hajar Aminuddin, Lead Architect of the NAITA curriculum.
Looking Ahead
With Malaysia’s AI adoption expected to contribute RM 150 billion to GDP by 2030, the NAITA program is viewed as a critical piece in building a competitive, innovation-driven economy.
Industry analysts say this move positions Malaysia as a regional front-runner in AI education and workforce readiness, especially as ASEAN economies race to integrate advanced technologies into public and private sectors.
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