DYNAMIC innovator Pepper Labs has embarked on a strategic collaboration with Microsoft to expand the AI for Malaysia’s Future (AIForMYFuture) initiative, a skilling programme designed to democratise artificial intelligence (AI) fluency across Malaysia.
This relationship underscores a shared commitment to drive AI skilling opportunities with the programme targetting to equip 800,000 individuals with AI knowledge by 2025.
As AI continues to transform industries and economies, Malaysia stands at a crucial juncture where AI knowledge is key to unlocking future opportunities.
On this note, AIForMYFuture aims to bridge the AI knowledge gap by ensuring that Malaysians– whether civil servants, students, youth, teachers, grassroots communities, entrepreneurs, professionals in key industries and corporate leaders – are prepared to leverage AI for growth, innovation and societal advancement.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision which underscores the significance of AI adoption in government services and society to drive Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda.
In a nutshell, the initiative provides accessible AI education by focusing on foundational knowledge, ethical AI use and practical applications.
Designed to reach diverse audiences, this programme integrates hands-on training and self-paced digital learning modules to make AI knowledge easily understandable and widely available.
Leveraging Microsoft’s AI expertise
The initiative sees Microsoft bringing its world-class AI modules and expertise while Pepper Labs activates its extensive and diverse strategic network to ensure maximum outreach and impact.
By working closely with stakeholders across various sectors, Pepper Labs will then drive nationwide adoption of AI fluency.
To date, the collaboration with key government agencies and community groups has already started delivering impactful results.
These include AI skilling for officials of the Transport Ministry, National Unity Ministry, National Audit Department, Prime Minister’s Department, Department of Federal Territories, Fire and Rescue Department, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn as well as community organisations such as Komuniti Rukun Tetangga and teacher networks throughout Malaysia.
“Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index shows that 84% of Malaysian knowledge workers are already using AI at work. This demonstrates that AI fluency is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity,” enthused Microsoft Malaysia’s legal and government affairs director Adilah Junid.
“We are thrilled to work with Pepper Labs to expand AIForMYFuture to provide inclusive opportunities for AI skilling to an even larger group of people, thus ensuring that Malaysians regardless of their background are equipped with knowledge to thrive in an AI-driven future.”
Echoing this sentiment, of Pepper Labs founder Kuhan Pathy stressed that the digitally smart social enterprise “believes in harnessing technology for good”.
“By leveraging our deep-rooted networks and commitment to social impact, we aim to empower communities, educators and businesses to embrace AI with confidence,” he added. – April 22, 2025
