- Malaysia’s first large-scale AI and cybersecurity training initiative, Rakyat Digital - DVET, has reskilled over 1,100 TVET teachers and 5,600 students across 230 institutions, focusing on underserved communities.
- The program, led by Sols Foundation and IBM SkillsBuild with government support, equips participants with globally recognized credentials and boosts confidence in digital tools like AI.
- Strong regional engagement, especially in Penang, and alignment with national strategies like Malaysia Madani and the MyDigital Blueprint position Malaysia as a regional leader in digital education and workforce transformation.
A new chapter of Malaysia's digital transformation journey is being written as over 1,100 TVET teachers and 5,600 students have been reskilled under the country's first massive-scale AI and cybersecurity training programme, the Rakyat Digital-Digital Vocational Education and Training (DVET). The programme was delivered by Sols Foundation and IBM SkillsBuild together, with support from the Ministry of Digital Malaysia and MyDigital Corporation.
Sols Foundation, in a statement, said the introduction of the programme was a landmark move for Malaysia in integrating emerging digital technologies into vocational education throughout the country. The programme covered 230 institutions in Peninsular Malaysia, focusing specifically on colleges with large B40 student populations to ensure opportunity reaches where it is most needed.
Participants received internationally recognized IBM SkillsBuild qualifications, with a very high rate of positive feedback, 95 percent found the training relevant and effective, 96 percent were inspired to keep learning, and 86 percent reported that they were more confident in using AI in their job.
"This is not merely a training programme. It is a step towards leaving no student or teacher behind in the digital era. By reaching out to those who need it most and empowering them with true, future-proof skills, we are demonstrating that Malaysia does not only believe in inclusive innovation but is poised to lead AI education for the entire region", Sols Foundation executive director Daniela Strimbei said.
In Penang, the programme recorded a record regional participation of 150 participants, indicating strong local demand for digital competency. The backing of the Penang State Government in ensuring northern region training indicates increasing state-level momentum for future-oriented workforce development. This was complemented by the visit of Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang State executive councillor for Human Capital Development, Science, and Technology, who performed the opening ceremony and showed the state's keen interest in enhancing digital upskilling activities.
"Workshops such as these are catalysts for creativity. I am now equipped with the skills and confidence to incorporate AI in my work, which previously I never imagined I could achieve. It is a game-changer not only for me, but for my students", Mohair Nizam Bin Johari, a TVET lecturer from Melaka, said.
The Rakyat Digital-DVET programme directly aligns with national plans like Malaysia Madani, the MyDigital Blueprint, and the Human Capital Development agenda of the government, closing digital skill gaps and promoting inclusive growth across the country.
Its success is driven by a strategic network of partners. Sols Foundation spearheaded the programme design, training delivery, monitoring and evaluation. IBM SkillsBuild contributed the credentialing platform and core curriculum. National alignment and visibility were facilitated by the Ministry of Digital Malaysia, and MyDigital Corporation spearheaded systemic outreach and coordination. The Ministry of Human Resources facilitated lecturer mobilisation, and the Penang State Government facilitated strong regional engagement.
In this partnership, Malaysia is positioned as a regional leader in digital learning and future-proofing workforce development, particularly in the change agent spaces of AI and cybersecurity, with Sols Foundation committed to making the resources and training available to those who most need it.
