Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital and Microsoft have on Friday announced the launch of Microsoft Elevate, an expanded national artificial intelligence (AI) capacity building initiative to strengthen Malaysia’s AI readiness, aligned with the country’s AI Nation 2030 ambitions.
Microsoft said in a statement that the partnership broadens the scope of Malaysia’s AI skilling agenda to include educators, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), retired servicemen and women, learning institutions, and members of the civil service.
Delivered in partnership with the National AI Office (NAIO), Sekretariat Majlis TVET Negara alongside Biji-biji Initiative & Mereka, this initiative reflects a whole-of-nation commitment to ensuring every segment of Malaysian society is prepared for the AI era.
Microsoft Elevate aims to reach learners across Malaysia with a phased roadmap extending to 2030 that progresses from skilling and workforce activation, through sector deepening, to institutionalization and long-term sustainability.
As part of the pilot phase rolled out in January this year, Microsoft Elevate has successfully reached 80,000 learners to date.
This initiative builds on Microsoft’s long‑standing support for Malaysia’s digital and AI progress, including skilling 800,000 Malaysians with AI skills through its AIForMYFuture initiative, as well as the Bersama Malaysia initiative, empowering 1.53 million Malaysians with skills in cloud, AI, and cybersecurity.
“As Malaysia accelerates its ambition to become a regional AI hub, building digital capabilities that reach every segment of our society is essential,
“Achieving meaningful, whole-of-nation progress will require strong collaboration between the public and private sectors,” said Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital.
It is noted as organizations adapt to AI-enabled ways of working, the strength of Malaysia’s future workforce will depend on how skills are developed early, consistently, and in ways that mirror real-world demands.
Malaysia’s AI Nation 2030 vision recognizes that becoming an AI-driven nation requires more than technology adoption – it demands people who understand and use AI confidently, institutions that can adopt AI responsibly at scale, and ecosystems that translate AI capability into real-world impact.
This requires a coordinated, cross-sector approach that connects the efforts of multiple ministries, agencies, and ecosystem partners to reach key segments of Malaysian society: educators and learning institutions; micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); retired servicemen and women; institutional leaders and management; students and youth.
“For AI to truly create impact, it has to reach classrooms, educators, and communities in practical and accessible ways. 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,” said Rashvin Pal Singh, Group Chief Executive Officer, Biji‑Biji Initiative & Mereka.
Dr. Jasmine Begum, General Manager, Legal & Government Affairs, Microsoft ASEAN, said 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.
According to her, technology is an enabler, while impact comes from how individuals, organizations, 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,
“Through these programs, we aim to ensure Malaysia’s AI ambitions are realized in a way that delivers long‑term impact, enabling more people to gain the skills, access, and support they need to thrive in the AI economy,” she added.
Microsoft Elevate is a global initiative by Microsoft aimed at empowering communities by providing AI skills, knowledge and tools to people and organizations.
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.