Malaysia offers free AI software to 100,000 young adults

On 28 July 2026 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the "Rakyat Digital" programme, providing three‑month free subscriptions to AI software for 100,000 Malaysian youths aged 18 to 30. The initiative, run by AI Malaysia, aims to boost digital skills and employability, with optional intensive boot‑camps covering advanced Excel functions, data analysis and VBA. Parallel training efforts were launched in the United States, including free introductory Excel courses by Goodwill Industries in Portland and digital‑literacy programs by CompTIA, but the core commitment targets Malaysian young adults.

The free subscriptions are part of a broader push to enhance digital competence across the country, complementing other community‑based education projects that combine English language instruction and basic computer skills.