MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH Programme Makes Its Mark In Penang

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- After Kuala Lumpur and Perak, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Microsoft AI TEACH programme has made its way to Penang, empowering the local community through artificial intelligence (AI) capacity-building initiatives.

In line with the goal of enhancing career opportunities for Penangites, particularly vulnerable groups, over 200 participants from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities (PWD), took part in the two-day programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang recently.

Participants were introduced to the basics of AI, ethical considerations, and practical skills such as resume writing and portfolio development.

A disabled participant, Azli Sharifudin, 48, who used to supply computers before a 2010 accident, said the programme allowed him to learn new technology, especially Microsoft’s Copilot and Edge applications.

“Previously, I had never used Edge and wasn’t very familiar with Copilot… so this was new to me. I need to know about these technologies as the world is advancing, and before my child asks me about it, I need to be knowledgeable enough to explain it to him,” he said when interviewed by Bernama at the event.

For R. Thivia Tharshini, 29, the programme has been very beneficial for assisting her in her role as a Human Resources Officer and aiding her as a part-time university student.

“AI helps speed up my learning process by providing summaries and articles that are easy to understand. From a work perspective, it saves time as I used to spend a lot of time sending emails,” she said.

Meanwhile, part-time lecturer Oh Ee Teik, 61, said the programme organised by MCMC with its delivery partner Biji-biji Initiative, as well as strategic partners - the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) - had enhanced his knowledge in AI.

“I teach Information Technology (IT), so it is important for me to equip myself with knowledge about AI. Although I have done some self-study, it is not the same as attending classes, as classroom learning is more effective,” said Oh, who also has 40 years of experience as a factory manager.

Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, who officiated the event, praised MCMC’s efforts to introduce this initiative, as AI skills were deemed crucial nowadays.

He added that the initiative also supported the Penang 2030 vision, which emphasised the importance of talent development in AI and digitalisation, enabling the people of the state to acquire new skills and compete globally.

“This programme is for all age groups, teaching them to use AI, not only in daily life, but also in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs can enhance or elevate their businesses using digital technology, and the same applies to students and working individuals,” he said.

Also present at the event were Penang MCMC director Mohd Fitri Hashim, NCIA chief executive Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan, Penang Perkeso Employment Insurance System Unit 1 chief P. Linggeswaran, UiTM Penang Deputy Rector (Research, Industrial, Community, and Alumni Linkages) Assoc Prof Ts. Dr Kay Dora Abd Ghani, and Biji-biji Initiative chief executive officer Rashivin Pal Singh.

The MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH programme was also broadcast virtually for two days, reaching four selected National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) in the state, namely NADI Jawi, NADI Sungai Pinang in Balik Pulau, NADI Tanjong Bunga, and NADI Permatang Pasir.

Upon completing the training, participants will receive a certificate of participation and job placement support through Perkeso’s MyFutureJobs employment matching initiative.

The Penang session also saw the involvement of 19 participants from the Accelerated Leadership Programme Series (ALPs), a leadership programme for high-potential MCMC staff.

MCMC and Microsoft Malaysia formalised their strategic collaboration on the ‘MCMC - MICROSOFT AI TEACH’ programme through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 20.

-- BERNAMA