USM PENANG, 19 April 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) reaffirms its dedication to enhancing students' digital skills and competencies by becoming the first higher education institution to implement the MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH Programme, specifically designed for students from B40 families under the Siswa Sulung initiative.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Kompleks Cahaya Siswa (KOMCA) here this morning, was officiated by the USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Habibah A Wahab.

Also present were the Senior Deputy Registrar of the Division of Student Development Affairs & Alumni, Shukeri A. Rahaman, along with representatives from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Microsoft Malaysia.

This programme is the result of a strategic collaboration between MCMC, Microsoft Malaysia, and the Biji-biji Initiative, aimed at equipping students with Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills while expanding employment opportunities in today's digital economy.

It focuses on students from low-income families, those about to graduate and enter the workforce, as well as individuals with disabilities (OKU).

According to Habibah in her officiating speech, “In the era of Industry Revolution 4.0 and as we move towards Industry 5.0, AI technology is the key driver of digital transformation worldwide.”

“Therefore, this initiative is essential in ensuring our students stay ahead in technological advancements, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in the competitive global job market," she stated.

The MCMC Microsoft AI TEACH programme offers both physical and virtual learning sessions, covering four main modules:

• Introduction to AI – Foundational concepts and applications of artificial intelligence.
• Generative AI – Exploring AI models capable of creating text, images, and other content.
• AI for Marketability – Learning how AI enhances employability and personal branding.
• Ethical AI Usage – Understanding responsible AI practices, bias mitigation, and ethical considerations.

Participants received a certificate of completion upon finishing the training, adding value to their resumes and enhancing their employability.

As of December 2024, more than 1,717 Malaysians have participated in this programme, including individuals from rehabilitation centres and the rural communities, with an average knowledge improvement of 71% among participants.

The implementation at USM has seen the involvement of 150 identified final-year Siswa Sulung students, as well as training sessions for educators through the Train-the-Trainer programme.

Beyond equipping students with future-ready skills, this initiative reflects the strategic collaboration between universities, industries, and the government, strengthening the nation's human capital development.

Siswa Sulung is an initiative of the Higher Education Ministry that was specifically developed to support first-generation students from B40 families to pursue higher education and aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education and future skills.

The selection of students is carried out thoroughly based on certain criteria, such as the B40 household income, socioeconomic background and the ability of parents to own assets.

Text: Hema Vathi Kumaraguru, internship student@Media &; Public Relations Centre (MPRC), USM/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe