KUANTAN, April 3 — The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) will collaborate to roll out artificial intelligence (AI)-based learning facilities at selected pilot institutions nationwide.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative will be implemented at higher education and Islamic institutions in Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak and Penang, benefiting about 3,000 students.

“All students should be given greater exposure to AI, including those in higher education and Islamic institutions,” he said when addressing the Himpunan Anak Pahang Madani at the Kuantan UTC grounds here today.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the initiative will equip students with greater exposure to AI technology while fostering critical thinking and digital innovation.

He stressed that education should go beyond obtaining certificates or degrees and instead focus on developing individuals who can think rationally and evaluate information wisely.

“The country can only become truly great when its students and youth commit to hard work, discipline, mutual respect and sound judgment,” he said.

He also announced a RM600,000 project to upgrade a futsal court in Kampung Bukit Bay Route, along with a RM500,000 allocation to build a new learning hall at Pusat Pengajian Islam Ribat Al-Mustafa in Sungai Karang for tahfiz students.

At the event, the Prime Minister witnessed the presentation of a RM1 million contribution from the YTL Foundation, represented by Datuk Sharom Mohamed, for B40 students in the Kuantan and Indera Mahkota parliamentary constituencies, which was received by his political secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi.

He also witnessed the handover of a RM1 million community sports fund from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to the Pahang State Youth and Sports Department.

Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and members of the Pahang state executive council. — Bernama