Sabah selected to kickstart national digital literacy programme
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has become the first state selected to implement the Nadi ambassador programme.
The programme is aimed at promoting the benefits of the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) Smart Services and advancing digital literacy, especially among rural communities.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said 50 volunteers, comprising students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), were selected to participate in the programme.
It is being introduced for the first time by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in collaboration with UMS and Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa.
He said that Nadi ambassadors will also assist MCMC in raising public awareness on cyber safety through the Safe Internet Campaign by engaging with residents' associations and school students in their respective areas to promote responsible and ethical internet use.
'Sabah was chosen, among other reasons, because during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was one of the states which faced significant Internet infrastructure challenges.
'We have been working hard to address these issues, whether through the installation of towers, substations or expanding campus WiFi coverage.
'Therefore, it is fitting for us to continue our efforts by strengthening digital literacy through the Nadi ambassador programme,' Fahmi told reporters after launching the Sabah Nadi ambassador programme at UMS yesterday, Bernama reported.
Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor and MCMC managing director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali.
Fahmi said there are currently 131 Nadi centres across Sabah.
He added that the selected ambassadors will undergo a two-day training session to support digital literacy efforts, as well as help extend the benefits of these centres to the wider community.
He said that the student volunteers from UMS were drawn from various academic disciplines, with the selection process jointly carried out by MCMC and the university.
Fahmi also expressed hope that the participation of UMS students in the programme would serve as a platform for them to provide input and suggestions for improving telecommunications services in Sabah.
He said that the Nadi ambassador initiative will eventually be expanded to universities nationwide, in collaboration with student representative councils.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
17 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Fahmi: Ministry to brief 3,000 people online on 13MP initiatives
KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications Ministry will hold a nationwide online briefing session tonight for over 3,000 participants to explain the government's initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the session would involve 1,878 members of the Madani community and 1,099 managers of the National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI). "The aim is to ensure the government's efforts under the Madani administration, through 13MP, are clearly understood by grassroots movers on the ground. "We believe that when we empower the Madani community and NADI managers to disseminate the government's goals and initiatives, the people will ultimately benefit," he told a press conference today. Fahmi said the briefing would use simple language to ensure clarity and inclusiveness among participants. He added that the ministry would continue its outreach efforts in the lead-up to the tabling of the 13MP next year to foster greater understanding and support for national development plans. Meanwhile, Fahmi said one of the targets under the 13MP was to expand Internet access nationwide and make it more affordable for the people. He said the government was committed to ensuring that the Internet is safer, especially for children and families. Fahmi said the government aimed to roll out a national digital ID system for individuals and businesses to enable secure access to global payments and improve digital marketability. "This follows feedback from various stakeholders, including civil society and non-governmental organisations, which have raised concerns about the misuse of the Internet, especially in social media, to exploit children," he said. Fahmi added that the 13MP would also support Malaysia's ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence while boosting the country's creative economy.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
13MP to guide Malaysia through global challenges, says PM Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as a guiding framework to help Malaysians navigate increasingly complex global challenges, including economic uncertainties and climate change. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the 13MP, themed 'Melakar Semula Pembangunan' (Redesigning Development), represents a renewed national effort to achieve the goals of the MADANI Economy framework. '(This includes) addressing the rising cost of living, slow wage growth, the transition to an ageing nation, environmental degradation, and the persistent impacts of climate change,' he said in the foreword of the 13MP document released by the Ministry of Economy. He emphasised that the 13MP is not just a conventional government plan but a collective effort to uphold human dignity, rooted in 'Maqasid Syariah' principles. 'To realise this aspiration, we will build a social system that guarantees a decent and dignified life, reinforcing spiritual foundations, human values, and intellectual excellence,' he said. Anwar stressed that transparent and accountable governance is crucial for fair wealth distribution. 'Robust governance is not merely a policy supplement, but a vital instrument to ensure national wealth is distributed fairly and equitably to the people, regardless of background,' he said. To achieve developed nation status by 2030, Malaysia must accelerate economic growth by diversifying into high-value sectors like digitalisation and artificial intelligence. 'We will foster innovation to produce high-value 'Made by Malaysia' products,' he added. The plan also prioritises environmental sustainability and international engagement, positioning Malaysia as a leader in Southeast Asia's economy. 'Malaysia must attract high-quality investments in AI, semiconductors, and renewable energy,' Anwar said. He also reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to advancing the global Islamic economy through halal industry expansion and financial innovation. Anwar thanked all contributors to the 13MP, calling it a product of inclusive discourse and teamwork. 'This plan reflects our shared love for the nation and will shape a civilised, competent society,' he concluded. - Bernama
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
13MP: Malaysia aims for digital economy and green tech leadership by 2030
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional leader in the digital economy and green technology by 2030, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced while tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in Parliament. The plan, themed 'Redesigning Development,' sets a five-year roadmap (2026–2030) to drive innovation, AI adoption, and sustainable growth. Anwar highlighted the National Artificial Intelligence Action Plan 2030 as a key driver for Malaysia's AI ecosystem. 'Generative AI is now within reach, and we are seizing this opportunity to strengthen economic competitiveness,' he said. The plan prioritizes local technological innovations, data analytics, and government digital systems under the 'Made by Malaysia' approach. To support digital transformation, Malaysia aims for 98% 5G coverage in populated and industrial areas by 2030, alongside nurturing 5,000 new digital entrepreneurs. A digital trust framework and national data security strategy will also be introduced, including quantum communication technologies and a Data Commission. The Prime Minister emphasized cross-sector collaboration, AI literacy in schools, and boosting intellectual property development. 'This ensures our innovation ecosystem grows comprehensively, delivering long-term economic returns,' he said. - Bernama
