a day ago
Fadillah: Microsoft AI course may expand statewide if successful
Fadillah observes a community leader using AI tools to conduct an online search – Photo by Galileo Petingi
KUCHING (July 12): The pilot programme for the Microsoft Artificial Intelligence (AI) For My Future course, currently involving 108 participants from the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency, could be extended to other areas in Sarawak if it proves successful, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said the initiative, held at Centexs Santubong, aims to boost technological skills among grassroots leaders and local communities.
'We're starting with the Petra Jaya area, and if this programme succeeds in terms of training effectiveness and its impact on the community, we'll expand it to other areas throughout Sarawak,' he said after visiting course participants at Centexs Santubong here today.
Fadillah said the course is a strategic collaboration between Microsoft and the Petra Jaya Parliamentary Constituency Service Centre, designed to empower community leaders, educators, non-government organisations (NGOs), and rural entrepreneurs through AI.
The training includes village chiefs, teachers, and NGO representatives, and focuses on practical applications such as AI-powered correspondence management, data analysis, digital searches, and dashboard creation – tools that support local planning.
Participants are also being trained to become trainers in their own communities.
While he acknowledged challenges faced by older participants, Fadillah praised their enthusiasm, calling it a promising sign for the programme's sustainability.
'If we can train them well, they can then train others. This will spark a new wave of tech-savvy individuals in rural communities,' he said.
Fadillah also underscored the importance of building community databases to identify those in need and deliver more targeted government services.
'With limited financial resources, we must plan wisely. This technology can help us reach those goals,' he said, noting the programme aligns with Sarawak's push toward a digital economy by 2030.
Also present during the visit was Centexs CEO Dato Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman. community leaders fadillah yusof Kuching Microsoft AI course
