The International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (IWFCIM) and Microsoft have launched the Ready4AI&Security skilling initiative.in an effort to bridge the gap between educational institutions and industry demand for skilled professionals in Generative AI and cybersecurity.
The Ready4AI&Security initiative aims to provide 200 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) educators with knowledge in the fields of Generative AI and Cybersecurity. The educators will then cascade this knowledge to 5,000 TVET students, including 60% of female students from TVET institutions such as UniKL, Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA, polytechnics, and community colleges under the Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Kommuniti, Ministry of Higher Education.
“I am delighted to play a role in bridging the demand side of businesses and the supply side of educational institutions in addressing the digital gap of skills for the future of work and the ever constant challenges of cybersecurity in our connected world today. And it is even more meaningful to be able to do this with 60 percent women participation,” says Salwana Ali, President, IWFCIM.
The TVET students will undergo a comprehensive 32-hour training program covering Microsoft Security Compliance and Identity Fundamentals and self-paced generative AI learning.
“The Ready4AI&Security Malaysia initiative is a reflection of Microsoft’s commitment to ensure that Malaysians are equipped with the skills to thrive in the growing AI-enabled economy. Through this collaboration with IWFCIM, we aim to not only empower students with in-demand AI skills and ensuring employability in the near future, but also contribute to a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem through cybersecurity literacy,” says Azizah Ali, Chief Operating Officer, Microsoft Malaysia.
With growing interest in AI as well as the need for cybersecurity, the Ready4AI&Security initiative represents a crucial step in equipping the younger generation with the knowledge and skills needed when they step into the workforce. Additionally, with the targeted 60 percent women participation, this collaboration between IWFCIM and Microsoft aims to contribute to building a more secure and inclusive digital future.
Ready4AI&Security Malaysia is part of Microsoft Philanthropy’s Cybersecurity Skilling initiative which aims to provide grants to non-profit organizations to help upskill more individuals for the cybersecurity workforce. The initiative recently expanded to Argentina, Chile, Spain, Indonesia and now, Malaysia. With this expansion, Microsoft is now collaborating with more non-profit organizations and educational institutions across ASEAN, to prepare the next generation of professional cybersecurity experts.
