AI learning drew a crowd of more than 400 Malaysians on August 8, with students, retirees, jobseekers, employees and entrepreneurs attending the latest Jelajah AI MyMahir (JAM) in Bandar Utama. Held at SJK (C) Puay Chai 2, the 16th edition was the largest JAM event organised by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) so far.
The sessions focused on practical uses of AI rather than technical theory. Participants explored productivity tools, creative applications, workplace technologies, cybersecurity and responsible AI use. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, who officiated the event, said access to AI skills should extend across age groups and backgrounds.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of the future—it is already reshaping the way we learn, work and conduct business,” he said.
The event is part of a wider government push to prepare Malaysians for changes brought by AI and digitalisation. TalentCorp and the Ministry of Digital have worked together on the issue since the launch of the MyMahir Impact Study of AI, Digital and Green Economy on the Malaysia Workforce in 2024. The partnership expanded in 2025 with MyMahir–National AI Council for Industry (MyMahir-NAICI), which focuses on AI skills and industry needs.
AI training is also becoming a consideration for businesses. Under measures announced in Budget 2026, small and medium enterprises are eligible for a 50% tax deduction for AI and cybersecurity training programmes recognised under MyMahir-NAICI. For JAM participants, however, the focus was on using AI rather than discussing policy.
TalentCorp Group Chief Strategy Officer Nazrul Aziz said the programme’s response shows interest in AI is growing when people can learn through practical examples.
JAM has now reached about 7,000 Malaysians through previous editions in Sabah, Selangor, Johor, Pahang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur. The programme has been held in Kota Kinabalu, Sepanggar, Papar, Bangi, Sungai Buloh, Kluang, Parit Sulong, Sekijang, Paya Besar, Alor Gajah, Port Dickson, Bandar Tun Razak, Hang Tuah Jaya, Kota Melaka and Batu Sapi.
TalentCorp plans to take the programme to more parliamentary constituencies. The aim is straightforward: give more people a chance to learn how AI works, where it can be useful and where caution is needed.
That last part may become just as important as knowing which AI tool to use. As adoption grows, users also need to know how to check AI-generated information, protect personal data and avoid relying on AI when human judgement is required.
For the hundreds who attended in Bandar Utama, the starting point was getting hands-on with the technology.
