In brief
Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched the Semarak AI Malaysia program on Nov. 4 to train up to 445,000 government officers and 10,000 small‑and‑medium enterprises in artificial intelligence. The move follows a 29.2 billion ringgit investment to boost Malaysia’s AI ecosystem. The programme expands AWS’s efforts to build local AI capacity and help local software companies compete regionally.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced on Nov. 4 in Kuala Lumpur that it has launched the “Semarak AI Malaysia” program, a flagship initiative aimed at training government officers and local businesses in artificial intelligence, according to a Xinhua report.
Under the programme, AWS intends to equip up to 445,000 civil‑service staff and 10,000 small and medium‑enterprise firms with the tools and skills needed to develop their own AI solutions. The announcement was made during AWS Cloud and AI Day at the Kuala Lumpur event.
Xinhua adds that the launch is part of a 29.2 billion ringgit (about 7.18 billion U.S. dollars) investment committed to Malaysia, intended to strengthen national AI capabilities and support local tech firms for regional competition.
In a separate report, Crnasia described Semarak AI as a national programme that also targets students, software companies and wider communities, supplementing the government and private sector training efforts.
Both outlets confirm that the initiative is designed to move beyond initial AI adoption by giving Malaysians access to expertise that will allow them to build solutions themselves.