Petaling Jaya, November 16, 2023 / AlexaBlockchain/ – MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG), a leading e-Government service provider in Malaysia, has partnered with Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK) to foster digital inclusivity for marginalised youth in and around Chow Kit area in Kuala Lumpur.
In collaboration with YCK, MYEG conducted a Digital Literacy Workshop for youth aged 13-17 years old, aimed at empowering them with essential digital skills and basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge. The workshop covered topics such as safe internet practices, information evaluation, and the creation and sharing of digital content. The curriculum was tailored to be simple to comprehend, ensuring that participants could easily grasp complex concepts such as cybersecurity, digital ethics, and the basics of AI, and to spark an early interest in technology that could inspire future learning.
The goal of the workshop is to prepare and upskill young individuals from different backgrounds with fundamental digital knowledge and skills, enhancing their career prospects while fostering personal growth and development that is beneficial for their future. Furthermore, it also plays a vital role in safeguarding these youth from rising cyber threats, such as scams and fraud, ensuring their safety. This effort is a step towards ensuring that all Malaysian youth have the opportunity to become competent digital citizens as we move into the Web3 era.
According to a study conducted by McKinsey & Co, AI is anticipated to contribute up to US$13 trillion (RM62.24 trillion) to the global GDP by 2030, with the majority of these economic gains stemming from advancements in the workforce. Additionally, the study highlights that AI is poised to generate millions of new jobs, particularly in high-skilled sectors such as engineering, healthcare, and data science.
“At MYEG, we help digitalise government services and build next generation applications with AI and blockchain technology. As we make technology an integral part of our daily lives, we want to help bright young minds from different backgrounds gain access to the same digital knowledge as everyone else. We are here to provide the necessary tools and support to help level the playing field so that every child can develop the skills they need to navigate the future,” Mohd Rushdan Khairul Anuar, IT Director of MYEG explains.
“Education is the key to progress and the most powerful tool we have for making a meaningful impact on the world,” says Jamil Ishak, Program Coordinator of YCK. “We appreciate MYEG’s support in delivering this workshop, which has helped equip our youth with fundamental digital competencies. We want the best for them, and we understand that these fundamental skills are not just for navigating the current digital landscape, but are instrumental to their future success in an increasingly digitised global economy.”
Malaysia has demonstrated progress in fostering digital inclusion, witnessing a significant rise in household internet access from 76% to 97% in urban areas and from 49% to 89% in rural areas between 2015 and 2022. Despite these advancements, there remains a concern outlined in the e-Conomy Southeast Asia (SEA) 2023 report, a collaborative effort by Google, Temasek, and Bain and Company. The report highlights the potential widening of the digital economic divide beyond metropolitan regions, posing a risk to the active engagement of consumers in the digital economy across various sectors.
Addressing this issue is crucial, as it could impede Malaysia’s digital economy from realising its full potential, estimated at a US$30 billion Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) by 2025. The report suggests that by removing existing barriers, Malaysia can unlock the full scope of its digital economic growth.
Recognising the significance of this challenge, the Malaysian government is already measuring and tackling the digital divide. The Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP MTR) unveils the development of the Malaysia Digital Inclusiveness Index (MyDID). This index aims to empower policymakers with insights into the extent of the digital divide, enabling them to craft targeted strategies for resource allocation and talent development.
In addition, the report also underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing digital literacy and fostering trust in digital adoption, with a specific focus on vulnerable groups. In response to these goals, the government plans to roll out programs and initiatives designed to uplift digital literacy and improve accessibility for these marginalised segments of the population.
About MY E.G. Services Bhd (MYEG)
MYEG is Malaysia’s premier digital services company. Having commenced operations in 2000 as the flagship e-government services provider, MYEG continues to play a leading role in driving technological change in the region, bringing a diverse and complete range of innovations spanning the online delivery of major government services to a variety of commercial offerings in the areas of immigration, automotive, healthcare and financial services, among others.
Committed to staying firmly at the forefront of the region’s digital revolution, MYEG has embraced the potential of blockchain technology to enhance all aspects of life and is actively pioneering its adoption across its main markets. MYEG has operations in key regional markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia.
About Yayasan Chow Kit
Yayasan Chow Kit, a cornerstone of hope since its inception on 19 January 2011, is a beacon for children’s welfare in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. As a non-profit organisation, YCK is dedicated to nurturing the potential of children and teenagers through comprehensive care and developmental programs.
With two drop-in centres and a safe home, YCK, in partnership with Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat, provides a sanctuary for those in need of temporary guardianship.
From the ‘Pusat Aktiviti Kanak-Kanak’ for ages 7 to 12 to the ‘KL Krash Pad’ for youths aged 13 to 21, YCK offers a haven where young minds are fed, bodies nurtured, and spirits uplifted. Their holistic approach encompasses education, foster care, skill-building, and more, all tailored to empower and equip the community’s children for a brighter future.
For media inquiries, please contact Husna Helmy at +60 11-6337 9668.
Source: MYEG
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