Malaysia launches Korea-Asean Digital Academy to strengthen AI talent development 

• Collaboration aims to equip 200 professionals with industry-ready AI skills through four training cohorts
• Programme supports Malaysia’s AI Nation 2030 ambitions through international training and industry collaboration

The Ministry of Digital has launched the Korea-Asean Digital Academy (KADA), with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) coordinating the programme’s implementation in Malaysia. KADA is a strategic collaboration between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea to develop future-ready AI talent through industry-aligned training programmes.

By combining Korea’s expertise in digital capability development with Malaysia’s growing digital ecosystem, KADA will provide participants with internationally relevant AI training and industry exposure, supporting Malaysia’s ambition to become an AI Nation by 2030.

“Developing talent is one of the most important investments we can make in Malaysia’s digital future. Through initiatives such as KADA, we are equipping Malaysians with the skills, knowledge and international exposure needed to seize opportunities in an AI-driven economy while supporting Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness,” Gobind said.

Commenting on MDEC’s role in delivering the initiative, Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of MDEC, said, “KADA reflects MDEC’s commitment to translating Malaysia’s digital aspirations into practical outcomes. By connecting Malaysian talent with global expertise and industry-relevant training, we are equipping them with the AI capabilities needed to seize opportunities in tomorrow’s digital economy while strengthening Malaysia’s long-term digital competitiveness.”

The launch follows the introduction of the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030, the national implementation blueprint to strengthen Malaysia’s digital capabilities and develop a highly skilled workforce. KADA is one of the initiatives supporting this effort by equipping Malaysians with the AI capabilities needed for the future digital economy.

Following its endorsement at the 6th Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting in January 2026, Malaysia was selected as one of the participating countries under KADA, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem, institutional capabilities and commitment to developing future-ready talent.

The programme will be implemented over two years, from 2026 to 2027, through four training cohorts, with a target of developing approximately 200 industry-ready Malaysian AI and digital professionals.

Participants will undergo specialised training in AI and emerging digital technologies, equipping them with practical skills, global perspectives and industry competencies to meet the evolving demands of the digital economy.

Beyond talent development, KADA strengthens cooperation between Malaysia, the Republic of Korea and Asean member states by promoting knowledge exchange and advancing AI capability development across the region.

MDEC is coordinating the delivery of KADA in Malaysia in collaboration with strategic partners across government, academia and industry. Following an evaluation of selected Premier Digital Tech Institutions, UiTM, through its Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, was selected as Malaysia’s host institution. The programme will be delivered by ABLEARN, NIPA’s appointed service provider, in collaboration with Garranto Academy, the local operational partner.