KUCHING: About 20 youths and community members have strengthened their digital literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities after completing AZAM Sarawak’s 12-week Deploy AI Academy Session, organised with the Joel Yi Foundation.
The programme, conducted from April until July at Kompleks AZAM Sarawak, equipped participants with practical knowledge of AI, responsible AI usage, and hands-on AI bot development for everyday applications.
In a press statement on Friday (July 3, AZAM Sarawak’s Chief Executive Officer, Ali Suhaili, said AI was no longer confined to major technology companies but had become part of daily life.
“Today, AI is already part of how we work, communicate, learn, create and solve problems,” he added.
He said the workshop represented an important step towards ensuring young people became creators, problem-solvers and responsible users of technology instead of merely consuming digital products and services.
Ali said the collaboration with the Joel Yi Foundation reflected AZAM Sarawak’s ongoing commitment to promoting digital literacy among youths while encouraging meaningful application of technology for community development and innovation.
“AI is a powerful tool, but like any tool, its value depends on how we use it. It should support human creativity, improve productivity and help us become more prepared to contribute to society,” he asserted.
The workshop was organised and conducted by the Joel Yi Foundation as organiser, trainer and knowledge partner, while AZAM Sarawak provided the venue and assisted with participant mobilisation throughout the programme.
Participants comprised members of AZAM Young Souls, AZAM Sarawak staff and youths from the public, gaining practical exposure to building AI bots supporting communication, productivity, learning and problem-solving activities.
Ali said initiatives such as the Deploy AI Academy Session complemented Sarawak’s aspiration to build a future-ready community capable of participating actively in the expanding digital economy through practical technological skills.
AZAM Sarawak also expressed appreciation to the Joel Yi Foundation for sharing technical expertise and guiding participants throughout the programme, which concluded with a closing ceremony marking the first cohort’s successful completion.
The organisation hopes participants will continue exploring AI responsibly while applying the knowledge gained to support personal development, community progress, and Sarawak’s continuing digital transformation.
