Hundreds from lower-income groups benefit from digital literacy training

A pilot programme aimed at boosting digital literacy among the lower socioeconomic groups yesterday wrapped up over six months of outreach efforts with a visit to the Orang Asli settlement in Bukit Lanjan, Selangor.

The #SayaDigital programme, conducted by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the government agency tasked with heading the country’s digital economy, has benefitted just over 300 participants to date, ahead of the #SayaDigital national launch.

The programme consists of three on-ground outreach initiatives and nine online initiatives targeted at the lower-income groups.

The pilot projects were part of the #SayaDigital movement launched in August 2020 which saw participants exposed to training in basic digital literacy in line with the country’s Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint or MyDigital.

The movement targets B40 families, non-income groups, senior citizens and youth, and aims to demonstrate that going digital makes life easier and allows them to expand their business and empower their future careers.

“Empowering them with digital knowledge and skills, from all walks of life, will enable Malaysia to survive and thrive in these uncertain times, driving us to a shared prosperity for all as espoused in MyDigital,” said MDEC CEO Surina Shukri.

MDEC chairman Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff meanwhile said the Covid-19 pandemic had pushed the lower-income families to adapt to a world highly dependent on technology.

“In a world transformed overnight by the pandemic, it is imperative that we embrace digitalisation and 4IR technologies,” he said.

“We at MDEC will not let up in carrying out our mandate in ensuring we bring not only innovation and advancement in the workplace and businesses but also equipping the rakyat with digital knowledge and skills, especially from the vulnerable socioeconomic groups.”

Under the programme, participants are assessed according to their digital literacy level and undergo basic digital literacy learning modules based on their level.

The training includes in e-communication platforms, online banking and e-wallets as well as digital services applications.

To date, 25 youths have been trained through this initiative and have been able to transfer their skills to their families and communities.

“It’s a fun, interactive workshop and the trainers were helpful and insightful,” said Dawit, 42, a local resident from the Temuan group.

“I have learned a lot today and I am sure I will be able to make use of this new knowledge in the new norm and challenges we are living in.”