AI Ready ASEAN Programme Launched in Sarikei, Sarawak

Launching of AI Ready ASEAN Sarikei by Pegawai Pendidikan Daerah Sarikei, En. Lau Ngie Tung

Sarikei, Sarawak — A historic milestone was achieved as the AI Ready ASEAN Programme, a regional initiative supported by the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org, officially made its debut in Sarikei. Endorsed by the Sarawak State Education Department, this marks the first-ever implementation of the programme in Sarawak.

Organised in collaboration with the Sarikei District Education Office (PPD Sarikei), implemented by the UTP-ASEAN Student Association (UTP-ASA), and supported by Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), the initiative aims to strengthen AI and digital literacy among students and educators in the region.

The programme offers free AI literacy sessions through two key components: Hour of Code Workshop (2 hours) — introducing participants to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence through basic concepts and hands-on activities, including training a simple AI model. Intensive AI Training (12 hours) — an in-depth exploration combining practical exercises, real-world applications, and discussions on ethical and responsible AI use.

Participation to Date

The first series of Hour of Code Workshops in Sarikei has reached over 560 students across five secondary schools:

SMK Bandar Sarikei (3 Sept 2025) — 57 students
SMK St. Anthony Sarikei (8 Sept 2025) — 145 students
SMK Sarikei Baru (10 Sept 2025) — 60 students
SMK Sungai Paoh Sarikei (11 Sept 2025) — 100 students
SMK Tinggi Sarikei (12 Sept 2025, upcoming) — 200 students

Through these sessions, students gained not only theoretical understanding but also hands-on experience in AI model training, giving them practical exposure to one of the most transformative technologies of the future.

Empowering Sarawak’s Digital Future

In Sarawak, the programme aligns with three key objectives:

Enhance digital, AI, and STEM literacy among students and communities;
Support Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 by nurturing digital talent and innovation capacity;
Provide early exposure to Future Technologies, preparing the younger generation for the digital economy.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak, the initiative will be expanded across the state — targeting to train 70,000 youths, educators, and parents through the Hour of Code Workshop, and an additional 10,400 participants through the Intensive AI Training.

By the end of the first quarter of 2026, the AI Ready ASEAN Programme is expected to benefit at least 80,400 Sarawakians, marking a major leap forward in advancing digital and AI literacy in the state.