PUTRAJAYA: The government will continue to ensure that the use of 5G networks and artificial intelligence (AI) can be achieved by the private sector, especially the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost business and productivity.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said efforts include a digital empowerment initiative by Alibaba Cloud to improve AI and technology literacy among local talents by building a broad, inclusive ecosystem, supported by funding, training and technical support.

"We are at an important juncture in Malaysia's digital journey, where the integration of advanced technologies such as Al and cloud computing are essential for growth and innovation," he told the media after launching Alibaba Cloud's Digital Accelerator Programme here today.

Alibaba Cloud will train and certify more than 500 start-ups in Malaysia by the end of 2025 via the programme.

Eligible start-ups will receive up to US$120,000 (US$1=RM4.58) in funding and resources to support growth and digitisation.

The programme, made possible in partnership with Universiti Malaya, aims to establish Alibaba Cloud skills centres in five universities in Malaysia by 2025.

The centres will offer free access to digital resources for students and instructors with a focus on areas such as generative Al, cyber security and data analytics to help achieve Alibaba Cloud's goal of certifying 10,000 students by the end of 2025.

Alibaba Cloud is also committed to providing expanded digital training to rural communities in Selangor, Johor, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak to nurture 10,000 students.