For the past three years, Malaysians have immersed themselves in Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and other alternatives. While these global AI models have certainly made an impact; a quiet revolution has been taking place in our economy. Malaysia has moved beyond consuming AI; we have now entered the world stage and developed our own sophisticated AI tools.
In 2025, Malaysia has developed its own homegrown AI tools; namely Ilmu AI and Nur AI. Both revolutionary AI tools were introduced at the inaugural ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025. Ilmu AI, developed by YTL AI Labs in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia, is designed to understand and generate content that reflect Malaysian values and culture.
Nur AI, developed by Zetrix AI (formerly MyEG) is the first Shariah-compliant language model. The Islamic values-based large language model (LLM) is not only a technological breakthrough but also a powerful statement of Malaysia’s commitment to creating AI that is culturally and ethically aligned with its people.
The advent of these homegrown AI models marks a pivotal moment, shifting the focus from mere consumption to strategic development and application. This is particularly evident in the realm of upskilling, where Malaysia’s homegrown AI is now a central pillar in preparing the workforce for a future redefined by technology.
The government, in collaboration with industry and academia, has recognised that a significant portion of jobs will be affected by AI and automation in the coming years. This has led to a national push to reskill and upskill hundreds of thousands of workers to ensure they remain relevant and competitive.
That said, how can Ilmu AI and Nur AI boost upskilling initiatives in the global market? Here are four key ways:
1. Enabling Culturally and Linguistically Resonant Training
One of the biggest challenges in upskilling a diverse workforce is creating upskilling and reskilling materials that are both effective and culturally resonant. Generic global AI models, while powerful, often lack the nuanced understanding of local contexts, languages and dialects.
Ilmu AI is a gamechanger in this regard. Its fluency in Bahasa Melayu, Manglish, and even local dialects, it can generate upskilling and reskilling content that feels familiar and relatable to Malaysians from all walks of life.
This is a profound impact on engagement and retention, making the learning process more accessible and enjoyable. By bridging the linguistic and cultural gap, Ilmu AI ensures that upskilling is not a foreign concept but an intuitive part of an employee’s professional journey. This capability also makes it highly attractive to multinational corporations operating in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries, as it offers a localised solution for talent development that global models simply cannot provide.
2. Driving Ethical and Values-Based AI Education
In a world where AI ethics and governance are becoming increasingly important, Nur AI is a trailblazer. As the first Shariah-compliant language model, it provides a unique solution for upskilling in the burgeoning Islamic economy, a sector with immense global potential.
Nur AI’s framework ensures that upskilling content and AI-driven recommendations in fields such as Islamic finance, halal business, and other ethically-driven industries adhere to a values-based standard.
This fills a critical void in the market, where existing AI models may not align with the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. For professionals and businesses worldwide that operate within the Islamic economy, Nur AI offers a trusted, reliable, and ethically-aligned tool for talent development. This unique proposition positions Malaysia as a thought leader in responsible AI development and a key partner for nations and organisations seeking to build a values-driven digital future.
3. Fostering Personalised and Data-Driven Learning
The integration of these homegrown AI tools into national platforms is revolutionising the way upskilling is managed and delivered. Platforms such as MyMAHIR, a national digital platform, now leverage Ilmu AI to provide real-time insights into job trends and skill requirements.
The AI tool can analyse an individual’s current skills and suggest tailored upskilling pathways, ensuring that upskilling and reskilling are not a one-size-fits-all approach. This data-driven personalisation is crucial for maximising the effectiveness of such programmes and ensuring that employees are acquiring skills that are in high demand.
This approach also allows for the creation for micro-credentials and targeted learning modules, making it easier for individuals to acquire specific, in-demand skills without committing to lengthy and costly courses.
This agility is a key advantage in a rapidly evolving job market.
4. Creating a Global AI Hub and Exporting Expertise
By developing and deploying our own AI, Malaysia is telling the world that it is a creator, not just a consumer. The success of Ilmu AI and Nur AI is a testament to the talent and ingenuity of Malaysian engineers and researchers.
This shift has significant economic benefits, as it creates high-value jobs and attracts further investment. The government’s initiatives, such as the National AI office (NAIO) and various AI accelerators, are crucial in fostering the ecosystem.
They provide the necessary support for startups and SMEs to leverage homegrown AI models, turning innovative ideas into scalable products and services that can be exported globally. This creates a virtuous cycle of innovation, talent development, and economic growth, firmly placing Malaysia on the global AI map.
Malaysia has strategically positioned itself as source of groundbreaking solutions that are set to leave an indelible mark on the global digital economy.
Malaysia’s Intelligent Edge: A Homegrown Solution for a Global Market
Malaysia’s quiet AI revolution is now a global statement. By developing homegrown AI such as Ilmu AI and Nur AI, the nation has moved beyond consumption to creation. These tools are not just technologically advanced; they are culturally and ethically aligned, offering unique solutions for upskillinga diverse, global workforce.
The strategic focus on building a resilient, adaptable talent pipeline from within positions Malaysia as a leader in the global digital economy, ready to export its innovative, values-driven expertise to the world.
