In February 2025, the AI literacy workshop AI For Good was conducted as part of the AI Singapore initiative, supported by Meta. The workshop aimed to enhance AI literacy among students by providing a strong conceptual foundation in artificial intelligence, tracing its historical evolution, and exploring its practical applications in various fields. The initiative primarily targeted undergraduate students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), particularly those from the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FCSHD), as well as students from the UNIMAS Asasi program. Expanding its outreach beyond UNIMAS, the workshop also included students from Politeknik Kuching Sarawak and Institut Latihan Perindustrian Kota Samarahan, collectively benefiting approximately 500 participants.
Actively spearheaded by Ts. Dr. Mohammad Nur Azhar Mazlan, a Senior Lecturer at FCSHD and a certified AI For Good trainer, the workshop aimed to enhance AI literacy among students. It provided a foundational understanding of AI concepts and definitions, traced the historical evolution and technological advancements of AI, and explored its practical applications in education and everyday life. Additionally, the workshop emphasized ethical considerations in AI development and usage, ensuring that students comprehended both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI integration into society.
Background on the AI For Good Initiative
The AI For Good initiative is a global movement dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence for social impact, ensuring that AI technologies contribute positively to communities and industries. The initiative promotes AI literacy, ethical AI usage, and the application of AI in addressing global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and economic development.
In alignment with Singapore’s National AI Strategy—which aims to train 15,000 individuals in AI by 2030—Meta and AI Singapore have implemented a two-pronged approach to AI education and upskilling. The first component focuses on training up to 4,000 AI Student Practitioners in Singapore, culminating in the 2025 AI Student Developer Conference. The second component extends AI education across ASEAN, supporting 100 educators, organizing 40 AI workshops, and reaching 5,000 students by 2025.
As part of this initiative, AI Singapore, in collaboration with Meta, launched the AI For Good (Educator) Train-the-Trainer program to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach AI literacy. One of the program’s certified trainers, Ts. Dr. Mohammad Nur Azhar Mazlan, obtained his certification through an intensive training session held at AI Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), from October 21 to 25, 2024. Fully sponsored by AI Singapore, the program trained 75 educators from ASEAN nations—including Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines—empowering them to drive AI literacy initiatives within their respective institutions. Through this strategic effort, the initiative seeks to create a ripple effect, fostering widespread AI literacy among students and the broader community.
The Importance of AI Literacy in Education and Society
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in various industries, AI literacy has emerged as a critical competency for students and professionals alike. A well-rounded understanding of AI enables individuals to engage critically with technology, make informed decisions, and contribute to the development of ethical and responsible AI systems. Furthermore, AI literacy fosters innovation, allowing students to explore AI applications in domains such as healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, and business.
Beyond fostering innovation, AI literacy is crucial in preparing students for the evolving workforce. As automation and AI-driven technologies continue to reshape job markets, equipping students with AI-related competencies enhances their employability and adaptability in the digital economy. The AI For Good initiative plays a pivotal role in this transformation, ensuring that future generations are well-prepared to navigate an AI-driven world while maintaining ethical considerations.
Through workshops like AI For Good, students gain foundational knowledge of AI and are encouraged to critically examine AI’s ethical implications and potential risks, including bias in AI systems, privacy concerns, and the digital divide. By fostering responsible AI awareness, the initiative contributes to developing a future-ready workforce capable of leveraging AI for social good.
Contributed by Ts. Dr. Mohammad Nur Azhar Mazlan, Senior Lecturer at FCSHD and certified AI For Good trainer.