PINTAR Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programme
Bridging the Digital Divide, Empowering Young Minds for an AI-Driven Future
The PINTAR Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programme is an initiative launched by PINTAR Foundation in 2025 to expand access to digital and AI education for students in rural, underserved and marginalised communities. Recognising the growing importance of technology in education, employment and everyday life, the programme seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing young learners with opportunities to explore emerging technologies and develop essential digital skills.
By introducing students to the fundamentals of coding and artificial intelligence through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, the programme aims to nurture curiosity, build confidence and equip young Malaysians with foundational knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Support from corporate partners and other contributors enables PINTAR Foundation to extend these learning opportunities to more students, helping to ensure that access to future-focused education is not limited by their geographical location or socioeconomic background.
Learning AI Through Exploration and Hands-On Experiences
The PINTAR AI Programme combines foundational knowledge with practical activities to make digital learning engaging, accessible and meaningful for students. Through interactive workshops, students explore the fundamentals of coding and artificial intelligence (AI), discover how AI is applied in everyday life, and learn how technology can be used to solve problems and develop creative ideas.
Designed for both primary and secondary school students, the programme offers customisable modules tailored to different age groups, learning needs and programme objectives. Beyond developing foundational digital and AI literacy, students are also introduced to technology-related career pathways, inspiring them to discover new interests and explore future opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Programme Components
The PINTAR AI Programme for Primary School Students comprises four key learning modules:
- Introduction to Coding and AI – Introducing the basic concepts of coding and artificial intelligence in a simple, engaging and age-appropriate manner.
- How AI Works and AI Around Us – Helping students understand how AI works and recognise its applications in everyday life.
- Hands-On Mini Coding and AI Project – Providing opportunities for students to apply what they have learned through practical activities, experimentation and creative problem-solving.
- Career Awareness in Technology – Broadening students’ awareness of technology-related careers and the opportunities available in an increasingly digital economy.
Through this combination of knowledge, exploration and practical application, students are encouraged to move beyond being users of technology to becoming curious, confident and responsible learners who can understand and engage with emerging digital innovations.
Strategic Partnership with UOB (Malaysia) Berhad
Bridging the Digital Divide: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Young Minds Programme
UOB (Malaysia) Berhad (UOB) is the first corporate partner to support the nationwide implementation of PINTAR Foundation’s AI education initiative, extending learning opportunities to primary and secondary school students across Malaysia.
Initiated in 2025, the Bridging the Digital Divide: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Young Minds Programme is a strategic collaboration between UOB (Malaysia) Berhad (UOB) and PINTAR Foundation to introduce underserved students to the fundamentals of coding and artificial intelligence, while nurturing their interest in technology and STEM-related learning.
Through interactive workshops and practical learning activities, students gain exposure to emerging technologies, strengthen their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and discover how digital innovation can shape future learning, careers and everyday life.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting more equitable access to education and empowering young Malaysians with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the digital economy.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Build AI and Coding Literacy – Increase students’ awareness and understanding of artificial intelligence and coding.
- Promote Equitable Access – Extend future-focused digital learning opportunities to students from underserved communities.
- Inspire STEM Aspirations – Encourage curiosity, creativity and interest in STEM and technology-related careers.
- Develop Future-Ready Skills – Strengthen problem-solving, critical thinking and digital competencies that support lifelong learning.
- Support National Digital Education Aspirations – Complement Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen digital literacy and prepare students for an increasingly AI-enabled future.
Programme Reach and Progress
As at the end of July 2026, the Bridging the Digital Divide: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Young Minds Programme had reached 60 schools and 3,955 students across multiple states in Malaysia.
These engagements have provided students with practical exposure to coding, foundational AI concepts and emerging technology career pathways. By bringing technology-based learning experiences closer to underserved school communities, the programme is helping more young learners discover the possibilities of digital innovation and develop the confidence to explore new ideas.
Advancing National Education Priorities
The PINTAR AI Programme supports Malaysia’s broader aspirations to strengthen digital education and prepare students for a future shaped by technological advancement. It complements national efforts to build AI literacy, expand access to digital learning and encourage greater participation in STEM education.
By introducing AI concepts and foundational digital skills at an early stage, the programme contributes towards:
- Strengthening AI awareness and literacy among students.
- Developing essential digital competencies for future learning and employment.
- Encouraging interest and participation in STEM-related fields.
- Reducing educational inequalities by expanding access to technology-based learning.
- Nurturing a generation of curious, adaptable and responsible digital learners.
Through collaboration with corporate partners such as UOB, PINTAR Foundation remains committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities for students who may otherwise have limited exposure to emerging technologies.
Every child deserves the opportunity to explore, learn and thrive in a digital world. By bridging the digital divide today, we can empower young Malaysians to shape the AI-enabled future of tomorrow.