Google Provides Free Online Digital Skills Training

Google today announced Gemilang, a digital training programme for Malaysians that incorporates Google Career Certificates, allowing learners to acquire digital skills for high-demand jobs.

Towards Malaysia's digital transformation journey

According to the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), digital job opportunities in Malaysia have nearly tripled, and 88% of Malaysians polled are willing to learn new skills or entirely retrain to remain marketable.

Looking at the statistics, Google underlined its commitment to enabling an inclusive and equitable digital economy by awarding 31,000 scholarships via local partners, which include educational institutions, industry partners, and organisations, as part of its aim to "Advance Malaysia Together."

In his address, Google Malaysia's managing director Marc Woo stated that the company recognises the importance of everyone working together to realise Malaysia's digital vision and that the new programme, Gemilang. It is one of the company's many initiatives to facilitate the country's digital transformation journey.

"To ensure the growth of our digital economy supports as many Malaysians as possible, we are committed to supporting a more equitable and inclusive digital ecosystem. One that is built for every Malaysian, and this is a vision we cannot realise alone," he said.

Most in-demand digital skills in Malaysia

Big data analytics, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence are among the most in-demand digital skills in the nation, according to a survey by the Social and Economic Research Initiative (SERI). In addition, an AlphaBeta analysis discovered that, if completely utilised, digital technologies might provide up to US$257.2 billion in economic value each year in Malaysia by 2030.

In response to the data, Google launched the programme, which aims to provide equal skilling opportunities for Malaysians of all backgrounds to acquire new skills related to current market needs.

"We at Google Malaysia, together with our partners, want to provide digital skilling opportunities to all Malaysians from all backgrounds. It gives me great honour to launch our new training programme, Gemilang. Through Gemilang, even more Malaysians will be able to access training opportunities, learn new skills, find jobs and build their careers in the digital economy as it continues to grow," added Woo, who went on to say that the courses are offered through the online learning platform Coursera.

Courses offered

The Google Career Certificates are self-paced online course programmes that allow learners who have no prior experience or formal education in certain digital skills to gain access to new job opportunities. Currently, the programme offers six certificates:

• Data analytics,

• Digital marketing,

• e-commerce,

• IT automation,

• IT support, 

• Project management, and

• UX Design,

"These certificates are designed by Google's in-house experts to equip learners with fundamental skills through hands-on learning online, allowing participants to progress at their own pace while still working or studying not necessarily in these (related) sectors," added Woo.

Google will grant scholarships to 31,000 learners to receive a certificate at no cost, allowing even more Malaysians to benefit from Google Career Certificates. To distribute the scholarships, Google will collaborate with educational institutions such as Mereka Academy, industry partners such as Celcom Axiata Berhad (Celcom) and Trainocate, and charities such as Girls in Tech, Malaysian Digital Association, Women in Tech, and Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

The company also developed an employer consortium to connect Gemilang graduates with employers who recognise the initiative's qualifications and digital skills. The partnership also comprises Rev Media Group, Amanz, Carsome, Fave Asia, IPG Mediabrands, Jirnexu, Maybank, McDonald's Malaysia, Omnicom Media Group (OMG), Petronas, The Star Media Group, The Lorry, Storehub, and Astro Awani in addition to Google.

Source: New Straits Times