At the A.I. roundtable I attended yesterday, one answer caught my attention:
“3 out of 10.”
Why so low?
Because A.I. adoption is still far from mainstream – especially among young people.
The speaker mentioned that very few youth are venturing into A.I. startups.
And honestly … I agree.
It took me back to 2018, when we organized an IT fair and required visitors to use a QR code for entry.
Many didn’t know how!
You might say, “Well, QR codes weren’t popular back then.”
Fair enough.
But fast-forward to today…
Before we even talk about A.I., let’s talk about something more basic: owning a computer.
Among secondary school students, how many have their own laptop or desktop?
Many are still sharing a single device with their parents or siblings.
And it’s not just about hardware.
Even a simple technical hiccup – like a blackout screen (photo below) – still leaves many unsure how to react.
These small moments speak volumes about our digital readiness.
If the foundational tools for digital skills aren’t’ widely accessible,
And the confidence to troubleshoot isn’t built early…
How can we expect widespread readiness for something as advanced as A.I.?
To move that 3/10 towards a 7 or 8, we need:
✅ Broader digital literacy
✅ Early tech entrepreneurship
✅ Equal access to devices and training.
A.I. readiness is not just a matter of technology – it’s a matter of culture, access, and mindset.
Share me your thoughts.
What’s your rating for Malaysia’s A.I. readiness?
