Ministry of Communication and Information Technology prepares 300 Microsoft certification scholarships
Jakarta, 25 March 2024 – To bolster the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s (MoICT/Kominfo) commitment to nurturing digital talent, Microsoft and Biji-biji Initiative organized the Talenta AI Indonesia Roadshow across six universities in six cities within Indonesia. Themed “The Future of Work with Artificial Intelligence,” this roadshow takes the form of public lectures and is an integral part of the Talenta AI Indonesia program. The program aims to equip 100,000 young individuals with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), data, and cybersecurity, while also providing 1,000 of them with Microsoft certification scholarships.
During the event held at Universitas Syiah Kuala in Banda Aceh, Vice Minister of Communications and Information Technology Nezar Patria Technology delivered a public lecture on AI technology development. “In the face of technological disruption, mastering five essential skills is crucial for effectively navigating the widespread use of AI. These skills include creative thinking, analytical mindset, technological literacy, systemic mindset, and proficiency in AI and Big Data,” he emphasized.
Additionally, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced its support for the Talenta AI Indonesia program. This collaboration involves providing 300 Microsoft certification scholarships in the fields of AI, Data, and Cybersecurity. These scholarships will be awarded to 300 selected final-year students and fresh graduates who are part of the Ministry’s Digital Talent Scholarship program.
Apart from Universitas Syiah Kuala Banda Aceh, five other universities are participating in the roadshow: Universitas Esa Unggul Bekasi, Universitas Hassanudin Makassar, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Cirebon, Universitas Trunojoyo Madura, and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya. More than 2,500 students took part in this hybrid event.
Ajar Edi, Director of Government Affairs at Microsoft Indonesia & Brunei Darussalam, who delivered speeches at several universities, emphasized that this program exemplifies a close partnership between academia, the government, and industry in nurturing digital talent toward the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. According to him, collaboration is essential for optimizing the benefits and opportunities created in the AI era. “This collaboration encompasses policy development, curriculum adaptation in universities, and skills enhancement through certifications. We are honored to be part in this collaboration, and we sincerely appreciate the given support,” said Ajar
On the other hand, professional certification plays an increasingly vital role in the employment arena as it enhances the credibility of specific skills possessed by individuals. “We are thrilled that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology joins the Talenta AI Indonesia by encouraging 300 Digital Talent Scholarship participants to join this initiative, and accompanying them to successfully obtain Microsoft certification scholarships,” said Fabsya Farazzahra, Program Director, Biji-biji Initiative.
The Talenta AI Indonesia program not only provides training and certification but also offers career assistance to its participants. Through various sessions with Skilvul, a technology education platform, participants develop essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and design thinking. Additionally, Microsoft-certified participants receive guidance from mentors to tackle case studies and create portfolios. These portfolios will later be presented to Microsoft partners, opening up greater employment opportunities.
Since its launch in September 2023, the Talenta AI Indonesia program, accessible for free through the aka.ms/talentaAIid website, has reached 84,500 young Indonesians across the country. Among them, 676 individuals have successfully obtained Microsoft certification scholarships. This program aims to prepare Indonesia’s young generation for careers in AI, data, and cybersecurity, contributing to a competitive workforce.
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