In today’s world, digital literacy is no longer an optional skill but a fundamental necessity. Across the globe, the ability to navigate technology, understand coding, and adapt to artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping economies, careers, and even daily life. Countries that equip their young generation with these skills are better prepared to thrive in the digital economy, while those that lag behind risk being left out of future opportunities.
Against this backdrop, Penang has taken bold steps to ensure its youth are ready to compete and innovate. At the Young Digital Innovators Competition 2025, held at the Penang Science Cluster (PSC) in George Town, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo stressed that digital literacy must be treated as an essential life skill. “The future belongs to those who can build, think critically, and innovate using digital tools,” he said.[1]
The competition, which involved more than 90 students from 28 schools across the state, served as a platform for participants to take their first steps into coding, AI, and digital design. Jagdeep described it as more than a display of talent, calling it a launchpad for tomorrow’s technologists.[2]
The Young Digital Innovators Competition is part of PSC’s Coding for All initiative, supported by the Penang government. By combining workshops with a culminating competition, the programme fosters creativity, technical expertise, and digital fluency among secondary school students, helping them bridge classroom learning with real-world applications. Such initiatives also set a model for broader inclusivity by extending similar opportunities in coding, AI, and digital skills to women and seniors, communities can bridge generational and gender gaps, ensuring that everyone has the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.[3]
PSC was recognised for its role in organising the impactful initiative, with appreciation also extended to the Penang Education Department (JPN) for its unwavering support. The collaboration between government, educators, and the community reflected the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when working together to empower youth.[4]
For the students, the event served as a reminder that success is not defined by trophies alone. By challenging themselves, embracing new skills, and solving complex problems, they have already demonstrated qualities that will shape tomorrow’s leaders, engineers, and entrepreneurs.[5]
The competition closed with a reaffirmation of Penang’s commitment to building a digitally empowered generation and advancing its vision of becoming a smart state driven by a new wave of digital innovators.
Footnotes
[1] Riadz, A. (2025). Digital literacy now a necessity, not a luxury, says DCM.
https://www.buletinmutiara.com/digital-literacy-now-a-necessity-not-a-luxury-says-dcm/
↩︎