Meet Tee Yong Lai, an administrative officer from IPGM Kampus Tun Hussein Onn who joined Hour of Code out of curiosity and ended up sparking a nationwide movement.

What started as one session quickly turned into something bigger. Inspired by how engaging and accessible the modules were, Tee shared the experience with teachers across rural SMK schools and organised webinars that reached over 850 educators.

For Tee, Hour of Code is more than just digital skills. It’s about building confidence, connecting communities, and empowering both students and teachers across Malaysia, one code at a time.

Meet Shirley Ling Jen, a KPM Edufluencer, Guru Peneraju Generasi Digital (GPGD) Google KPM, and Cikgu Juara Digital 2024. 

What once felt out of reach is now her field of research, as she pursues a PhD in AI. Through the AI Ready ASEAN Hour of Code, Shirley turned her curiosity into action.

In just one month, she guided 1,700 students to earn their Hour of Code certificates and brought the programme to over 200 schools across Malaysia.

For her, it is more than just introducing technology. It is about making AI feel accessible, empowering others to understand how it works, and showing that everyone has a place in the digital future.

Meet Ng Koay Ching, a passionate special needs teacher from SJK(C) Aik Hua, Pulau Pinang, who proves that background is no barrier to making an impact. 

By exploring coding on her own and adapting the Hour of Code teaching module for her students, she is now inspiring other teachers to embrace inclusive digital learning. 

Her story reflects the spirit of AI Ready ASEAN – making digital education accessible for all learners, especially for underserved communities, and ensuring no learner is left behind.

Meet Nashimah, a passionate Biology Master teacher who is redefining what STEM education looks like in Malaysia’s matriculation system. She has already impacted thousands by training digital ambassadors and mentoring students in AI. 

The impact she is making speaks volumes about her dedication and vision. She is helping students shift from passive learners to tech-savvy creators – building their own AI models and diving into topics such as cybersecurity, AI ethics, and digital safety. 

With initiatives like AI ready ASEAN, educators like Nashimah can be further empowered to reach even more students and integrate future-ready AI skills into STEM learning. 

Meet Ahmad Hariz Irsyad, a student from Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who once knew little about AI. However, through his recent participation in the Hour of Code program, he discovered how technology can make everyday tasks easier, faster, and more meaningful.

His experience with coding and AI sparked a deeper appreciation for how these tools can be used not only to innovate, but also to educate and uplift the next generation. For students like Hariz, programs like Hour of Code are more than just lessons—they are a gateway to future-ready skills, digital confidence, and a vision for contributing to a modern and developed Malaysia.

With continued exposure and encouragement, young minds like his will be empowered to explore, create, and lead in an AI-driven future.

Meet Tan Ting Hong, a pre-university Physics student who once saw AI as something only experts could handle. 

After joining the Hour of Code, he discovered that AI is not out of reach — it's a powerful tool anyone can learn to use. His story reflects how initiatives like AI Ready ASEAN are helping students across the region shift their mindset and gain the digital confidence to shape the future.

From doubt to discovery, meet Fadiya, a student from SMK Kompleks KLIA shares how a single Hour of Code session transformed her view of AI.  Through its hands-on and  beginner-friendly, she discovered that AI is something anyone can learn and apply, even at the school level. 

Her experience shows how early exposure to AI can make a real difference in students’ confidence and curiosity.  Programmes like Hour of Code are helping to integrate AI into education, equip students with in-demand STEM skills, and enhance their readiness for higher education and future careers in a competitive digital economy. 

Meet Joannie, a student from SMK Taman Universiti, who once believed that AI gave the same answers to everyone. But through the Hour of Code, she discovered how powerful and adaptive AI can be when guided with the right prompts.

Now, AI has become part of her study routine. It helps her brainstorm ideas and tackle tough math problems with confidence. For students like Joannie, learning to use AI meaningfully is not just a digital skill. 

With support from initiatives like AI Ready ASEAN, more students are gaining the tools and confidence to use AI as a tool for learning, creativity, and everyday problem-solving. 

For Yen Thong, Hour of Code was more than just an introduction to AI, it was a creative breakthrough. Through interactive, music-themed coding tasks, she explored how AI can help program beats, layer sounds, and turn abstract concepts into something exciting and personal.

Her experience shows how Hour of Code makes AI approachable, fun, and deeply relevant to students' passions — whether they dream of becoming musicians, designers, or engineers. By sparking interest early, AI Ready ASEAN is helping students see AI not as a distant skill, but as a practical tool for creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application.

Meet Umashanchita, a 2nd-year medical student at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her journey with digital tools began back in matriculation, using Canva and Google tools to support her studies.

Now in medical school, AI tools like ChatGPT and Notion AI help her summarise lectures, prepare for exams, and manage her workload more effectively.

For her, embracing digital learning has been a game changer, and she’s excited to keep growing with it as she works toward becoming a doctor.

Programs like AI Hour of Code help students like Uma explore tech in a way that feels accessible and encouraging, even without a tech background.

Meet Aina Natasya, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia student and proud alumna of Selangor Matriculation College, who once thought AI was only for tech experts.

But during her matriculation days, she began exploring platforms like Wakelet to collect notes, articles, and reflections — and saw how digital tools could support her studies in meaningful ways.

Thanks to initiatives like AI Hour of Code, students like Natasya are discovering how AI can enhance learning, encourage exploration, and feel relevant to their own journey.

Meet Guy Kang Chyuan, a supportive father whose son, Yu Chen, joined an Hour of Code session as a Grade 6 student. The session was not only engaging—it provided a strong foundation in coding that is increasingly vital in today’s AI-driven world.

For Mr. Guy, it was especially meaningful to witness how the programme sparked curiosity and boosted his son’s confidence. It helped shift his children’s mindset from passive technology users to potential creators.

Programmes like Hour of Code show how early, accessible exposure to coding can empower young learners and equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the digital future. Parents like Mr. Guy see this as more than just a class—it’s an investment in preparing the next generation.

Meet Lau Sook Ling, a mother of three who once saw a wide gap between her family and the world of programming. But through Hour of Code, that gap began to close.

With its simple, self-guided modules, the programme sparked her children’s interest in AI and made learning feel accessible for the whole family. Her story highlights how AI Ready ASEAN can bridge digital gaps at home and nurture AI literacy across generations. 

Meet Ng Kwee Seng, a proud parent whose son, Chong Yen, recently took part in a Hour of Code session. Through the session, her son was able to explore programming in a fun and interactive way while building digital confidence for the future.

For parents like Madam Ng, this initiative shows how early exposure to coding can nurture essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. At the same time, it serves as a stepping stone for children to thrive in an AI-powered world.