Fellowship empowers Malaysians to combat AI-driven online scams

A cohort of 35 content creators and youth leaders will participate in a fellowship aimed at raising awareness of AI-driven scams and promoting digital safety in Malaysia.

The initiative, named Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition, is supported by the Ministry of Communications, CelcomDigi, Meta Platforms, Ratio: Cause, and media partner Tonton. According to the organisers, the selected fellows have the collective ability to reach more than five million online users, positioning them to amplify messaging about online scams and digital safety practices across diverse communities.

This year's programme builds upon the first edition of Online Safety IRL, which reportedly reached 2.8 million Malaysians with digital safety content. The focus of the new cycle is to address financial scams, particularly those making use of artificial intelligence technologies. Over the course of their fellowship, participants will undergo masterclasses led by experts, field immersions, mentorship, and targeted community outreach, to enhance both scam detection capabilities and knowledge surrounding AI's role in cyber threats and protection efforts.

Multi-stakeholder approach

The collaboration aims to cultivate a support network of digital safety advocates and reinforce the importance of unified action among government, industry, and local communities.

"Scams affect everyone, and protecting Malaysians requires us all to work together. This programme shows what's possible when government, industry, and communities unite to build awareness and strengthen online safety for all," said Minister of Communications, YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

Fellows will participate in two tailored fellowship tracks: one for content creators and another for youth representatives from across Malaysia.

Programmeme components

The content creator track spans three months and includes an MYR RM8,000 grant to support the production of scam awareness content. Creators will have access to expert masterclasses focused on scam psychology, AI-generated fraud, and the ethics of online content. Additional advantages comprise networking opportunities with relevant stakeholders, such as corporate entities, government bodies, and other digital creators.

Youth leaders engage in a six-month fellowship involving expert masterclasses, mentorship from programme partners and industry experts, and the chance to develop their own community projects focused on scam awareness. Topics covered will include fraud psychology, AI-driven scams, and community advocacy.

Industry perspectives

"Content creators and youth leaders are powerful changemakers with their ability to reach and influence communities both online and offline. We have seen the impact driven by peer-led advocacy in shaping how Malaysians navigate the digital world. Through Online Safety IRL, we are helping to grow a dynamic network of advocates who can continue to spark conversations, shift behaviours, and make the internet safer for everyone. CelcomDigi remains committed to fostering a safer and more secure digital environment for all. We will continue to develop strategic partnerships to build a trusted digital society," said Philip Ling, Head of Sustainability at CelcomDigi.

The fellowship seeks to extend its reach and effectiveness through the diversity of participants, both in terms of backgrounds and the digital communities they represent.

"Protecting people online is a collective effort, and we strive to equip the next generation with the skills and awareness they need to navigate online spaces confidently. Through the Online Safety IRL programme, we're proud to support young leaders and creators as they champion scam awareness and inspire safer online behavior in their communities. Together with our partners, we're building a more secure and informed digital future for all Malaysians," said Daniel Lim, Meta's Head of Public Policy for Malaysia and Brunei.

The charitable and collaborative nature of the programme was also highlighted by partners.

"The success of our first edition proved to us how powerful collaboration can be when different stakeholders come together with purpose. This programme has never been just about awareness, it's about changing how Malaysians think, act and look out for one another online. This year, we're expanding that impact even further, reaching more people across the country through a more diverse group of creators and youth fellows. Together with the Ministry of Communications, Meta, CelcomDigi and Tonton, we're making scam resilience not just a campaign, but a nationwide movement powered by voices of our own communities," said New Su Shern, Executive Director at Ratio: Cause.

'Is This Legit?'

Concurrent to the programme, Meta has launched 'Is This Legit?', a scam awareness game now accessible in Bahasa Malaysia. The interactive tool is designed to educate users on recognising and avoiding common online scams by engaging participants through artistic and creative methods, thereby aiding the retention of key messages about scam detection and digital safety.

The Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition aims to continue its focus on enabling responsible digital behaviour and building resilience among Malaysians against an evolving range of online threats.