Online safety programme empowers youth to tackle digital scams

Thirty-five young content creators and community leaders are set to be trained under the Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition programme to boost nationwide awareness of scams and digital safety.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Communications, CelcomDigi, Meta Platforms, Ratio: Cause, and Tonton, is designed to equip a new cohort of digital safety advocates. The selected participants for this edition reportedly have the collective ability to reach over five million users online, positioning them to significantly influence online behaviour and scam awareness, particularly as financial scams aided by artificial intelligence continue to rise.

Scope of the initiative

The Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition builds on its previous iteration, which was said to have impacted over 2.8 million Malaysians, focusing on digital safety. With an increase in financial scams, especially those involving AI, the second edition aims to address these specific challenges through an intensive fellowship programme.

The participating fellows will undertake a series of masterclasses led by experts, field immersions, mentorships and community outreach activities. These activities are structured to broaden their knowledge about scam detection and the dual role artificial intelligence plays in both enabling and countering scams.

Collaborative approach

Minister of Communications, YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, said:

"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."

Philip Ling, Head of Sustainability at CelcomDigi, emphasised the importance of engaging peer leaders in the community: "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."

Daniel Lim, Meta's Head of Public Policy for Malaysia and Brunei, elaborated on the company's advocacy for digital safety: "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 behaviour in their communities. Together with our partners, we're building a more secure and informed digital future for all Malaysians."

New Su Shern, Executive Director at Ratio: Cause, noted the value of multi-party collaboration: "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."

Programmeme details

There are two main tracks under the Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition. Content creators participate in a three-month fellowship, which includes a grant of MYR RM8,000 to support the production of scam awareness content, specialised masterclasses on topics such as the psychology of scams and AI-generated fraud, and opportunities for exclusive networking with both corporate and government stakeholders.

Youth fellows are enrolled in a six-month programme focusing on community outreach and advocacy, in addition to subject matter training in scam detection and AI fraud. The youth track also enables mentees to design and deliver a community project promoting scam awareness.

Resources and outreach

Complementing the fellowship, Meta has introduced 'Is This Legit?', a scam awareness game available in Bahasa Malaysia. The interactive game, now accessible via desktop and mobile, aims to educate users in recognising common scams through engaging art and creativity. By embedding critical scam-spotting skills, Meta hopes to foster longer-term changes in online behaviour within the broader Malaysian community.

As the programme continues, outputs from the fellows and updates on campaign activities are expected to be made accessible online and through various social media platforms, in line with advancing scam awareness and resilience across the country.