AI and Digital Technology Programme in Pondok Schools May Expand Nationwide, Says Zulkifli

IPOH, Sept 28 – The Malaysian government is evaluating plans to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology integration programme to pondok (traditional Islamic boarding) schools nationwide following positive outcomes from an ongoing pilot project across six states.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan stated that the initiative, which rolled out last July, has already demonstrated encouraging results among participating students.

“The pilot project is currently being implemented in six pondok institutions in Perak, Penang, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah and Pahang, with consideration also being given to expanding the programme to pondok schools nationwide. InsyaAllah, this programme will conclude in December 2026, and we have already seen very good effects and impacts here at Darul Furqan through the students’ presentations today,” Dr Zulkifli told reporters on Monday.

He spoke after observing student demonstrations at Pondok Darul Furqan under the Islamic Educational Institutions Digital Transformation Programme (Digital IPI) and inspecting its Digital Maker Hub (DMH) facility. The event was also attended by Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) Deputy Director-General (Operations) Datuk Mohd Ajib Ismail and Pondok Darul Furqan Chairman Dr Zaini Shafiai.

Dr Zulkifli clarified that the syllabus exposes students to AI, the metaverse, robotics, and emerging digital technologies alongside traditional turath (Islamic heritage) literature, religious studies, and academic subjects.

Addressing concerns over modernization, he emphasized that embedding digital technology does not secularize pondok institutions, but rather equips religious scholars with modern technical capabilities to address contemporary issues while preserving their heritage.

“As we have shared in previous turath scholars’ dialogues, it is truly to empower and further strengthen pondok and turath institutions. At the same time, we want to defend our legacy and traditions. This means it is a synergy, a combination, an integration between turath knowledge and the technological world…” he explained.

He added that Digital IPI facilities such as the DMH at Pondok Darul Furqan can serve as focal reference points for surrounding religious schools. Key strategic partners, including the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), are driving the technical training.

Launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on March 7, 2026, the Digital IPI programme is backed by a RM7.5 million government allocation, providing RM550,000 to each participating institution for digital infrastructure, including laptops, interactive smartboards, internet connectivity, and robotics software.

As of September 20, MDEC’s digital talent training has benefitted 930 individuals, including 200 educators, toward an overall target of 3,000 trained participants.

–NMT