Next Gen TeenXChange Champions Digital Inclusion to Empower Girls in Gaming and STEAM. Malaysia has made a significant stride towards digital inclusivity with the launch of the Next Gen TeenXChange and Game Changers Coalition Programme, an initiative led by UNICEF in collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Supported by Micron Technology Malaysia and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), this trailblazing programme aims to close the gender gap in technology by empowering girls in gaming and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
The official launch was officiated by YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, Deputy Minister of Digital Malaysia, who reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to building a digitally inclusive society. “The Ministry, through MDEC, is committed to building an inclusive digital nation,” he said. “We are working to ensure that all Malaysians have access to the digital tools and platforms they need to succeed. These initiatives are part of a broader national movement – one that seeks to build digital confidence, nurture innovation, and open new doors for women and girls to define success on their own terms.”
The programme forms part of UNICEF’s global Skills4Girls framework and is specifically tailored to address the underrepresentation of girls in the digital and gaming spheres. It equips Malaysian girls with vital digital skills and industry exposure, while boosting their confidence to become successful coders, designers, content creators, and future tech innovators.
Delivered under MDEC’s #MyDigitalMaker initiative, Next Gen TeenXChange targets youth aged 15 to 20 who show strong potential in digital technology. Participants engage in practical tech-based activities, skill-building workshops, and mentoring sessions with seasoned industry professionals. They are also introduced to Malaysia’s expanding gaming ecosystem, giving them a real-world glimpse into potential future careers.
Beyond technical training, the programme seeks to foster inclusive digital content creation and encourage young women to lead innovation in Malaysia’s tech-driven economy. It aims not only to prepare girls for roles in gaming but also to empower them as change-makers across the broader digital landscape.
The initiative also supports the Malaysia Digital (MD) strategic agenda, further cementing the government’s vision of a dynamic, innovation-led digital economy that celebrates and nurtures talent from all sectors and regions of the country.
To learn more about the programme, visit https://mdec.my.