The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has announced that it is continuously expanding its “Digital Skills Upgrading and Certification Programme.”
The initiative features courses such as AI engineer certification, AI-assisted graphic design, and the foundations of AI business applications. It aims to align with the local government’s “1+4” appropriate economic diversification strategy while addressing the needs of digital industry development and corporate transformation.
The bureau noted that most of the courses are completely free, encouraging residents to enrol based on their personal circumstances and career plans. It added that over 40 AI-related courses have already been organised, drawing more than 800 participants.
DSAL Director Chan Un Tong made the remarks in response to a written interpellation submitted by directly elected lawmaker Leong Pou U in early April. Chan issued the reply in early May, a copy of which was sent by Leong’s office to the media on Saturday.
In the written interpellation, Leong asked the government how it plans to strengthen residents’ training in artificial intelligence to adapt to shifting employment market demands, particularly for middle-aged and elderly demographics.
The bureau replied to Leong that in order to address the growing AI trend and help middle-aged and elderly residents upgrade their workplace skills, the Labour Affairs Bureau launched the “Silver Learners’ Wisdom Class: Introduction to AI Applications” earlier this year. The class aims to help older residents master AI application skills for both daily life and work, ultimately boosting their skill development and employment prospects.
Regarding the integration of AI skills into the “Continuing Education Development Programme” (PDAC), the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) noted in the joint response that given the recent surge in AI technology, it is encouraging participating institutions to provide a wider variety of courses in relevant fields. The bureau has also incorporated professional certification examinations in information technology (IT) into the programme to help residents improve their AI literacy.
Additionally, the Macao Science Centre (MSC) launched its “AI General Education for the Whole Society” scheme last year. Partnering with the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), the scheme hosts exclusive activities designed to help senior residents understand practical smart tools, while also introducing advanced courses tailored for working professionals that cover AI skill certification and workplace application training, according to Chan.
Chan also noted that the “Professional Certification Incentive Scheme for Talent Development in Information Technology” added several new professional certifications last year. These include “Generative AI Application Engineer (Advanced)”, the “CISP (Certified Information Security Professional) Series”, and the “NSATP (National Certified Cybersecurity Defence Professional) Series”.
Furthermore, Chan added that the government’s Talents Development Committee will optimise the next phase of the scheme based on society’s evolving needs and the programme’s overall effectiveness.
This undated handout photo provided by lawmaker Leong Pou U’s office to the media on Saturday shows him addressing a plenary session of the legislature.
