Terry KS A new batch of 35 youth leaders and creators has joined the Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition fellowship to raise scam awareness and promote safer digital behaviour nationwide. The initiative is jointly led by the Ministry of Communications, CelcomDigi, Meta, and Ratio:Cause.
MALAYSIA, 24 OCTOBER 2025 – A total of 35 young changemakers and content creators have been selected to spearhead scam awareness and digital safety advocacy through the Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition fellowship programme. As trusted voices within their communities, the fellows are expected to collectively reach more than five million Malaysians online, empowering citizens to recognise scams and adopt safer digital habits.
The fellowship is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Communications, CelcomDigi Berhad, Meta Platforms, Inc., and Ratio:Cause, with Tonton as the media partner. The programme aims to strengthen the nation’s digital safety ecosystem through collaboration among government, industry, and community leaders.
Building on the success of the first edition, which reached 2.8 million Malaysians, the second edition focuses on tackling the rising threat of financial scams — especially those powered by artificial intelligence. Participants will undergo an immersive training journey that includes expert-led masterclasses, field engagements, mentorship, and community outreach projects designed to boost scam-spotting and online safety skills.
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.”
CelcomDigi’s Head of Sustainability, Philip Ling, added, “Content creators and youth leaders are powerful changemakers with their ability to influence communities both online and offline. Through Online Safety IRL, we are nurturing a dynamic network of advocates who will help make the internet safer for everyone.”
Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Malaysia and Brunei, Daniel Lim, shared, “Protecting people online is a collective effort. We’re proud to support young leaders and creators in building a safer and more informed digital future for all Malaysians.”
Executive Director of Ratio:Cause, New Su Shern, said, “This programme goes beyond awareness — it’s about changing how Malaysians think and act online. Together, we’re building a nationwide movement powered by community voices to make scam resilience part of everyday digital life.”
The fellowship features two tracks: one for content creators and another for youth leaders. Content creators will complete a three-month fellowship supported by an RM8,000 grant for scam awareness content, expert masterclasses on AI-driven fraud, and networking opportunities. Youth fellows will undergo a six-month journey focusing on community advocacy, mentorship, and project development on scam prevention.
At the launch, Meta also unveiled Is This Legit?, an interactive scam awareness game now available in Bahasa Malaysia. The game uses art and storytelling to help players identify common scams and remember key warning signs, fostering long-term scam resilience.