- Unites government, industry and communities for a safer digital Malaysia
- Aims to empower 35 creators & youth leaders to champion scam awareness
A new cohort of 35 young changemakers and content creators is being equipped to lead online safety advocacy through the Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition fellowship. As trusted voices in their communities, the fellows collectively reach over five million users — helping raise scam awareness and promote safer digital behaviour.
Jointly driven by the Ministry of Communications, CelcomDigi Berhad, Meta Platforms, Inc., and Ratio:Cause, with media partner Tonton, the programme adopts a multi-stakeholder approach to build a strong network of digital safety advocates.
Building on the success of its first edition, which reached over 2.8 million Malaysians, this year’s fellowship focuses on the growing threat of financial scams, particularly those enabled by AI technologies. Fellows will participate in expert-led masterclasses, field immersions, mentorship, and community outreach to strengthen scam-spotting skills and understand AI’s dual role in scams and safety.
Minister of Communications 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 strengthen online safety for all.”
CelcomDigi’s Head of Sustainability, Philip Ling, added, “Content creators and youth leaders are powerful changemakers. We’ve seen how peer-led advocacy shapes how Malaysians navigate the digital world. Through Online Safety IRL, we’re growing a dynamic network of advocates who can spark conversations, shift behaviours, and make the internet safer for everyone.”
Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Malaysia and Brunei, Daniel Lim, said, “Protecting people online is a collective effort. We strive to equip young leaders with the skills and awareness they need to navigate digital spaces confidently. Together with our partners, we’re building a safer, more informed digital future for all Malaysians.”
Ratio:Cause Executive Director, New Su Shern, said, “The success of our first edition showed how powerful collaboration can be when stakeholders unite with purpose. This year, we’re expanding that impact through a more diverse group of creators and youth fellows — making scam resilience a nationwide movement powered by local voices.”
The programme comprises two fellowship tracks:
For content creators (Three months):
- US$1,700 (RM8,000) grant to support scam awareness content
- Expert masterclasses on scam psychology, AI-generated fraud, and ethical content creation
- Networking with corporate partners, agencies, and fellow creators
For youth fellows (Six months):
- Masterclasses on outreach, advocacy, and scam psychology
- Mentorship from programme partners and industry experts
- Hands-on experience designing community scam awareness projects
Alongside the launch, Meta unveiled its scam awareness game Is This Legit?, now available in Bahasa Malaysia. The interactive experience helps users identify and avoid scams through art and creativity — embedding scam-spotting skills through play.
By linking global partners with local voices, Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition continues to foster collaboration and empower a new generation of advocates to make the internet safer for all.
Learn more and view fellows’ projects at www.onlinesafetyirl.com
