Sharp growth in GenAI, data, cybersecurity, and project execution reflects a workforce preparing for a more connected, digital economy
Coursera, Inc. (NYSE: COUR), a leading global online learning platform, unveiled its 2025 learner trends for Malaysia, based on insights from more than 1 million registered learners. This year, Malaysia saw strong momentum across data, AI, project management, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and language learning, reflecting the country’s ongoing transition toward a more digital, connected, and skills-first economy.
Malaysia’s national digital agenda echoes these learning patterns. The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) sets the ambition to become a regional digital leader by 2030, supported by government efforts to expand digital and AI skills nationwide. These efforts remain timely as World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that 41% of Malaysia’s core skills will change by 2030, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning as the country advances its digital future.
AI and data continued to anchor Malaysia’s learning. The country recorded one GenAI enrollment every fifteen minutes on Coursera – contributing to more than 61,000 total enrollments to date. Learners enrolled in both foundational courses such as Generative AI for Everyone and Google AI Essentials, as well as more application-based programs including Accelerate Your Job Search with AI and Maximize Productivity With AI Tools. This rapid adoption supports Malaysia’s AI for Rakyat agenda, which aims to strengthen national AI capabilities and ensure broad access to AI-driven opportunities.
Beyond AI, Malaysian learners also invested heavily in building capabilities in project execution, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and multilingual communication skills. The diversity of learning signals a workforce building both broad and deep capabilities to meet the demands of increasingly cross-functional roles.
“Learners in Malaysia are steadily building the digital and professional skills that will open doors to stronger opportunities and long-term career growth,” said Ashutosh Gupta, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Coursera. “We’re seeing sustained interest in AI, data, cybersecurity and essential workplace skills – a combination that will anchor the country’s transition toward a more digital and globally competitive workforce. As Malaysia deepens its skills-first transition, Coursera remains committed to delivering high-quality learning that fuels national growth and shapes the next generation of talent for an AI-powered economy.”
The surge in skills development is also translating into meaningful outcomes. Coursera’s Learner Outcomes Report 2025 reveals 94% of learners across Asia Pacific reported positive career outcomes like securing a new role or progressing in their current one, 49% reported a salary increase, and 96% reported personal benefits including increased confidence and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Coursera’s 2025 data also highlights a set of fastest-growing skills in Malaysia:
- GenAI tools & AI-assisted productivity: Skills that help learners use AI tools, prompt patterns and basic automation to improve everyday work efficiency.
- Human capital development: Skills in training, recruitment, and performance management that help organisations build agile, high-performing teams for the future of work.
- Financial intelligence: Financial reporting, revenue fundamentals, capital budgeting, and analytical skills that support business planning and decision-making.
- Operational efficiency & project execution: Planning, coordination and process-improvement skills that strengthen execution and help teams work more effectively.
- Cybersecurity & digital resilience: Security awareness, risk mitigation and compliance skills that help organisations protect systems and stay resilient against rising digital threats.
Ten most popular courses in Malaysia in 2025
- Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere from Google
- Foundations of Project Management from Google
- AI For Everyone from DeepLearning.AI
- Foundations of Cybersecurity from Google
- Ask Questions to Make Data Driven Decisions from Google
- Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce from Google
- Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project from Google
- Prepare Data for Exploration from Google
- Chinese for Beginners from Peking University
- First Step Korean from Yonsei University
Ten most popular GenAI courses in Malaysia in 2025
- Accelerate Your Job Search with AI from Google
- Introduction to AI from Google
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence from IBM
- Generative AI for Everyone from DeepLearning.AI
- Generative AI: Introduction and Applications from IBM
- Maximize Productivity With AI Tools from Google
- Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT from Vanderbilt University
- Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics from IBM
- Google AI Essentials from Google
- Use AI Responsibly from Google
