35 content creators and youth leaders with the potential to reach and impact over five million users online will be trained to amplify scam awareness and digital safety.
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 programme. As trusted voices in their communities, these fellows have the potential to collectively reach over five million users online to raise scam awareness and shape safer digital behaviours.
The programme is jointly driven by the Ministry of Communications, CelcomDigi Berhad, Meta Platforms, Inc. and Ratio:Cause, alongside media partner – Tonton, to grow a strong network of digital safety advocates and maximise impact through a multi-stakeholder approach.
Building on the success of its first edition which impacted over 2.8 million Malaysians through digital safety awareness content, the second edition returns with a focus to address the growing threat of financial scams, particularly those driven by AI technologies. The fellows will undergo an immersive fellowship involving expert-led masterclasses, field immersions, mentorship and community outreach, to build on their scam-spotting skills and understanding of AI’s dual role in scams and safety.
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 said, “Content creators and youth leaders are powerful changemakers with their ability to reach and influence communities both online and offline. We have seen the impact driven by peer-led advocacy in shaping how Malaysians navigate the digital world. Through Online Safety IRL, we are helping to grow a dynamic network of advocates who can continue to spark conversations, shift behaviours, and make the internet safer for everyone. CelcomDigi remains committed to fostering a safer and more secure digital environment for all. We will continue to develop strategic partnerships to build a trusted digital society.”
Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Malaysia and Brunei, Daniel Lim said, “Protecting people online is a collective effort, and we strive to equip the next generation with the skills and awareness they need to navigate online spaces confidently. Through the Online Safety IRL programme, we’re proud to support young leaders and creators as they champion scam awareness and inspire safer online behavior in their communities. Together with our partners, we’re building a more secure and informed digital future for all Malaysians.”
Executive Director at Ratio:Cause, New Su Shern said, “The success of our first edition proved to us how powerful collaboration can be when different stakeholders come together with purpose. This programme has never been just about awareness, it’s about changing how Malaysians think, act and look out for one another online. This year, we’re expanding that impact even further, reaching more people across the country through a more diverse group of creators and youth fellows. Together with the Ministry of Communications, Meta, CelcomDigi and Tonton, we’re making scam resilience not just a campaign, but a nationwide movement powered by voices of our own communities.”
The programme comprises two separate fellowship tracks, designed respectively for content creators and youths across Malaysia:
Content creators will go through a 3-month fellowship which consists of:
- RM8,000 grant to support content creation on scam awareness
- Expert masterclasses on topics such as scam psychology, AI-generated fraud, and ethical content creation
- Exclusive networking opportunities with corporate partners, government agencies, and like-minded creators
The youths will undergo a 6-month fellowship which includes:
- Expert masterclasses focusing on community outreach and advocacy, in addition to topics on scam psychology, AI-generated fraud and more
- Mentorship from programme partners and industry experts
- Hands-on opportunity to design a community project on scam awareness
Featuring ‘Is This Legit?’, a scam awareness game by Meta.
Along with the launch of Online Safety IRL: Scam Edition, Meta also proudly presented their latest scam awareness game called ‘Is This Legit?’, now available in Bahasa Malaysia for the local audience. This is an interactive experience designed to equip online communities with skills to identify and avoid common scams. By engaging players through art and creativity, Meta aims to embed critical scam-spotting knowledge in their long-term memory, leading to lasting behavioural change. Play ‘Is This Legit?’ on desktop or mobile now at my.isthislegit.eyeyah.com.
To find out more information on the programmes and view the outputs from Online Safety IRL fellows, visit www.onlinesafetyirl.com and follow @onlinesafetyirl on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
