By, Sarah Nur Safiyyah and Shafiy Nordin
GOMBAK, May 29 2025: In a significant step towards digital literacy and parental empowerment, the Platform KID (Keibubapaan Digital) was officially launched at the Banquet Hall of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
The launch event, held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. that marked a collaborative initiative between IIUM, Youthopia, and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), KID Platform Research Team, Strategic Partners & Guest Experts and Parent Community.
It was officiated by YBrs. Puan Ruziah Binti Shafei, Deputy Secretary General (Planning and Science Culture), MOSTI, the platform aims to equip parents with the tools and knowledge to foster healthy, safe, and balanced digital habits within the family setting.
Also in attendance were several distinguished guests, including:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haslina Ibrahim, Deputy Dean (Postgraduate and Responsible Research & Innovation), IIUM
- Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Arabi Syed Abdullah Idid, Professor in the Department of Communication, IIUM
- Manu Menon, CEO and Co-Founder of Youthopia
The opening address was by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafizan Mohamed, who leads the Platform KID research team. She started KID because there is an increased concern among parents about their children’s excessive use of digital technology.
This challenge became prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The KID platform is the outcome of extensive research supported by grants from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).
“Our initial research revealed that while children are digitally literate and have access to technology, many use it without awareness, mainly for entertainment,” she explained. Parents often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to guide their children in this digital landscape.
By using the KID platform, Malaysian parents can gain comprehensive resources and tools to guide their children in the rapidly-changing digital world. It offers practical advice and up-to-date information on various aspects of digital parenting, including cybersecurity, screen time management, and healthy communication. It is not just a website, but an interactive platform featuring the “Explore & Build” section, a “Ask an Expert” section, and a digital community where parents can share experiences and support each other.
KID’s vision is to be the leading resource for digital parenting in Malaysia, sensitive to local culture and religious values. Its mission is to equip parents with relevant, current, and reliable digital knowledge and tools; build a supportive community of parents; offer flexible and diverse approaches; and provide content in various formats, including articles, videos, and webinars. Through this initiative, KID aims to help build a generation of intelligent, ethical, and balanced digital citizens.
To support the empowerment of Malaysian parents in the digital world, visit platformkid.my today and join the growing KID community. Let’s work together to nurture a more productive, responsible, and mindful digital generation.***
