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- Universities as Centres for AI Talent Development
Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors.
The Artificial Intelligence Roadmap (AI R-map) 2021–2025 aims to drive the comprehensive development and adoption of AI technologies.
Malaysia is intensifying its efforts to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by focusing on talent cultivation and digital infrastructure. AI technology is a strategic necessity for the nation to enhance its global competitiveness.
It emphasises the creation of a robust AI ecosystem, strengthening data and technology infrastructure, empowering local talent, and ensuring ethical and inclusive AI governance.
This initiative, developed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is supported by various stakeholders including higher education institutions, industry players, and government agencies.
Therefore, universities must take a more proactive approach in offering AI-based academic programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as short-term and professional certification courses.
Local universities play a pivotal role as key drivers in the development of human capital and responsible AI research. One of the major challenges in AI development in Malaysia is the shortage of skilled professionals and local experts in the field.
Some local universities have begun to offer specialised programmes in AI and machine learning. However, these efforts need to be expanded through curriculum alignment, continuous training for lecturers, and close collaboration with industry to enhance graduate employability.
Beyond education, universities also play a critical role in AI research. Research focus should not be limited to advanced technological development alone, but also include the application of AI in addressing local challenges such as smart agriculture, flood management, adaptive learning, and public health.
The AI Roadmap underscores the importance of collaboration among universities, industry, and the public sector. This means universities must plan transdisciplinary research projects that go beyond the ivory tower and produce tangible impacts on society.
The numerous challenges
Nonetheless, efforts to strengthen AI at the university level face numerous challenges such as funding constraints, gaps in lecturer expertise, and varying levels of technological readiness. Thus, long-term strategies such as phased investments, sabbatical training for lecturers at global technology centres, and the development of online AI learning platforms must be explored to ensure these initiatives are inclusive and sustainable.
With the immense potential of AI, ethical, privacy, and social justice concerns inevitably arise. Universities should serve as critical spaces for evaluating the societal implications of AI, particularly from the perspectives of policy, ethics, and equity.
For instance, how can AI systems be applied fairly in education or recruitment processes? How is user data protected in AI applications?
Courses such as AI Ethics, Responsible Innovation, and Digital Rights should be incorporated into the curriculum to ensure that future generations are not only technologically literate but also capable of critical and responsible thinking.
Universities have the potential to become innovation hubs through centres of excellence, AI laboratories, and startup incubators. By supporting students and researchers in commercialising AI technologies, universities can contribute to the growth of the digital economy and strengthen the national innovation ecosystem.
Reinforcing the university-government-industry relationship
The tripartite relationship among universities, government, and industry must be reinforced through platforms such as the Public-Private Research Network (PPRN) and the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS).
Moreover, university alumni also play a significant role as change agents in the national AI landscape. Successful alumni in this field can mentor students through guidance sessions, workshops, or industrial training opportunities at IT companies.
This creates a support network among agencies to accelerate the development of AI talent in the country.
Neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Vietnam are also aggressively investing in AI development through world-class research centres and funding initiatives.
Singapore, for example, has established AI Singapore, a national initiative focused on solving challenges in both the public and private sectors.
Hence, Malaysian universities must act strategically to avoid falling behind in the race to build regional capabilities in future technologies.
Regional cooperation in the form of student and researcher exchanges, as well as joint projects, should be pursued to enhance global competitiveness.
With a clear commitment, strong policy support from the government, and collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, local universities can position Malaysia as a progressive and competitive regional leader in AI.
-- BERNAMA
Assoc Prof Dr Suhana Saad is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Development, Social and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
