Kuala Lumpur:The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve collaboration between academia and industry by gathering and analyzing feedback from representatives of both sectors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MQA's Chief Executive Officer, Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran, stated that the use of AI allows participants from higher education institutions and industry to easily submit their views and suggestions via smartphones. The AI then processes this input to identify shared priority issues, aiding in the development of strategic recommendations.

The AI-driven approach enables the analysis of hundreds of responses, which are then categorized into five key issues for display and discussion. This method fosters dynamic and inclusive discussions, ensuring that the perspectives of both academia and industry are integrated.

The recent MQA Industry Connect 2026 program, which was attended by 200 representatives from higher education institutions and industry, showcased this AI initiative. The program aligns with the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035, aiming to enhance the responsiveness of the higher education sector to future needs and to fortify partnerships between educational institutions and industry.

Prof Datuk Dr Mohammad Shatar emphasized that while AI enhances the dialogue between academia and industry, it does not replace human judgment. Instead, it strengthens the ability to understand diverse opinions and transform them into impactful actions.