Johor Bahru: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is poised to take the lead in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in the country, particularly within higher education institutions (HEIs).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, UTM vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim stated that the university was ready to share its AI expertise with both public and private HEIs to support the government’s digital transformation initiatives, in accordance with the nation’s evolving needs. He emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting that AI technology spans across all sectors and areas of expertise, making it an essential requirement for the future.
Last December, UTM hosted a seminar on AI talent development, inviting all local public universities to share experiences and encouraging them to contribute to the growth of this field. UTM is also developing a high-performance AI computing system intended for use by students across various universities to expedite research and commercialisation efforts.
Mohd Shafry highlighted UTM’s commitment to external AI contributions, including the involvement of its lecturers in community activities. Inspired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement in Budget 2024, the university successfully established the Faculty of AI in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education. The faculty welcomed its first intake of 126 full-time students on September 29 last year.
Addressing graduate employability mismatch, Mohd Shafry mentioned UTM’s distinct approach to producing graduates equipped to meet local and international job market demands. The university has maintained a graduate employability rate of 99 to 100 percent for three consecutive years, with a current focus on increasing the premium income of local graduates. This goal is being pursued through enhanced collaboration between HEIs and multinational companies, equipping graduates with necessary skills, and improving learning experiences in line with employers’ needs.
In his address, Mohd Shafry shared that UTM had the highest percentage of first-class graduates in 2023, with a national premium employability rate of 18.5 percent, a consistent trend over three years. He attributed this success to a relevant curriculum and a well-designed student development ecosystem, aligned with the Government’s MADANI Policy, which emphasizes a high-quality and high-income workforce.
Mohd Shafry’s address, themed ‘UTM Sanjungan Bangsa: Strengthening the Credibility of the Institution,’ also outlined five key focus areas to shape the university’s core direction this year: the Vice-Chancellor Leadership Institution, Fostering the UTM Spirit, Strengthening Institutional Trust, Completing enVision UTM 2025, and the Culture of Wisdom and Well-being.