SINTOK, 28 February - The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is currently happening at a rapid pace up to the point that nearly all industries are turning to AI technology and the field of higher education is no exception.
The use of AI among university students and lecturers is undeniably expanding not only in Malaysia but throughout the world because AI has a high potential to assist in the learning and teaching process.
The great impact brought by AI in the field of education requires educators of higher learning institutions to understand and master practical skills related to AI so that they can equally contribute towards producing graduates who are well-versed with AI technology for industrial needs.
For this purpose, the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Multimedia and Communication Technology Study Center (SMMTC), in collaboration with a world-renown AI and office software developer technology company, organised a "Microsoft AI TEACH" training programme for 200 lecturers from 16 study centers at UUM.
The two-day programme was officiated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Russayani Ismail with the goal of developing and elevating AI-related skills among lecturers, fostering innovation through hackathon activities and creating a platform towards producing AI literate graduates.
She explained that the programme is in line with the 2025 UUM Main Policy related to Education and Research Management which aims to provide high-impact AI training to the university's academic staff, apart from creating an ecosystem of continuous learning and innovation.
The training was conducted by six professional trainers from the reputable company who guided the AI-related modules to the participants, including the ways to use AI in the field of education without compromising academic integrity.
In addition, participants were instructed on the importance of using AI responsibly and adhering to the six basic principles of the AI framework, namely fairness and equity, reliability and security, privacy and security, inclusivity, transparency and accountability.
According to the Dean of SMMTC, Prof. Associate Dr. Mohd Khairie Ahmad, the organisation of this workshop is a continuous step towards efforts to integrate AI in the curriculum of programmes offered to students.
“All of our lecturers have undergone AI-related training which demonstrates SMMTC's commitment to enhancing the higher learning experience and aims to empower our students to become industry leaders in this rapidly growing field. We hope to have more collaboration with AI technology developers in the future to ensure that lecturers always have the latest knowledge and skills related to AI technology. This effort is important because UUM through SMMTC will implement AI awareness and skill programmes to the community through the Changloon Transformation Project which was recently launched," Dr. Mohd Khairie added.
Meanwhile, Microsoft's Director of AI National Skills, Supahrat Juramongkol said this AI training programme at UUM has the highest number of face-to-face participation that they have ever handled throughout their time conducting AI-related training workshops in Malaysia.