Business degrees for an AI era

The Star

3 days ago

IN an era of rapid technological change, global disruption and evolving industries, business education is undergoing a profound transformation.
Employers—from start-ups to multinational corporations—increasingly find that while many university graduates have solid academic backgrounds, they often lack the practical skills, industry exposure and digital fluency needed to navigate today's complex global business environment.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving business careers by automating routine work, enabling quick and smarter decisions, personalising customer experiences, creating new AI-focused roles and transforming how people work together for enhanced productivity.
People in business need to adapt by learning AI tools and focusing on skills that complement AI, like creativity, strategy and emotional intelligence.
As business becomes more agile, data-driven and globalised, educational institutions must rethink how they prepare students to thrive from day one. At the forefront of this transformation is the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Through real-world learning, technology integration, industry collaboration and multicultural engagement, APU is redefining what it means to be future-ready.
At APU's School of Business (SoB) and School of Marketing and Management (SoMM), these challenges are met head-on by providing a more relevant, practical and globally aligned experience.
From gap to growth
APU's Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Club (APUBCC) members and student ambassadors seizing the moment to snap a photo with Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo following the launch of the first-of-its-kind 'Web3 Innovation Lab (W3IL)'.
A global skills gap in new graduates remains a persistent concern for industry leaders.
Many attribute this to overly theoretical curricula, limited real-world experience and inadequate exposure to emerging technologies.
As a result, many graduates struggle to apply leadership concepts or lack the specialised skills required in sectors such as e-business, business analytics or digital marketing.
APU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan highlighted a key flaw in many traditional business programmes.
'Too often, technologies like AI, blockchain and advanced analytics are treated as optional, when in reality they form the backbone of modern business strategy.
'As industries evolve, business education must move beyond static models and adapt to dynamic, real-time demands,' he said.
To meet these evolving needs, APU's programmes in Business, Management, Marketing and Hospitality offer real-world experience and strong industry engagement.
Every course is developed in collaboration with industry professionals, ensuring that content aligns with current market demands—not outdated theory.
'This model ensures that APU graduates are not only employable but are equipped to lead, adapt and innovate,' added Prof Ho.
Enterprise@APU nurtures and supports entrepreneurs and startups through the guidance of experienced coaches, industry experts and organisations.
Where tech drives business
In today's digital economy, fluency in emerging technologies is no longer an option—it is a business imperative.
The university integrates tools like AI, blockchain, data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT) directly into its business curriculum, going beyond digital literacy.
Chief innovation and enterprise officer Prof Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam explained that at APU, technology is not treated as an add-on subject.
'It is central to how our students learn and solve problems. They are trained to use digital tools strategically, making decisions that drive measurable business value.
'Whether it is using predictive analytics for market forecasting or leveraging automation in operations management, our graduates emerge with practical digital skills that give them a competitive edge,' he said.
Beyond academics, APU nurtures an entrepreneurship mindset—a vital asset in a world where innovation drives progress.
Initiatives such as the Startup Weekend, Accelerator Programme and Venture Building outreaches, led by the Enterprise@APU academic team and supported by the Enterprise Red Dragons youth team, provide students with opportunities to explore, pitch and launch business ideas.
'We are cultivating a generation of innovative business creators. Our students develop critical thinking, resilience and a spirit of innovation through hands-on entrepreneurial experiences.
'At APU, we embed the entrepreneurship DNA in our students, empowering them to be more employable and build stronger portfolios for the organisations they serve,' added Prof Vinesh.
Global minds, strategic leaders
In today's interconnected world, the ability to work across cultures and borders is essential.
APU's state-of-the-art campus, which hosts students from over 130 countries, creates a truly multicultural learning environment that mirrors the global business stage.
Prof Dr Kashif Hussain, APU's SoB senior head, emphasised the value of this diversity.
'Our collaborative classrooms unite students from Asean, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Europe and beyond, offering a unique multicultural training ground.
'Here, theoretical knowledge is put to the test through interactions with varied cultural approaches and communication styles.
'This active engagement hones critical skills in communication, negotiation and cross-border collaboration—skills that employers in international business actively seek and that are often difficult to acquire in a purely domestic setting.'
Modern commerce requires graduates who combine domain-specific expertise and a deep understanding of global dynamics.
'In today's global economy, the ability to navigate diverse markets, understand regional business norms and build relationships across cultures is not just valuable—it is a competitive advantage.'
'We understand that success in today's marketplace demands more than just creativity—it requires strategic insight,' added APU's SoMM senior head Assoc Prof Dr Devinder Kaur.
'We equip our students to craft bold, innovative marketing solutions that are not only imaginative but also deeply informed by shifting global trends and consumer behaviours.'
APU's purpose-built, ultra-modern campus is strategically located within Mranti Park Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
Pathways to success
APU's strategic location within the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (Mranti) in Kuala Lumpur provides students with direct exposure to regional innovation ecosystems, government-led initiatives and cross-cultural business practices—key advantages for those aiming for international careers or partnerships.
The university's holistic, future-focused approach to education is reflected in its strong graduate outcomes.
APU's dual award partnership with De Montfort University (DMU) in the UK adds further global credibility.
Graduates receive degrees from both institutions, significantly increasing their international employability.
APU has also positioned itself as a leader of hospitality and tourism management education.
Its collaboration with the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute (HTMi) of Switzerland brings a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to Malaysia.
The HTMi Switzerland's Kuala Lumpur Centre, located on APU's campus, is the first of its kind established by a Swiss hospitality school in Malaysia.
The APU School of Business, Marketing and Management programmes are distinguished by their dual accreditation from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), providing students with globally recognised qualifications and enhanced career prospects.
APU is the first and only Malaysian university to receive accreditation from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). This accreditation underscores APU's commitment to excellence, rigorous quality assurance processes and student-centred education.
To learn more, visit www.apu.edu.my.