Latest news with #APU
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Business degrees for an AI era
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
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Nvidia's rumored gaming laptop APU just spotted in new leak — what we know
The gigantic Computex convention just ended, but some things were missing from the overstuffed event, including Nvidia's first-ever consumer-grade laptop CPU. Nvidia showcased a lot at Computex 2025, including an RTX-powered AI avatar and several RTX 5060 laptops and desktops. MSI even showcased the MS-C931, which features the Nvidia GB10 ARM 'superchip', but that is meant for AI applications and not for everyday use. Unfortunately, we didn't see the rumored gaming laptop APU. Instead, our first look is coming from the YouTuber Moore's Law is Dead, who highlighted the APU in a recent video. In the video (around 40 minutes), Moore's Law shows an image of the new APU that is purportedly an engineering sample of the new silicon, attached to at least eight memory modules. The sample hints at an AMD Strix Halo-esque configuration with an onboard iGPU and a TDP of 80 to 120 watts. Likely, Nvidia's APU will be on an ARM device with a CPU allegedly developed by MediaTek. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. This type of integrated build is likely to be the future of gaming laptops. We can see how well it works with the AMD APU in the Asus ROG Flow Z13. There, we see that dedicated graphics have been ditched in favor of an integrated powerhouse in the Ryzen AI Max 390. Beyond powerful graphics, having it all integrated and quick access to LPDDR means that laptops utilizing this silicon will be more battery efficient, something gaming laptops have lacked until now. Plus, it builds toward a stronger handheld gaming experience as more handheld gaming PCs are likely to feature this kind of architecture. For another hint, the Nintendo Switch 2, which launches next week on June 5, features a custom Nvidia Tegra chip that has already shown how DLSS can extract higher performance out of games. According to the Moore's Law source, the Nvidia APU is expected to launch either late this year or in early 2026, which aligns with previous rumors that suggested we would see this new APU in 2025.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
APU highlights the need for conservation of the sun bear
ASIA PACIFIC University of Technology and Innovation (APU) together with Brainchild Pictures have produced a documentary titled Itam: A Sun Bear Story, which spotlights the plight of the endangered Malayan Bornean sun bear and its disappearing rainforest habitat. The endangered Malayan sun bear is in need of help, being one of the world's most elusive bear species and as its numbers dwindle in the wild, one rescued Bornean sun bear Itam represents hope for the future through this documentary. The documentary shot entirely in Sabah involved APU academic staff and students and as vice-chancellor of APU Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan said, 'It is an honour to be part of this production journey. This rare opportunity allows our staff and students from diverse creative fields to collaborate on a large-scale project with the potential to make a meaningful impact on environmental conservation.' Working closely with Brainchild Pictures, students from APU School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) contributed creative proposals, including graphic designs, motion graphics, visual effects and also awareness campaigns. The production house also contributed to the learning experience of students by providing exclusive masterclass sessions at APU, offering insights into visual effects (VFX). APU students also explored sustainable 3D souvenirs and developed tourism focused story books to raise awareness on sun bears. At the launch of the full length documentary, a first for Malaysia, there was a recorded session with Dr Wong Siew Te, founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). He shared the many threats to their habitat, including deforestation and poaching. Wong said despite being the smallest bear species on Earth, sun bears are recognised as keystone species in maintaining rainforest ecosystems. He said their survival is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for human wellbeing and climate resilience. The film's trailer was officially launched on May 8 at the APU campus in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil by Tourism Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan. Khairul said, 'We celebrate the launch of Malaysia's first big screen wildlife documentary, showcasing our commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. Featuring Itam, a rescued sun bear, the film highlights the vital role of sun bears in our ecosystem. 'This documentary is a timely call for awareness, education and action. Projects like Itam put Malaysia on the global map – not just as a tourist destination, but as a country deeply committed to preserving our natural heritage for generations to come,' he said. Filmmaker Raymond Tan, who directed the documentary said Itam not only chronicles the story of Malaysia's sun bear but also showcases Sabah as a leading destination for environmental and sustainability efforts in the region. 'Itam is more than just a story about a bear; it is a reflection of ourselves and our responsibility to protect the fragile ecosystems we are all part of. Conservation alone is no longer enough; education must be at the heart of everything we do if we are save not just the sun bear, but our future. 'We want to inspire audiences to care.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
A first for Malaysia – spotlight on the sun bear
ASIA PACIFIC University of Technology and Innovation (APU) together with Brainchild Pictures have produced a documentary titled Itam: A Sun Bear Story, which spotlights the plight of the endangered Malayan Bornean sun bear and its disappearing rainforest habitat. The endangered Malayan sun bear is in need of help, being one of the world's most elusive bear species and as its numbers dwindle in the wild, one rescued Bornean sun bear Itam represents hope for the future through this documentary. The documentary shot entirely in Sabah involved APU academic staff and students and as vice-chancellor of APU Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan said, 'It is an honour to be part of this production journey. This rare opportunity allows our staff and students from diverse creative fields to collaborate on a large-scale project with the potential to make a meaningful impact on environmental conservation.' Working closely with Brainchild Pictures, students from APU School of Media, Arts and Design (SoMAD) contributed creative proposals, including graphic designs, motion graphics, visual effects and also awareness campaigns. The production house also contributed to the learning experience of students by providing exclusive masterclass sessions at APU, offering insights into visual effects (VFX). APU students also explored sustainable 3D souvenirs and developed tourism focused story books to raise awareness on sun bears. At the launch of the full length documentary, a first for Malaysia, there was a recorded session with Dr Wong Siew Te, founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). He shared the many threats to their habitat, including deforestation and poaching. Wong said despite being the smallest bear species on Earth, sun bears are recognised as keystone species in maintaining rainforest ecosystems. He said their survival is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for human wellbeing and climate resilience. The film's trailer was officially launched on May 8 at the APU campus in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil by Tourism Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan. Khairul said, 'We celebrate the launch of Malaysia's first big screen wildlife documentary, showcasing our commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. Featuring Itam, a rescued sun bear, the film highlights the vital role of sun bears in our ecosystem. 'This documentary is a timely call for awareness, education and action. Projects like Itam put Malaysia on the global map – not just as a tourist destination, but as a country deeply committed to preserving our natural heritage for generations to come,' he said. Filmmaker Raymond Tan, who directed the documentary said Itam not only chronicles the story of Malaysia's sun bear but also showcases Sabah as a leading destination for environmental and sustainability efforts in the region. 'Itam is more than just a story about a bear; it is a reflection of ourselves and our responsibility to protect the fragile ecosystems we are all part of. Conservation alone is no longer enough; education must be at the heart of everything we do if we are save not just the sun bear, but our future. 'We want to inspire audiences to care.'
The Star
6 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Leaf it to tech: Are AI-powered apps giving plants a voice?
The idea of conversing with greenery has long captured the human imagination, from the giant talking trees popularised in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings to the whimsically poetic The Lorax from Dr Seuss. And with advances in technology, the possibility of that happening in real life might not be so far off. The artificial intelligence (AI) boom that kicked off near the end of 2022 gave rise to countless mobile apps purporting to act as gardening assistants capable of identifying the exact species of plants from just a photo and 'speaking' on their behalf. While not quite at the level of 'I speak for the trees' à la the fictional Lorax character, such apps can be quite handy in a pinch for novices who can't tell grass from unwanted weeds, with many having been installed millions of times with largely positive ratings on app stores. According to Prof Vinesh Thiruchelvam, chief innovation and enterprise officer at Asia Pacific University (APU), these apps typically use AI-based Computer Vision and Image Processing to identify plant types. Prof Vinesh points out that these apps struggle in recognising less common species, citing only a 60% accuracy when it comes to unique lettuce varieties, while at the same time also losing out on local context. — VINESH THIRUCHELVAM 'The AI imagery database is trained, and a Convolutional Neural Network is utilised for analysing images. It works by breaking the image into small pieces and looking for patterns. 'These patterns help it recognise things in the image, like edges or shapes of different plants,' he says, adding that apps then use this information to provide real-time basic care advice. Growing a green thumb From Dr Nallammai Singaram's perspective, such apps make it much easier for those just starting with their home garden. A senior lecturer at the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at Taylor's University, she finds that 'these apps have made plant care less intimidating'. 'If I were putting a plant in my house for the first time, I wouldn't know what sort of soil to use, how to pot my plant, or how to make a potting mix. 'I might not know these things, but these apps would give you that kind of guide,' Nallammai says, adding that in the case of a rose plant, for example, an app may suggest the ideal soil mix ratio and recommend planting it about six inches below the surface. Prof Alan Dorin from the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University shares similar thoughts, noting these apps put a wealth of information at the fingertips of those first getting started, making gardening more accessible and removing the need for extensive prior knowledge. 'For interested and engaged people, this knowledge was previously accessible via traditional means – talking to friends and neighbours, the staff at the local plant nursery, or reading gardening books, magazines, watching TV or listening to gardening radio programmes. 'The immediacy of access to information related to a specific plant is what makes these apps a stand-out method for increasing engagement with gardens,' he says. Prof Dorin notes that these apps put a wealth of information at the fingertips of those first getting started, making gardening more accessible and removing the need for extensive prior knowledge. — ALAN DORIN Nallammai says this kind of guidance can boost beginners' confidence, help avoid common mistakes, and turn gardening into a more enjoyable and therapeutic experience. 'If you truly enjoy gardening, you naturally become curious and eager to learn more about your 'green babies', exploring every way to help your plants thrive. 'This curiosity, supported by apps and digital tools, can positively influence gardening habits,' she says. Back to earth However, Nallammai also stresses that while they are a good starting point, it is 'important to remember that apps alone cannot make you an expert; real learning also requires hands-on experience and personal observation'. 'For some, the apps spark long-term interest and lasting gardening habits and bring joy. For others, they are novelty tools that provide convenience at the beginning but don't replace the need to develop real gardening knowledge,' she says. Prof Vinesh agrees, saying that 'apps are a wonderful digital support tool. But at times, it does not consider local conditions like real-time weather, soil, or heat'. 'That's why they can't replace real hands-on gardening experience, especially for serious gardeners or farmers who have to deal with the volatile climate change issues or the growing new patterns of pest attacks.' Nallammai believes the takeaway shouldn't be to entirely avoid using these apps, but rather to not rely solely upon them. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star Apps still do have a place, from Nallammai's experience, having observed her students using these kinds of apps to quickly identify plant species and receive recommendations for improving the growth of the test plants they are working with in class. She says apps like PictureThis , PlantNet , and Seek By iNaturalist are reliable for plant identification, while Planta is helpful for watering schedules, and care reminders. Plantora , on the other hand, not only detects nutrient deficiencies and signs of plant disease but also provides possible solutions to address them. It is worth noting though that most of these apps require a paid subscription to unlock their full functionality. Meanwhile, Prof Dorin says he 'was recently working with a group of primary school children who had started using apps to identify plants in their school yard'. 'Their goal was to learn whether the plants provided good resources for native bees. Their excitement and interest were infectious, heart-warming to see. 'Likewise, I know some retirees who are using these AI tools on their daily walks in local parks and gardens to identify plants and flowers they encounter. The apps provide a virtual 'guide' that is easy to appreciate,' he says. Barking up the wrong tree However, like other AI tools, these apps aren't always entirely accurate, so it's important to be cautious when receiving suggestions. Prof Vinesh points out that these apps struggle in recognising less common species, citing only a 60% accuracy when it comes to unique lettuce varieties, while at the same time also losing out on local context. From Nallammai's testing, this appears to be true. She highlights that the datasets used to train these AI apps may come from different parts of the world, which means they may not be entirely relevant or accurate for local plant species and conditions. 'I tested a yellow-green philodendron with multiple apps: PictureThis identified it as a lemon lime philodendron, another app called it a giant philodendron, while in PlantIn , they already had an existing lemon lime philodendron with different features. 'Different apps have different capabilities. Some of the rarer species may not be included in their databases, so the app might not be able to detect them. That's one of the limitations,' she says. These differences may seem minor, but Nallammai says they can indicate what specific kind of care a plant needs. The artificial intelligence (AI) boom that kicked off near the end of 2022 gave rise to countless mobile apps purporting to act as gardening assistants capable of identifying the exact species of plants from just a photo and 'speaking' on their behalf. — Image by freepik 'The darker green ones can capture better sun and may need more sunlight, the lighter ones would prefer to be a little bit on the shadier side. 'The amount of water you put might differ. The thickness of the plant, leaf thickness will also change; therefore, if it is exposed to too much sun, it will get burnt, so maybe less sun. 'They're from the same species but different variations, which could be a random mutation, or from people intentionally breeding them,' she says. Nallammai believes the takeaway shouldn't be to entirely avoid using these apps, but rather to not rely solely upon them. She encourages budding gardeners to start reading up and building their knowledge while engaging with the gardening community, especially more experienced gardeners who can offer advice from their experience. Prof Dorin similarly says: 'If there's a shortcoming, it probably lies in people's over-reliance and over-confidence in the technology. 'The ability of an AI tool to make an informed recommendation will always be limited by the amount and quality of data it receives in training, and the data it is given when asked to analyse a specific situation. 'For example, it would be tricky for AI software to give reliable and specific care information regarding a plant it hasn't been exposed to before. 'But the AI may nevertheless mislead a human by confidently offering advice based on poor evidence,' he adds. Speaking for the trees While no one should expect their sunflowers to suddenly start calling them by name or demanding more water and sunlight, the way Nallammai sees it, plants are 'talking' in their own way, though, in a language that humans don't quite understand. This is the gap that projects like the Avanade Intelligent Garden in the United Kingdom aim to bridge, allowing people to learn about the individual needs of each tree through one-on-one interactions powered by smart sensors and AI technology. From smart sensors to AI apps, technology is giving green thumbs deeper insight into what their plants need to thrive. — Image by freepik According to Nallammai, similar sensors have been deployed at Taylor's Urban Farm to monitor soil electrical conductivity and pH levels (acidity and alkalinity), helping ensure that the hydroponic system delivers the right amount of water and nutrients for healthy plant growth. A hydroponic system is a method of growing plants without soil that delivers water, oxygen, and nutrients directly to the plants. She says such systems are available at significantly smaller scales for home gardening use for as low as RM50 for a system with basic monitoring capabilities via an app, and can rise to the RM500 range for more sophisticated options with more sensors and more detailed monitoring. For casual gardeners just starting out, simple apps paired with an online kit can provide basic monitoring and easy-to-follow guidance. An app that sends reminders for watering or fertilising would also be helpful for beginners in caring for their plants without overwhelming them. Meanwhile, those looking for a challenge and wanting to explore might want more comprehensive sensor and irrigation systems to cultivate rarer species or achieve greater yields and productivity. 'The moment the plant is stressed, it's telling you what it needs in its own language,' Nammallai says. 'A very simple example: when you go home today and see that your plant is wilted. You know your plant is crying out for water. 'So if I have an app that can sense the turgidity of the leaves, it can capture that information and tell you the leaves aren't turgid, meaning they're lacking moisture. That's the plant indirectly telling you it needs water,' she says. Nammallai adds that this is already happening today with the wide array of sensors that can detect compounds in the plants, growth regulators, proteins, light, and other elements. If the right sensors are in place, each one can provide a piece of the overall picture. Nallammai explains that by combining sensor data with visual observations and other morphological indicators, it becomes possible to link them together and begin forming a kind of language that translates plant signals into meaningful insights for growers. 'Using these chemicals in the plant, we can decipher what it is 'saying'. 'The plant might just turn around and tell you, 'you know what, I'm ready, I'm heading towards maturity, I'm going to bear fruits, just hang in there',' she says.
