Latest news with #GobindSinghDeo
The Star
a day 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
The Star
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Supportive legal framework needed for new tech
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo speaks at the ASEAN-GCC Economic forum 2025 at Mandarin Oriental hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, —AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star. KUALA LUMPUR: Having a supportive legislative framework in place is essential towards building an ecosystem that can accommodate new and advanced technologies, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo (pic). Apart from ensuring adequate technological infrastructure, he said there is a need to review legislations that may potentially pose challenges in implementing new technological solutions. Gobind said there is currently a unit in the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) looking into such matters and discussions on which laws may require amendments are already being held with various stakeholders. 'We have to be prepared to face these problems and deal with them when necessary, so we can build an ecosystem not just in terms of infrastructure but also a ready legislative framework that lets us move ahead,' he told reporters after the Asean-GCC Economic Forum. Citing the example of autonomous vehicle networks, Gobind said that in Malaysia, any vehicle on the road must have a licensed driver behind the wheel so as to adhere to legal requirements. 'When we talk about autonomous vehicle networks, we are looking at how cars can move on their own. 'We have also already seen autonomous buses in Putrajaya. The question is how we can prepare the legal framework for this,' he added. It was reported last year that an autonomous electric bus service trial will be rolled out in Putrajaya.
Malaysia Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Microsoft launches 1st cloud region in Malaysia
Xinhua 28 May 2025, 16:15 GMT+10 KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. technology firm Microsoft announced Wednesday the general availability of Malaysia West, its first cloud region in the country, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to empowering Malaysia's inclusive digital and AI transformation. The firm said in a statement that the Malaysia West cloud region, strategically located in Greater Kuala Lumpur, will be an artificial intelligence (AI)-ready hyperscale cloud infrastructure with three availability zones. It will offer Malaysian organizations access to scalable, available, and resilient cloud services coupled with in-country data residency, high levels of security, and lower latency. "With this cloud region, we can leverage the latest digital and AI technologies to move up the value chain," said Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia's Minister of Digital. He added that the launch will solidify Malaysia's position as a regional leader in the digital and AI economy. Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of the Microsoft Cloud + AI Group, said the Malaysia West cloud region will deliver world-class AI data center infrastructure and enable organizations to accelerate their innovation more securely.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Microsoft launches Malaysia West Cloud region, its first in the country
Microsoft Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) executive vice president Scott Guthrie KUALA LUMPUR: Microsoft has announced the general availability of its Malaysia West Cloud Region, launched as part of its US$2.2 billion investment in the country. Microsoft Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) executive vice president Scott Guthrie said the new cloud region, located in Greater Kuala Lumpur, will deliver world-class AI datacentre infrastructure and enable organisations to accelerate innovation securely - supporting a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and AI-ready. "We are providing the critical digital foundation for Malaysia to become a regional AI hub, enabling secure, scalable innovation aligned to national goals. "This new cloud region will feature three availability zones for high availability and geo-redundancy, and provide in-country data residency in compliance with local and international regulatory frameworks," he said during the keynote address at the Microsoft AI Tour, here, today. In a statement, Microsoft said the new region would also give customers access to the advanced services in productivity, data analytics, cybersecurity, computing, and storage. These include Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, and Microsoft's suite of business applications, which will be made available soon. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, in a recorded speech, said the Malaysia West Cloud Region provides an opportunity for the country to move further up the value chain by leveraging cutting-edge digital and AI technologies. "Together, adopting a whole-of-nation approach, let us seize this opportunity to surge ahead and solidify Malaysia's position as a regional leader in the digital and AI economy," he said. - Bernama
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Gobind Singh on what Malaysia must do to shift to tech-driven future
KUALA LUMPUR: The rapid evolution of technology demands more than just innovation, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said. It also requires regulatory frameworks that align with the modern age to enable the nation's transition to a technology-driven future. "The question is: how do we get people to adopt new technology? It really boils down to creating awareness," Gobind said during the Asean-GCC Economic Forum 2025. "One way to achieve this is by discussing concepts like smart cities, where we can show people how doing things differently can impact their lives and improve outcomes." Outdated Laws Hindering Innovation Gobind highlighted a pressing issue of the legal frameworks governing certain technologies are often outdated and fail to accommodate new advancements. He gives an example of autonomous vehicles which face significant roadblocks under current laws that require a licensed driver for a vehicle to be insured. "Without a licensed driver, challenges arise such as the inability to obtain insurance coverage. This creates a conflict with the law, as a driverless vehicle would technically be considered illegal on public roads," he explained. Such limitations are not unique to autonomous vehicles as other industries face similar barriers where existing legislation restricts the adoption of transformative technologies. Gobind stressed the need to modernise these laws. "Many existing policies and laws were not designed to accommodate new technologies. Reforming such laws is essential to enable the adoption of innovative solutions." A Unified Vision for Technological Progress Gobind said the ministry is working towards creating smarter, AI-driven cities that can improve the quality of life for its citizens especially with the establishment of the National AI Office in December that marked a significant step forward. "Building smarter cities requires collaboration between governments, industries, and communities. It also requires data—lots of it," Gobind said. He acknowledged that the government must digitise its vast repositories of data, create systems for sharing information, and establish integrated frameworks to ensure solutions work seamlessly. Focus Areas: Healthcare, Transport and Beyond The ministry has also identified key sectors where technology can have a transformative impact, including healthcare, transportation, and government services. In healthcare, for instance, Gobind envisioned a future where hospital wait times are drastically reduced through the integration of digital systems while similarly in transportation, he emphasised the importance of managing traffic systems and ensuring timely public transport. "These examples show how adopting technology can make cities smarter and daily life more efficient," Gobind said. However, he cautioned that progress in these areas hinges on addressing legal and regulatory barriers. Role of Legislative Reform in Tech Revolution Meanwhile, Gobind reiterated that legislative reform is a cornerstone of Malaysia's digital transformation strategy. "As we explore the development of autonomous vehicle networks, it's clear that we need to address regulatory conflicts. "The first step is to evaluate the technology itself and identify where the current legal framework may be inadequate or in conflict with these advancements," he said. The ministry's efforts are not just about enabling technology but also ensuring that its benefits are felt across society. By aligning regulations with the realities of modern innovation, the government aims to create an environment where technology can thrive. With its focus on next-generation technology and smart city development, Malaysia is poised to become a leader in technological innovation but Gobind cautioned that achieving this vision requires a clear strategy, robust legislative support, and active collaboration between stakeholders.
