Latest news with #MMU
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MCMC, MMU invest RM37mil in AI Transformation Centre
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has taken a major step towards strengthening its position in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the establishment of the AI Transformation Centre (AIX), backed by a joint investment of RM37 million from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Multimedia University (MMU). Housed at the university's newly launched Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering (FAIE) in Cyberjaya, the AIX will feature 13 advanced laboratories serving as hubs for innovation, government-industry-academia collaboration, SME development and rural empowerment. The faculty was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday. MMU president Prof Datuk Dr Mazliham Mohd Su'ud described FAIE and AIX as a significant milestone that strengthens the nation's AI capabilities and their real-world applications. "With the establishment of FAIE, we are renewing our programmes to prepare students for an AI-driven economy. "We are offering specialised degrees such as the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Artificial Intelligence and the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Intelligent Robotics, in addition to Master's and PhD programmes focused on research." FAIE places strong emphasis on applied AI, with the aim of producing students who are not only well-versed in the theoretical foundations of AI but also equipped with the skills to design, implement and integrate AI solutions for practical use across industries. "We also greatly appreciate the presence of 40 strategic industry partners today for their commitment to working with us in producing graduates who are not only skilled but also industry-ready from day one," Mazliham said. Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) group chief executive officer Amar Huzaimi Md Deris described the new faculty as a step forward not only for MMU but also for TM. "As a university and TM's own education arm, MMU remains at the heart of our mission to build Malaysia's digital future, producing talent that drives innovation and progress. "FAIE is another step forward for MMU, and also for TM itself, as it supports our aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030. "We aim to develop a pool of AI-skilled leaders who can apply their expertise where it matters most, ensuring that the benefits of AI are felt by communities across Malaysia," he said. At the launch of the new faculty, MMU and MCMC formalised their collaboration through AIX by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen FAIE's teaching and research capabilities.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar: No nation is safe when racial hatred thrives
CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to reject attempts to incite racial hatred and not be swayed by those exploiting sensitive issues to divide national unity. Speaking at a town hall during the launch of Multimedia University's (MMU) Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering (FAIE), he reminded the audience that Malaysians must rise above destructive tendencies. "Remember, we are anak Malaysia who should love our country. "We must put an end to this destructive culture of corruption and racism, of inciting racial hatred, constant quarrelling, provoking and insulting religion or race. "This is not education. Education should lead us towards good and transformation," he said. He added that the country must be safeguarded against such elements, including bullying and abuse. Anwar said that Malaysia is a nation of laws with a firm legal system, and that violations would be dealt with regardless of a person's status or background. "This is a nation of laws with rules that must be respected. The National Unity Ministry exists because, to me, political stability is essential. "This country must also learn from others. Nowhere in the world has racial or religious hatred ever brought safety or stability," he said at the Temu Anwar programme. He was responding to a student's question on government efforts to strengthen unity and combat racism. "No country can remain safe if voices of racial or religious hatred are allowed to flourish. We must be firm in ensuring no one fans such divisions," he said. The prime minister also praised the maturity of today's youth in prioritising unity. "My outlook is very hopeful when I see young people today being positive and mature in their views on unity. But we must also recognise there are still groups trying to incite and distort facts," he added. Citing the death of student Zara Qairina Mahathir, Anwar again stressed that the government has never concealed facts or protected anyone. "If it involves murder or bullying, I don't care whose child it is — if a crime has been committed, we will investigate and prosecute," he said. Also present at the launch were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. MMU's new FAIE will feature state-of-the-art laboratories to foster creativity and collaboration between students, researchers and industry partners, ensuring graduates remain competitive in the digital economy. The faculty will introduce a new Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Applied AI) programme, a three-year full-time course beginning in July 2025. Existing engineering programmes will also be enhanced with AI components to equip students with advanced technological skills. Applied AI covers technologies such as machine learning and automation to address real-world challenges, including smart healthcare, autonomous vehicles, intelligent farming and personalised digital assistants.
The Star
2 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Use human values to deal with AI challenge, says Anwar
SEPANG: Malaysians have to face challenges concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) head-on by emphasising humanistic values and critical thinking, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister acknowledged that these challenges are present because the country is embarking on something new. He emphasised on the importance of paying attention to the human element as the country delves into the use of the AI. "We must not only focus on developing expertise but also on nurturing values," he said in response to a question from a Multimedia University (MMU) information technology student. "This way, our people will not face the negative side of technology such as overdependence and will always remember to include the human element," he said during a dialogue at MMU's campus in Cyberjaya on Monday (Aug 18) after launching its new Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering. MMU student Elisha said she is proud to see AI being developed in Malaysia but expressed worry that students would become overly dependent on it. "What is the government's plan to ensure AI is used wisely while still protecting our critical thinking skills?" asked Elisha during a Q&A session. She said some students prefer to learn using AI instead of attending lectures in person. In response, Anwar reminded students that they have a responsibility to be present in class and learn directly from their teachers. "The way a teacher conveys knowledge is not the same as AI – and this is something that universities and schools must pay attention to," said Anwar. He also said some countries prohibit students from bringing or using smart phones in school and some have banned those under 16 from having social media accounts, adding these rules are there for good and clear reasons.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt will consider more financial assistance for uni students, says PM
CYBERJAYA: The government is open to considering adjustments to the budget and reducing prices of goods to help university students struggling with the rising cost of living, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. During a town hall session at the launch of Multimedia University's (MMU) new Artificial Intelligence and Engineering (FAIE) faculty, a student had asked whether the government would consider providing an additional RM100 on top of the one-off payment that was previously distributed under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah aid programme. "Recently, I approved the RM100 (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah) for all aged 18 and above. Yes, we can look into this. "But what we have given is a one-off RM100. I know there are needs, and we can consider it in the budget, whatever adjustments we can make," he said. Anwar added that despite ongoing cost-of-living challenges, the prices of fuel, chicken, eggs, and sugar in Malaysia remain significantly lower than in many other countries. "We must accept that. Is it worrying? Yes, it is," he said. "If you ask me what concerns me most as Prime Minister, I remain worried about hardcore poverty, general poverty, and the burdens faced by the people." "That is what we must address as best as we can. But believe me, when we raised the salaries of civil servants recently, ministers, deputy ministers and MPs did not get a pay rise. That is a signal that we have responsibilities," he said. He also stressed that the country's procurement system must be transparent to ensure public funds are used prudently. "That's why I keep stressing governance. If we can implement this, we can save more. "How much has been recovered over the past one to two years by the Inland Revenue Board and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission from funds seized from those who amassed wealth outside the rules and laws? It has reached between RM4 billion and RM5 billion," he said. Also present at the launch were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. MMU's new FAIE will feature state-of-the-art laboratories to foster creativity and collaboration between students, researchers and industry partners, ensuring graduates remain competitive in the digital economy. The faculty will introduce a new Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Applied AI) programme, a three-year full-time course beginning in July 2025. Existing engineering programmes will also be enhanced with AI components to equip students with advanced technological skills. Applied AI covers technologies such as machine learning and automation to address real-world challenges, including smart healthcare, autonomous vehicles, intelligent farming and personalised digital assistants.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Privatisation without governance is 'piratisation', says Anwar
PUTRAJAYA: Privatisation that ignores governance and accountability risks becoming "robbery by the minute," or what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described as "piratisation." Speaking at the launch of Multimedia University's (MMU) Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering (FAIE) in Cyberjaya today, Anwar said Malaysia must not repeat past mistakes in privatisation as the country embraces digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI). Drawing parallels with the global wave of privatisation in the 1980s under then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he said Malaysia adopted the policy without proper processes, often handing major enterprises to politically connected companies. "We sometimes forget that privatisation without transparency and due process means we only privatise to benefit cronies and families. "Without good governance, the outcomes will only benefit a select few. For example, the privatisation of Malaysia Airlines was carried out non-transparently, costing billions, and only in the past two or three years has it managed to recover," he added. Anwar stressed that poor governance meant many companies expected to benefit the nation and its people instead collapsed, forcing the government to absorb huge debts. "And what was the result? Many of these companies, initially expected to benefit the nation and its people, eventually had to be propped up by the government due to massive losses — becoming a huge debt burden to be borne by the rakyat." He said this practice, once described by former Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang as "piratisation," showed why principles of good governance must guide all reforms. "That is why, whether it's computerisation, digital transformation or AI, principles of good governance must always be upheld," Anwar said. He noted that the reminder comes ahead of the 13th Malaysia Plan, where governance has been identified as a central pillar alongside efforts to "raise the ceiling" of economic growth and "raise the floor" of inclusivity. "We must 'raise the ceiling' by enhancing the nation's technological capacity, while at the same time 'raise the floor' so that ordinary people also benefit," he said. Anwar added that without governance, efforts in digitalisation and AI risked widening inequality and fuelling corruption. Referring to management guru Peter Drucker, he noted that in some cases, government-run entities can even outperform privatised ones if integrity and accountability are upheld. "Privatisation is not a mystical law. Without proper governance, sound policies and a culture of integrity, it becomes exploitation rather than reform," he said. Also present at the launch were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
