KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM) here is set to make history by becoming the first private institution of higher learning (IPTS) in Malaysia to offer a Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence (Honours) programme in line with the high demand for AI expertise in the market.
UPTM deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Muhamad Nizam Jali said AI is a new field that offers wide career prospects, making it a strategic choice for students wanting to venture into the field.
"So far, if we look at Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is the leader in this field. We aim to make UPTM the first IPTS and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) institution to offer this programme,” he said.
He told the media this after the launch of the Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence (Honours) programme and a book titled "Ada Apa Dengan AI” by MARA director-general Datuk Seri Azhar Abdul Manaf.
Nizam added that the three-year study programme would begin at the end of this year and the entry requirements are that students must have a diploma or foundation certificate in information technology (IT), Computer Science or related fields.
UPTM's dean of the Faculty of Computing and Multimedia, Dr Saifuddin Mohtaram said the programme offers two main tracks, namely AI in Finance or AI in Business and AI for Big Data.
He said that throughout their programme, students will learn about the Fundamentals of Computer Science and Fundamentals of AI before delving into their major.
"Our approach focuses more on Applied AI, where students will learn practical ways of using AI in the business world or their careers, such as data engineers,” he said, adding that UPTM has qualified teaching staff in the field of AI, including lecturers who have doctorates of philosophy (PhD) and masters in related disciplines.
"AI encompasses various branches like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision, which each requires specific expertise. Alhamdulillah, UPTM has successfully produced teaching staff for these fields,” he said.
Asked about the new programme syllabus, Saifuddin said its development was based on the latest guidelines issued by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) last October.
"We followed the MQA advisory note and also collaborated with other universities to develop this syllabus. We also referred to the programmes offered by foreign universities to ensure the course provided aligns with the latest development in the field of AI,” he said.
The UPTM Post-Graduate Education Carnival, which ends on Thursday (Feb 6), was also launched today, featuring various expert sharing sessions through industry forums and premier talks related to the development of AI technology as well as career prospects in accountancy.
The panels involved in the sharing session included representatives from Institut Kajian Ekonomi Bumiputera (IKEB), the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (MAICSA), the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
-- BERNAMA
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