Oxford, UK – Malaysia took center stage in the global effort to advance gender equity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) during a high-level lecture at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, from October 13 to 15, 2025.
The event, themed “Empowering Women in Higher Education: Leading in the Era of AI,” was hosted by the OXONIA University Network, a collaborative platform dedicated to sharing global best practices in higher education.
Keynote: Closing the AI Gender Gap
Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Dr. Sahol Hamid bin Abu Bakar, Vice Chancellor of UNITAR International University, delivered the keynote address, urging institutions worldwide to take proactive and bold steps to close the significant gender gap in AI.
Empowering women is not just about equality," Professor Sahol emphasized. "It's about pioneering a future where AI amplifies diverse voices, transforms leadership, and redefines innovation.
The Stark Reality and a Three-Pronged Strategy
The lecture highlighted challenging global statistics: women constitute only 16% of tenure-track AI faculty, 26% of AI-related jobs, and a mere 10.14% of all-female AI patents.
In response, Professor Sahol proposed a crucial three-pronged strategy for global institutions:
- Cultivating an Inclusive AI Culture: Promoting universal AI literacy, open dialogue, and inclusive curricula.
- Enhancing Leadership Development: Offering specialized training, dedicated mentorship programs, and establishing global professional networks.
- Mobilising Male Allies: Actively positioning men as champions for gender equity and change within the AI sphere.
Global Commitment and Insight Sharing
The event drew a truly international crowd, with participants from Malaysia, Brunei, Nigeria, Morocco, Canada, and the United States, reflecting a shared global commitment to inclusive leadership. Professor Sahol was joined by UNITAR colleagues: Directors Margaret Choy and Dr Hema Alagan, and Senior Lecturer Dr Ramila Devi Ram Sing.
Dr Nurathirah, Deputy Registrar at University Islam Sultan Shariff Ali, reinforced the core message, noting,
Inclusion sparks bold ideas, inspiring me to realise that inclusion in the era of AI is not optional, but imperative. Empowering women and diverse voices is key to sparking bold ideas and shaping a better future.
The session, fittingly held at Lady Margaret Hall—Oxford’s first college to admit women—underscored Malaysia’s dedication to inclusive, ethical, and innovative leadership in the global AI landscape.
Be the catalyst for a gender-equitable AI future in higher education.
ABOUT UNITAR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
UNITAR International University (UNITAR) was established in 1997 as the first virtual university in Southeast Asia and among the earliest private universities in the country. It is the first institution in Asia to be awarded a QS 5-Star Rating for the Online Learning category.
In alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, UNITAR’s holistic and innovative learning ecosystem provides a comprehensive programme offering for all socioeconomic levels whilst developing highly employable and entrepreneurial global citizens.
It aims to go beyond just providing the learning journey for students in acquiring relevant skill sets, but through their C.A.R.E. — Collaborative, Adaptive, Reflective, and Entrepreneurial education methodology, UNITAR nurtures its students in developing self awareness of their talents and abilities, as well inculcating in them the need for social responsibility whilst moulding them to be better citizens of the nation.
UNITAR’s programmes are offered in 13 locations, including its main campus in urban Kelana Jaya. It has a total enrolment of over 7,000 students spread within 40 homegrown programmes ranging from the Foundation, Diploma and Bachelor’s levels to the postgraduate Master’s and Doctorate’s. To meet the current needs of the industries, UNITAR also provides over 50 professional certification programmes. With APEL, working professionals can continue their education journey with the option to reduce their programme duration.
UNITAR takes pride in having committed academics housed in various faculties and schools. The academic verticals comprise of the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Education & Humanities, the School of Information Technology and School of Media, Arts & Design. Since its inception, UNITAR has embarked on an innovative learning methodology where technology is featured significantly but never aimed to replace human relationships. Its pursuit to offer competitive quality education in both conventional and online teaching modes continues till today, meeting the needs of 21st Century education.
Media Contact
Josephine Dionisappu
Head of Corporate Communications
UNITAR Education Group
ym.ratinu@uppasinoid.enihpesoj
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