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Branded under the theme “Malaysia’s First: UNITAR Embeds AI Literacy Across Campus and Curriculum in Collaboration with Microsoft”, the initiative was officially launched at UNITAR’s Graduate Lounge, in the presence of key representatives from Microsoft, Biji-biji Initiative, and UNITAR senior leadership.
The collaboration was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Dr. Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar, Vice-Chancellor of UNITAR International University, and Dr. Jasmine Begum, Director of Legal, Corporate & Government Affairs, ASEAN and New Markets at Microsoft.
Empowering All Disciplines through AI Integration
As part of this initiative, seven Microsoft-developed AI modules will be integrated into UNITAR’s Learning Management System (LMS), enabling seamless access for students across Diploma and Bachelor programmes—regardless of discipline. The curriculum spans foundational AI knowledge, practical tools, and ethical applications, and will be complemented by comprehensive training programmes for educators and staff to support effective delivery.
“This collaboration is not merely symbolic—it is structural, strategic, and above all, transformational,” said Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ir. Dr. Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar during his keynote address.
“Through this collaboration with Microsoft, we are embedding AI modules directly into our academic ecosystem across all Diploma and Bachelor programmes. We are democratising digital empowerment by making AI accessible to every student—from business to education to design.”
He added, “Let UNITAR be the first—and let us not be the last. We envision UNITAR as a living laboratory of innovation, where digital transformation is not a buzzword, but a pedagogical backbone.”
A Vision Shared by Microsoft
In her remarks, Dr. Jasmine Begum expressed Microsoft’s continued commitment to empowering students and educators, noting that education is at the heart of inclusive AI development.
“We are proud to support UNITAR in leading this national-first initiative. AI skills must be accessible, equitable and embedded into every learning journey. UNITAR’s approach not only fosters technical fluency but nurtures responsibility, inclusion and innovation,” said Dr. Jasmine.
Supporting Malaysia’s Digital Aspirations
This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s broader ambition to become a digitally-driven, high-income nation under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL). By integrating AI literacy at all levels—from Foundation to Bachelor’s degree—UNITAR is actively contributing to a digitally skilled and future-ready workforce.
