UTAR hosts ACCCIM AI and Digital Transformation Workshop 1.0

UTAR Centre for Corporate and Community Development (CCCD) in collaboration with the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), successfully organised the inaugural ACCCIM AI and Digital Transformation Workshop 1.0 at UTAR Kampar Campus on 15 November 2024.

The one-day workshop brought together industry leaders, academics, and business professionals to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies on business operations and growth.

The workshop commenced with a welcome address by the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, who highlighted the significance of digital transformation in today’s business environment. In his speech, Prof Liew remarked, “The integration of AI and digital technologies is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses striving to remain competitive in the global marketplace. This workshop provides an excellent platform for sharing knowledge and fostering innovation.”

Following Prof Liew’s sentiment, the Vice President of the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI), Mr Ken Yap Kean Lye, delivered the opening remarks. Mr Yap expressed his optimism about the collaboration and said, “Through initiatives like this workshop, we aim to empower SMEs with the tools and insights they need to embrace digital transformation successfully. Together, we can build a future-ready business ecosystem.”

The programme featured four keynote presentations by distinguished experts, each shedding light on critical aspects of AI and digital transformation. Assoc Prof Ir Dr Chang Yoong Choon from UTAR opened with a presentation titled Incorporating ChatGPT & AI to Enhance Business Productivity, where he explored practical strategies for leveraging AI tools such as ChatGPT to streamline operations and improve decision-making processes.

Following this, Mr Tiong Khe Hock, Former Managing Director of Omron Electronics Malaysia and Immediate Past President of the Malaysia Automation Technology Association (MATA), shared his expertise on SME Digital Transformation & Automation. His talk addressed the challenges faced by SMEs and offered innovative solutions to overcome these hurdles through automation and technological advancements.

Ms Carolyn Wai, a Consultant at Huawei Malaysia, contributed with her presentation titled Carrot and Sticks: The SME Digitisation and Digital Transformation Journey. She outlined actionable steps for SMEs to navigate their digital transformation journey effectively

Adding a local perspective, Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu from UTAR presented Opportunities and Challenges for SMEs, providing an in-depth analysis of the rapidly evolving digital landscape and its implications for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The workshop was thoughtfully designed to equip participants with valuable insights into the latest advancements in AI and strategies for integrating digital solutions into their businesses. It aimed to empower them to embrace innovation and enhance their competitiveness.

One participant shared, “The knowledge gained from this workshop is invaluable. It has opened our eyes to the vast potential of AI and digital transformation in driving business growth.”

The ACCCIM AI and Digital Transformation Workshop 1.0 was attended by more than 80 participants and concluded with an interactive Q&A session, highlighting technological advancements that benefit businesses and the wider community.