UTAR advances digital inclusion through AI skills training with IBM

In a move to strengthen digital empowerment and community upskilling, UTAR entered into a strategic collaboration with IBM Malaysia on 19 May 2025. This initiative marks a significant milestone in UTAR’s ongoing efforts to equip final-year students, alumni, and the B40 community with in-demand skills in AI, cloud computing, web development, and cybersecurity.

This initiative also aligns with UTAR’s vision of connecting academic learning with real-world applications. By integrating the IBM SkillsBuild platform into its free executive education programmes, UTAR seeks to bridge Malaysia’s digital talent gap and contribute to the government’s goal of achieving a 25.5% digital economy contribution to national GDP by 2025.

“As a university committed to producing industry-ready graduates, we are proud to partner with IBM to co-develop tailored training programmes that foster digital competence and enhance workplace readiness,” said UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat. “This partnership not only supports our students and alumni but also empowers underserved communities through inclusive access to transformative education.”

Through this collaboration, UTAR learners will have access to over 1,000 free courses and market-recognised digital credentials. Learners will engage in interactive modules spanning AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, cybersecurity, and machine learning, all supported by IBM experts and volunteers through live virtual sessions, technical support, and guided projects.

Minister of Human Resources YB Tuan Steven Sim Chee Keong expressed strong support for the initiative, commending UTAR’s proactive approach in nurturing digital talent. He emphasised the importance of equipping students not only with technical capabilities but also a solid understanding of AI ethics and industry expectations.

Under this collaboration, UTAR will design customised learning plans aligned with individual career aspirations. Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to attend online workshops and receive career coaching from IBM professionals, gaining practical insights into evolving roles in the digital workforce.

This joint effort also supports IBM’s global mission to skill 30 million people by 2030. More importantly, it positions UTAR as a proactive leader in advancing Malaysia’s digital ecosystem through academia-industry synergy. By fostering inclusive learning and career readiness, the collaboration exemplifies UTAR’s dedication to societal progress through quality education.