Strengthening academia-industry collaboration through Kadosh AI

From left: Dr Choo, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Ms Lourdes and Mr Raj

UTAR formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lourdes Training Sdn Bhd on 8 May 2026 at the UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The MoU was signed by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and Lourdes Training Sdn Bhd Co-Founder Ms Cheryl Lourdes, and witnessed by UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and Lourdes Training Sdn Bhd Co-Founder Mr Colin Raj.

From left: Prof Chang, Dr Choo, Ms Lim, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Ms Lourdes, Mr Raj, Dr Lai and Dr Low

The MoU established a framework for collaboration centred on Kadosh AI, Southeast Asia's AI-Data Education Engine, which specialises in Employee AI Education, Corporate AI research, and Employee AI Competency Development for the business-to-business (B2B) industry. It is grounded in cognitive science and driven by its proprietary eight-pillar framework encompassing Knowledge, Assessment, Development, Outcomes, Skills, Habits, AI-as-Enabler, and Integration. Through its Capability-as-a-Service model, organisations are empowered to upskill employees through a structured AI learning pathway, resulting in measurable workforce transformation and AI workflow automation across departments.

The collaboration aims to initiate joint projects relating to Kadosh AI involving collaborative research and shared expertise, exchanges of ideas and facilities (including staff attachments and mutual visits to pursue research and curriculum development), and industrial study visits for UTAR undergraduate and postgraduate students to enhance their learning experience and professional development. The partnership will also identify, develop, and promote skill training, and continuing education for industry workers and staff, as well as facilitate industrial placement of UTAR students in activities related to Kadosh AI.

In his remarks, Prof Dato’ Ewe welcomed the partnership as a timely initiative in an era of rapid digital transformation. “Integrating AI competencies into academic and training frameworks is no longer optional. This MoU with Kadosh AI through Lourdes Training Sdn Bhd allows UTAR to bridge cutting-edge industry practices with our teaching and research, ensuring our students and staff remain at the forefront of technological change,” he said.

Ms Lourdes, speaking on behalf of Lourdes Training Sdn Bhd, looked forward to the mutual benefits the partnership would bring. “Kadosh AI was built to transform how organisations build AI capabilities from the ground up. Partnering with UTAR, a respected institution with strong engineering and ICT faculties, allows us to co-create meaningful industry-ready programmes, research, and talent pipelines that directly address real-world AI adoption challenges,” she stated.

Also present at the signing ceremony were UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science Dean Ir Prof Dr Chang Yoong Choon, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Choo Peng Yin, Faculty of Accountancy and Management Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Low Chin Kian, Office of International Affairs Director Assoc Prof Dr Lai Soon Onn, and Centre for Corporate and Community Development Director Ms Lim Guat Yen.

This MoU represents a strategic step towards future-proofing Malaysia’s AI landscape. By embedding AI competencies into academic curricula and industry training, the collaboration not only enhances graduate employability but also supports the nation’s digital transformation agenda. As the adoption of artificial intelligence accelerates across sectors, initiatives like this will be pivotal in ensuring that academia and industry move forward together.