University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) is set to launch a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) faculty aimed at equipping future generations for the fast-evolving technological landscape. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that UniKL, under the guidance of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), will partner with Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to establish the faculty.
Zahid, who oversees Mara under his Rural and Regional Development Ministry stressed the importance of this collaboration, highlighting that MBZUAI was the world's first AI university, founded 15 years ago.
"Back then, many countries mocked the UAE for establishing an AI-focused university. But now, those same countries are eager to learn from the UAE's pioneering model for AI education", he said.
In addition to UniKL, Zahid revealed that three other Malaysian universities — Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMP) — would also introduce AI faculties as part of this initiative.
He said this during a dinner with 250 members of the Malaysian diaspora in Dubai yesterday.
This visit marks the beginning of his official seven-day work trip to the UAE, where he also met with UAE Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei.
Zahid also shared insights from his visit to several prominent institutions, including the AI-powered space tech company Space42, the Abu Dhabi-based vocational training institution ACTVET, and National Fire Fighting Manufacturing FZCO (NAFFCO), a leading supplier of life safety solutions.
He also expressed his appreciation for the UAE's plan to invest approximately US$50 million in a data centre in Malaysia, which is expected to be the largest in the ASEAN region.
Earlier in the week, Zahid officiated the Mihas@Dubai event, part of the Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Mihas is Malaysia's International Halal Showcase, which made its international debut in Dubai after 20 years.
He also urged Malaysians in the UAE to have confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, adding that Malaysia had seen significant improvements in foreign direct investment (FDI) and gross domestic product (GDP) under Anwar's administration.
"Quarter 3 of this year exceeded forecasts, with inflation low and a steady consumer price index. Our economy is developing well, and I admire the strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty among Malaysians abroad", he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's Ambassador to the UAE, Tengku Datuk Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin, stated that Zahid's visit would enhance the bilateral ties between the two nations. He also highlighted that more than 8,000 Malaysians reside in the UAE, many of whom are employed in industries such as oil and gas, aviation, finance, and engineering.
"The UAE authorities have told me that Malaysian expats are known for being law-abiding. I urge Malaysians to continue protecting the good name of our country", he added.
