On 17 October 2024, Multimedia University (MMU) and SDS AI LAB Sdn Bhd (AIN) formalised their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The event took place during the 9th Selangor Smart City & Digital Economy Convention (SDEC) 2024, a platform renowned for advancing smart city and digital economy initiatives. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazliham Mohd Su’ud, President of MMU, represented the university in signing the pact, further solidifying MMU’s role in fostering impactful academia-industry relationships.
AIN, a collaborative effort between The Hive Southeast Asia—a recipient of the Dana Penjana Nasional Programme—and the Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC), aims to address the growing demand for digital expertise. In addition to the MoU with MMU, SDS AI LAB Sdn Bhd signed agreements with other local and private universities to focus on developing over 2,000 AI engineers and integrated circuit (IC) design experts, helping to bridge the digital skills gap.
Through this collaboration, MMU, particularly its Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI), will play a pivotal role in providing industry-oriented practical experience, offering a Train-the-Trainer Programme, engaging in research collaboration, and conducting short courses designed to cultivate cutting-edge AI skills. The MoU also marks a significant step in aligning MMU’s academic excellence with industry needs, fostering innovation and digital transformation in Malaysia.
A notable feature of MMU’s participation in SDEC 2024 was the showcase of nine student projects under the theme “AI in Application Design,” categorized as GenAI Innovations. These projects demonstrated the university’s commitment to cultivating young talent and fostering innovation in AI applications.
Among the key attendees were Prof. Ts. Dr. Ting Choo Yee, Deputy Director of Government Liaison and Industry Engagement, Dr. Goh Hui Ngo (FCI), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Yi Fei, Deputy Dean, Research & Industry Collaborations, FOE, reflecting MMU’s strong presence and leadership in bridging the gap between academia and industry.
