Damansara Utama, 21 August 2024 – The Department of Technology and Supply Chain Management at FBM has taken a significant step forward in empowering educators and students alike by participating in a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Artificial Intelligence. This event, organized by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in collaboration with IBM Malaysia, was held on 20-21 August 2024 at the IBM Head Office in Damansara Utama. A total of 40 lecturers from FBM were in attendance, underscoring the department’s commitment to digital transformation and advanced learning.
As one of the institutions awarded with the prestigious Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTI) status, FBM is at the forefront of a nationwide initiative aimed at bridging the talent gap in the Digital Tech industry. The PDTI initiative brings together key players from the industry, alongside Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and other educational bodies, to address the shortage of local talent equipped to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The IBM SkillsBuild Learning Platform, central to this training, is an open digital learning platform designed for job seekers. It serves as a one-stop shop for all learning needs, revolutionizing how thousands of learners explore their interests, gain new skills, and prepare for the job market. Through this platform, FBM students and faculty have access to a wealth of resources that support their educational and professional development.
Key Benefits for FBM Students:
- Certification and Credentials: The IBM SkillsBuild platform offers a range of certifications, badges, and credentials that validate the skills learned. These digital credentials are recognized by industry leaders, enhancing the employability of students by demonstrating their proficiency in key digital competencies.
- Career Advancement: By engaging with the IBM SkillsBuild platform, students can increase their job readiness, making them more attractive candidates in the competitive job market. The platform’s focus on real-world applications ensures that learners can translate their skills into tangible career opportunities.
During the two-day training, FBM lecturers were exposed to and covered essential topics such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals, Generative AI, and IBM Watsonx.ai. This familiarization process was crucial in equipping our lecturers with the expertise needed to effectively use the IBM SkillsBuild platform for teaching and learning purposes. The hands-on experience gained during this program ensures that our faculty is well-prepared to integrate these advanced technologies into their curriculum, providing students with the latest tools and knowledge.
This groundbreaking initiative would not have been possible without the close collaboration between FBM and IBM Malaysia. Mr. Gajendran Karunanithi, Leader of Corporate Social Responsibility & University Relations for IBM Vietnam & Malaysia, played a crucial role in the successful implementation of the IBM SkillsBuild Learning Platform at FBM. His partnership with the FBM team ensured that the platform was tailored to meet the specific needs of the institution, providing an invaluable resource for both educators and students.
Moreover, the role of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) cannot be overstated. As a driving force behind Digital Malaysia, MDEC’s support and vision were instrumental in bringing this event to life. Their efforts align with FBM’s goal to stay at the forefront of digital education, ensuring that both faculty and students are equipped to thrive in the increasingly digitalized economy.
The training event was further highlighted by the presence of key industry leaders. Mr. Hasnul Nadzrin Shah Abdul Halim Shah, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations, IBM ASEAN, delivered the opening remarks, setting an inspiring tone for the event. The program concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Richard Jacobson, ASEAN Marketing & Communications Leader, who emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the digital age.
This Training of Trainers marks just the beginning of a series of collaborative efforts between FBM, IBM, and MDEC. With more projects in the pipeline, FBM is committed to leveraging these partnerships to create even more opportunities for students and lecturers alike. By integrating cutting-edge technologies into the curriculum and providing access to industry-recognized certifications, FBM continues to lead the way in preparing the next generation of digital talent.
As FBM strengthens its position as a Premier Digital Tech Institution, it remains dedicated to its mission of fostering innovation, enhancing digital literacy, and bridging the talent gap in the digital tech industry. Through initiatives like the IBM SkillsBuild Learning Platform, FBM is not only shaping the future of education but also paving the way for its students to achieve greater success in their careers
By: Dr Mohd Zamri Abu Bakar, Dr Ariff Azly Muhamed, Mohd Faizul Haasan, Mazuin Mat Halif