New AI-cyber faculty to drive TVET
ARMING students with skills in their respective fields is no longer enough in technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
What is increasingly vital is preparing them for the future through training in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
That is the mission Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) has undertaken with the recent inauguration of its Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity (FAIX).
The launch of the initiative – the latest under the National TVET 2025 agenda – was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the National TVET Day 2025 Opening Ceremony, held at the Melaka International Trade Centre on June 12.
UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said FAIX has been equipped with 13 state-of-the-art laboratories that allow students and researchers to explore advanced technologies in a conducive and competitive environment.
'Some 1,040 local students are expected to form the inaugural intake in October, marking a significant start to the faculty's official operations,' she said in a press release.
She added that the university's role is not limited to supporting the latest national TVET agenda through academic, research and innovation efforts in the fields of AI and cybersecurity alone.
'UTeM also serves as a backbone for Malaysia in producing skilled professional talent through technology-based training under a comprehensive and adaptive TVET approach.
'The establishment of FAIX further strengthens the importance of applied AI across various disciplines, including engineering, business, automation, and smart systems.
'This cross-disciplinary approach is key to delivering comprehensive, sustainable and high-value technology solutions to both industry and the nation,' she said.
Noting that AI and cybersecurity are essential – and no longer optional – fields in today's digital era, she added that FAIX serves as a national reference centre and a hub for research and innovation in applied AI and cybersecurity, in line with industry needs and the country's aspirations.
'The launch of FAIX marks UTeM's commitment to being a pioneer in developing high-tech TVET talent and in becoming a relevant, responsive and proactive technical higher education institution prepared for the future,' she said.
Also present at the National TVET Day 2025 Opening Ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
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