KEPALA BATAS: The Higher Education Ministry will not prevent universities in the country from establishing a Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, provided they have the necessary expertise.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said that the ministry would not obstruct Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)'s proposal to establish such a faculty.
"As we are well aware, we have launched the first AI faculty in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
"Nevertheless, we will not prevent other universities with such expertise from pursuing the matter.
"For example, universities with Faculty of Computer Science. With the change in time, surely they must adapt and make changes to their faculties.
"So, as proposed by Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) to establish the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, they can pursue it," he told reporters after the opening ceremony of the Global Trends In Engineering, Science and Technology Congress (GTEST2024) at Bertam Resort here today.
Earlier in his speech, Zambry said UniMAP's initiative reflected its commitment to invest in revolutionary research infrastructure and to support interdisciplinary projects.
"I believe the establishment of this new faculty will foster collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
"Of course, you can have it without any hesitation but work out from your internal budget. That is how we manage universities," he added.
Zambry said at the ministry level, they are committed to supporting initiatives that promote synergy and innovation.
It was reported that the ministry launched its first AI faculty at UTM in May.
The ministry is steadfast in fostering collaborations with industry players to enhance the skills of students and engineers, particularly in the field of AI.
Zambry was also asked on steps to prevent the spread of Monkeypox (Mpox) in institutions of higher learning.
He said the Health Ministry had put in place numerous preventive measures, which had been briefed to the Cabinet.
"I leave it to the ministry to make the necessary announcements. Even Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had addressed the matter," he said.