Seminar on AI, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) is reinforcing its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by actively participating in policy development through partnerships with government agencies and NGOs. These collaborations emphasize UTeM's role as a policy partner, leveraging academic expertise to support Malaysia's national sustainability agenda and global SDG goals. With a focus on policy influence, UTeM faculty and staff contribute research, consultation, and educational programs that directly address critical SDG objectives across sectors.
One of the most impactful policy collaborations has been UTeM's involvement in the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics (AIGE) guidelines. The AIGE, recently launched by Malaysia’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, Chang Lih Kang, provides an ethical framework for AI industry practices, encouraging responsible and transparent AI use. As a panelist for the AIGE discussions, Dr. Sharifah Sakinah Syed Ahmad, UTeM Associate Professor and Vice President of Women in AI, brought forward essential academic perspectives on how these guidelines can be practically integrated within industries. This involvement reflects UTeM's pivotal role in advancing responsible AI policy, ensuring that innovation aligns with ethical and sustainable standards.
UTeM also contributes to international policy development through its partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Asia-Pacific Centre of Excellence (CoE) program. This initiative strengthens regional capacity-building by providing ICT and telecommunications training aimed at promoting sustainable digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific. UTeM’s collaboration with ITU emphasizes policy-informed education and knowledge sharing, demonstrating how academic institutions can play a transformative role in regional development strategies.
In addition to high-level collaborations, UTeM also participates in policy-driven community programs through partnerships with NGOs. Initiatives like the MathIsFUN program and Women in AI (WAI) workshops allow UTeM to engage communities in ways that support policy objectives such as Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Climate Action. By aligning educational programs with policy goals, UTeM ensures that its community outreach is impactful and aligned with national SDG priorities.
Despite its successes, UTeM acknowledges the challenges inherent in policy collaboration, such as resource constraints and varying organizational priorities. However, representatives emphasize the importance of flexibility and continuous engagement to navigate these complexities. Moving forward, UTeM aims to deepen its policy partnerships, positioning itself as an academic leader that bridges the gap between sustainable development goals and actionable policies.
As one of Malaysia’s leading technical universities, UTeM has become a cornerstone in national and regional SDG policy efforts. By actively participating in policy development and implementation, UTeM showcases the powerful role that academia can play in creating a sustainable and inclusive future, underscoring its commitment to achieving the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
