Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology (UniKL MITEC) is strengthening its Industrial Training (INTRA) ecosystem through Mintra AI.
Mintra AI is a customised artificial intelligence (AI) support system designed to help students navigate their internship journey more efficiently.
Introduced as part of UniKL MITEC’s ongoing digital transformation effort in 2026, Mintra AI serves as a grounded knowledge bridge between academic requirements, industrial training processes, and student support needs.
The initiative was developed and sponsored by Dr Muhammad Azmi, Head of Industrial Linkages at UniKL MITEC, to address the growing operational demands of managing industrial training at scale.
With around 700 interns supported by only two core staff members, the need for a faster, more consistent and accessible support system became increasingly urgent.
The idea was sparked by a familiar challenge in student support: repeated questions at all hours.
For Dr Muhammad Azmi, one of the turning points came from a 2.00 am call from a student asking when their INTRA would end and what they needed to prepare for a presentation scheduled at 9.00 am the same morning.
After repeatedly answering similar questions through WhatsApp groups and other communication channels, Mintra AI was introduced to provide students with instant access to accurate guidance, even outside office hours.
Unlike a general chatbot, Mintra AI operates through a grounded intelligence approach.
This means its responses are based on approved UniKL MITEC INTRA materials, process flows, policy guidelines and relevant institutional references, helping to minimise inaccurate or misleading responses.
The system provides students with step-by-step guidance on key INTRA matters, including semester configuration, company registration, student applications, system login procedures, presentation preparation and common administrative processes.
It also supports students in understanding requirements related to accreditation and professional standards, including those linked to the Engineering Technology Accreditation Council (ETAC) and the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT).
By automating routine enquiries, Mintra AI allows the INTRA management team to focus on more complex and high-value tasks.
These include student evaluation matters, supervisor coordination, placement monitoring, industry liaison and corporate relationship management.
The impact has been immediate. Students now have access to 24-hour internship assistance, while staff are able to reduce repetitive administrative explanations and respond more effectively to technical or case-specific issues.
According to the team, the quality of student enquiries has also improved. With basic questions now addressed through Mintra AI, students are able to raise more focused and meaningful questions related to their actual INTRA experience.
Beyond operational efficiency, Mintra AI reflects UniKL MITEC’s commitment to applying artificial intelligence in higher education, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and industry-focused student development.
The initiative supports UniKL’s broader digital transformation agenda while strengthening the student experience and graduate readiness.
The project is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by improving access to timely and reliable learning support; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by supporting students’ transition into professional training environments; and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through the use of practical, low-cost and scalable AI infrastructure.
