Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) has formalised a strategic partnership with one of the world’s top 10 artificial intelligence (AI) research institutions, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged on 28 May 2025 during the ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum 2025, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister of Home Affairs, YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The signing was witnessed by key leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; Secretary-General of KKDW, Datuk Muhd. Khair Razman Mohamed Annuar; and Chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Datuk Wira Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dato’ Dusuki.
UniKL was represented by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman Senin, while MBZUAI was represented by its Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, Sultan Al Hajji.
The partnership paves the way for a comprehensive bilateral collaboration in AI, encompassing knowledge sharing, technological exchange, and research initiatives.
It also aims to elevate the quality of teaching and learning in the AI domain across Malaysia.
“UniKL is committed to becoming a key enabler in Malaysia’s journey towards technological leadership in ASEAN by building a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, talent, and impactful partnerships.
“Through this collaboration with MBZUAI, UniKL develops the talent in High Growth High Value industries such as AI, cybersecurity, green tech, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing—while embedding entrepreneurial thinking across disciplines.
“This prepares a generation of innovators and problem-solvers to lead Malaysia’s digital and industrial transformation,” said Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman after the ceremony.
The AI partnership with MBZUAI will be spearheaded by UniKL Malaysian Institute of Information Technology (UniKL MIIT), which is envisioned as the university’s centre for AI excellence, particularly within the Southeast Asian region.
This milestone follows an official UniKL delegation visit to MBZUAI on 27 February 2025, led by UniKL Board Member En. Zairul Amri Adam; Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman and the Dean of UniKL MIIT, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Nizam Husen.
According to Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Nizam, this marks a promising beginning for UniKL MIIT to further establish itself as a key driver of AI development within UniKL, MARA, and KKDW.
“This MoU focuses on advancing collaboration in the field of AI, with UniKL’s KAiLA — the AI Centre at UniKL MIIT — serving as the nucleus of our AI initiatives. Through this partnership, we aim to strengthen cooperation in research, academic programmes, and student mobility,” he added.
