Nation’s first generative AI lab on the horizon

(From left) HELP University’ Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology dean Tang U-Liang, Liew, Khim and ABMB talent acquisition head See Yap Siang after signing the MOU at ELM Business School. — ONG SOON HIN /The Star

Partnership to transform education and banking landscape

A ground-breaking partnership aims to transform the education and banking sectors.

HELP University’s Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology, and Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd (ABMB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the collaboration which will introduce the first research laboratory on generative artificial intelligence (AI) in Malaysia.

The generative AI research laboratory is expected to benefit both education and banking industries.

“The lab can enhance the research capability and experience of educators and students.

“This prepares them for the dynamic challenges in the industry.

“On the other hand, the finance industry can obtain a competitive edge via the powerful AI predictions on the performance and prospects of their products.

“It can also enable faster and more informed decisions while reducing survey costs besides fostering innovation in product design,” said HELP University in a statement.

During the signing ceremony at the university’s ELM Business School, HELP University vice-chancellor Liew Teik Kooi said the collaboration came at just the right time.

“The world is witnessing an incredible speed of technological advancement.

“The collaboration marks the fusion between academia and banking, unleashing students’ potential while driving the fintech and banking industries forward.

“More excitingly, this collaboration carries the prospect of transforming the theoretical knowledge on AI, data science, and fintech into practical experience,” he said.

Liew hoped that the research lab in the near future could become an innovation hub to attract many top-notch learners and industry experts to come up with more ground-breaking projects.

“In the long run, I hope that the research lab can expand onto the international stage to suit the ever-evolving landscape in AI, data science, and fintech,” he added.

Meanwhile, ABMB group chief human resource officer Khim Tan said the partnership was in line with ABMB’s agenda of improving life.

“The collaboration provides ABMB with a platform to expand our digital knowledge through research.

“It also helps in integrating generative AI and machine learning into the industry, which could be a game-changer.

“I hope that our efforts can benefit Malaysian society in the long term.”

Data Science master’s degree students in HELP University can also get involved in the development of the research laboratory, for a chance to intern at ABMB.

The university’s statement said this was a win-win situation as ABMB would be able to tap into the knowledge of the students while they gained exposure at a financial institution.