JOHOR BAHRU, Apr 29 – The Faculty of Computing, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with the UTM Career Centre (UTMCC), successfully hosted the CelcomDigi UniConnect programme — an initiative designed to connect students with emerging digital technologies and prepare them for the future of work. The session brought together CelcomDigi industry experts and UTM students for an afternoon of learning, inspiration, and professional insights.
CelcomDigi UniConnect is part of the company’s broader effort to strengthen academia–industry collaboration by empowering university students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and immersive economy. Its visit to UTM aimed to spark curiosity in telco-tech trends while supporting students’ growth through real-world exposure.
The event featured three prominent speakers from CelcomDigi. Mr. Darryl Ma, Head of Digital Automation, delivered a compelling talk titled “Human-AI Communication”. His session addressed how context shapes meaning — not only in human language, but also in how AI systems are trained to interpret intent and emotion. He walked students through real-life applications of multimodal generative AI, which combines text, audio, and image data to improve communication in domains like customer service, compliance, and disaster recovery. Darryl emphasized how CelcomDigi has developed internal AI solutions that now automate over 90 business processes, contributing to operational efficiency across departments. His session highlighted the difference between automation, machine learning, and generative AI, and how each supports better, faster decision-making.
Following this, Dr. Masdiana Sulaiman, Head of Innovation (XR & Metaverse), presented “Metaverse, AI and You”. She introduced the CelcomDigi Innovation Centre and its mission to position the company as Malaysia’s leading innovation hub by building a self-sustaining tech ecosystem. Through use cases in healthcare (VR surgical training), education (immersive virtual labs), and engineering (digital twins), she demonstrated how emerging technologies are already transforming industries. Dr. Masdiana urged students to equip themselves with the right skills and mindsets — creativity, adaptability, digital fluency, and empathy.
Ms. Stephanie Leong, Head of Employer Brand and Change Management, wrapped up the programme with two student-focused sessions: “WorkReady 101” and an overview of CelcomDigi’s Young Talent Programme. She shared practical guidance on preparing for the workforce, from building a personal brand to navigating the first job experience. Her insights on adaptability and lifelong learning empowered students to take ownership of their career journey, while also exploring future opportunities within CelcomDigi’s structured internship and graduate pathways.
The talks resonated well with the audience. “I really appreciated how the talks were relatable and forward-looking. It wasn’t just about tech — it was about what kind of person we need to become to be part of the change,” shared Nurul Natalia Binti Rosnizam, one second-year student. Beyond the talks, the event offered opportunities for informal networking, giveaways such as free SIM cards and popcorn, and direct engagement with the CelcomDigi team.
Looking ahead, this collaboration marks the beginning of a deeper industry–academia relationship. Discussions are underway to explore potential internship pipelines, guest lecture series, and programs on empowering students to advocate for a safer internet experience.
UTM extends its sincere appreciation to CelcomDigi for their continued support and commitment to future-ready talent development.