UTM FAI – DPIM Expand AIBEx to the East Coast

Ts. Dr. Noorlizawati Abd Rahim

KUANTAN, Oct 12 — Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) continues to strengthen its leadership in applied technology through the AI for Business Excellence (AIBEx) initiative, a collaborative training platform that bridges Artificial Intelligence (AI) with real business practice. Designed for strategic partners and entrepreneurs, AIBEx offers tiered, industry-adaptive training from awareness to applied mastery, reflecting the shift from traditional teaching to demand-driven, real-world learning.

Following the successful rollouts in UTM Kuala Lumpur, Bangi Convention Centre and Wisma BSN earlier this year, UTM-FAI and the Dewan Perdagangan Islam Malaysia (DPIM), with the support of Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), continue to advance the AIBEx initiative, this time reaching the East Coast community through a program held at Sri Manja Boutique Hotel, Kuantan.

Entrepreneurs and members of Pertubuhan Perkumpulan Perempuan (WI) participating in the 1-day program in Kuantan

Carrying the spirited theme “Mahir A.I, Bisnes Kencang!”, the Kuantan edition, representing Tier 1 (Awareness Level) of the AIBEx program, gathered entrepreneurs and members of Pertubuhan Perkumpulan Perempuan (WI) to expose participants to AI adoption within entrepreneurial practice. The program served as an introductory platform for entrepreneurs to explore how AI applications can enhance business efficiency and marketing strategies.

Bridging ethics and application, **Ts. Dr Siti Armiza Aris** (right) from FAI engaged participants on responsible and ethical AI practices. At the same time, **Kamarul Bahareen Kamarudin** (left) from DPIM led interactive demonstrations on AI tools for marketing, design, and business operations.

Ts. Dr. Siti Armiza Aris from FAI led a session on responsible and ethical AI, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with integrity and inclusivity. Her session provided participants with a clear understanding of how AI can be integrated responsibly into daily business operations without compromising values or ethics. Complementing this, Kamarul Bahareen Kamarudin from DPIM conducted an engaging hands-on demonstration, showcasing practical AI tools for content creation, digital marketing, and business management. Participants were able to experience how accessible AI solutions can transform everyday entrepreneurial tasks, even for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The program also featured insights from BSN on financing opportunities, alongside inspiring sharing sessions by industry practitioners. This inclusion of a financial literacy component helped bridge the gap between technological awareness and business sustainability. The event was graced by Dato’ Mohammad Sahar Mat Din, President of DPIM. The event reaffirmed DPIM’s and UTM’s shared mission to empower entrepreneurs through technology-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. The presence of DPIM’s leadership team reflected strong institutional support for ongoing collaboration between academia, industry, and financial agencies in nurturing tech-savvy, future-ready entrepreneurs.

Through this third AIBEx rollout, UTM-FAI reinforces its national role in inclusive AI literacy. Following this positive reception, the program will expand with alumni advancing from awareness to applied mastery. This continuity aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by accelerating the practical adoption of AI in business operations and fostering sustainable technology-driven growth.