📝 Summary
Engr. Basheer Alhubaishi, a UTM alumnus, shared his international industry experience with students and staff at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, UTM Johor Bahru, on digital transformation and AI in the energy sector. He highlighted the applications of AI and digital technologies in power generation facilities and emphasized the importance of combining engineering expertise with digital competencies. Basheer’s journey from UTM to Japan demonstrates how a strong engineering foundation can open doors to opportunities in a highly competitive international environment.
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 13 – From studying electrical engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to building an international career with leading multinational corporations in Japan, Engr. Basheer Alhubaishi’s professional journey reflects the global opportunities offered by a UTM education.
A 2012 Bachelor of Electrical Engineering graduate, Basheer has spent more than 13 years building his career in Japan, contributing to engineering, digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. His experience spans three global corporations — Toshiba, IBM Japan and KPMG Advisory Holdings — demonstrating his progression from engineering and project management to strategic consulting and AI transformation.
Currently working in AI Program Management Office (PMO) at KPMG Advisory Holdings in Japan, Basheer supports Growth & Strategy initiatives, AI adoption, strategic coordination and enterprise-wide transformation planning.
On 13 October 2026, he returned to his alma mater to share his international industry experience with students and staff at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE), UTM Johor Bahru, through an alumni sharing session titled Digital Transformation and AI in the Energy Sector.
Basheer began his career with Toshiba in 2012, contributing to thermal and geothermal power generation projects. His experience included involvement in the execution of two major Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects in Indonesia. His responsibilities subsequently expanded to international projects across Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico, as well as proposal development for remote monitoring solutions for power generation facilities.
Between 2019 and 2023, he contributed to the development and deployment of digital solutions for power generation, industrial operations, energy management and decarbonisation.
His transition to IBM Japan in 2024 marked another milestone in his career, where he focused on IT, AI and digital transformation consulting for major energy companies. He also served as an account leader for a major Japanese gas company.
In 2026, Basheer joined KPMG Advisory Holdings, expanding his experience into AI strategy and enterprise-wide transformation initiatives. Throughout his career, he has contributed to major projects and filed two patents in Japan.
Reflecting on his journey, Basheer acknowledged the foundation provided by his university education.
“My journey from UTM to Japan has taught me that a strong engineering foundation can open doors to opportunities far beyond what we initially imagine. UTM equipped me with the technical knowledge and confidence to adapt, learn and grow in a highly competitive international environment,” he said.
During the sharing session, Basheer introduced participants to how AI and digital technologies are transforming conventional power generation facilities into intelligent, data-driven operations.
He highlighted applications of machine learning, digital twins and generative AI in predictive maintenance, equipment monitoring, performance optimisation and engineering decision-making. He also discussed Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), which enables engineers to retrieve information from trusted technical documents more efficiently.
Beyond technology, he emphasised continuous learning, responsible AI adoption and the importance of combining engineering expertise with digital competencies.
His engagement demonstrates how internationally experienced alumni can connect UTM students with global industry knowledge, emerging technologies and international career opportunities.
With alumni spanning more than 100 countries, UTM’s international network represents a valuable resource for knowledge exchange, industry collaboration and graduate development, supporting the university’s aspirations under UTM ASCEND 2030.
For Basheer, returning to UTM carries personal significance.
“Returning to UTM is particularly meaningful because this is where my professional journey began. I hope that sharing my experiences will encourage students to think globally, embrace new technologies and recognise that their potential extends far beyond geographical boundaries,” he said.
His journey exemplifies how UTM’s international alumni continue to inspire future generations, bringing global expertise back to the university while strengthening its connections with industries worldwide.
