From NeuroAI to Agrotech, APU demonstrates its strength in applied AI and real-world innovation to global leaders and changemakers.

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) once again demonstrated its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) education by proudly standing as a Malaysian university to participate in the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 (AAIMS25) via its innovation arm – APU NextGen Technologies. 

This milestone not only cemented APU’s position at the forefront of AI innovation in the country but also highlighted its commitment to advancing applied AI technologies that directly impact industries and communities. 

Held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, from 12 to 13 August 2025, AAIMS25 was themed “Driving Sustainable & Inclusive AI Development in ASEAN.” 

The Summit convened thousands of participants, including ASEAN ministers, policymakers, global technology leaders, entrepreneurs, youth changemakers, researchers, and civil society representatives.

The launch was officiated by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, underlining the national significance of this regional gathering. 

APU NextGen Technologies Leads the Charge

APU’s participation was spearheaded by Professor Ir EUR ING Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer, alongside the core innovation leads. The innovation arm, APU NextGen Technologies, was showcased as one of the Malaysia AI Super Booth exhibitors at the Summit. 

Visitors to the booth were immersed in a suite of tangible, functional, and impactful AI-driven applied innovations. These projects exemplified the technical breadth of APU’s expertise, spanning healthcare, immersive education, and agrotech. 

Among the innovations exhibited were:

1. NeuroAI – An AI system for automatic interpretation of electroencephalogram (EEG) reports, measuring cognitive functions such as memory and processing speed, and capable of detecting alcoholism.
2. Conversational AI with VR – A cutting-edge application designed for onboarding students into new university campuses.
3. VR Applications for Surgery – Guided surgical procedures powered by audible inputs.
4. Vision Systems for Agriculture – Voice-activated with vision systems for digital farming solutions incorporating both drones and agile rovers.
5. Mediguard – An AI-powered mobile healthcare unit leveraging language models Atherion LLM and LlamaTron 1.6M for disease detection and healthcare mobility services.
    

“These projects reflect APU’s capability to develop diverse applied AI models and algorithms which power machine learning, predictive analytics, and decision-making — ultimately shaping the future of healthcare, agriculture, and education,” explained Prof Vinesh. 

A Platform for Regional and Global Recognition

APU’s showcase was met with great enthusiasm from the thousands of visitors present. Delegates included ASEAN ministers and policymakers, regional thought leaders, and representatives from multinational corporations. The exhibition not only validated APU’s capabilities but also placed the university in a prime position for future partnerships. 

Throughout the two-day event, APU NextGen Technologies received significant recognition from industry stakeholders, further strengthening trust in the university’s expertise and talents. This momentum translated into immediate invitations for APU to exhibit in upcoming regional technology showcases organised by major players such as PIKOM, Western Digital, and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM). 

Real-World Learning for Students and Alumni 

APU’s strength lies not only in research and innovation, but also in translating knowledge into practical applications that directly benefit its students. 

Under the guidance of core academic experts, APU students were actively involved at the booth, engaging with visitors and explaining how their projects were developed. 

This hands-on exposure underscored APU’s unique approach of equipping students with real-world problem-solving skills before they graduate and enter professional life. 

APU alumni present at the Summit expressed their pride in witnessing the institution’s progress and advancements in AI. 

The event also provided academics with valuable opportunities to benchmark APU’s innovations against cutting-edge developments in the industry. 

Driving ASEAN’s AI Vision

AAIMS25 was hosted by Malaysia’s Ministry of Digital, with support from the National Artificial Intelligence Office and MyDigital Corporation. The Summit embodied a shared regional vision of AI that empowers people, builds trust, and uplifts communities. 

Against this backdrop, APU’s presence was not merely symbolic — it represented Malaysia’s academic contribution to shaping the future of AI in ASEAN. 

Through its cutting-edge applied innovations and talent development pipeline, APU has proven that universities can play a catalytic role in national and regional AI progress. 

By blending technical knowledge, hands-on learning, and industry collaboration, APU continues to nurture future-ready graduates and thought leaders in AI. 

A Future-Driven Commitment 

The university’s prominence at AAIMS25 is another milestone in its journey as Malaysia’s leading hub for AI education and applied research. With sustained industry recognition and continuous innovation, APU is well-positioned to expand its influence across borders. 

Reflecting on APU’s landmark achievement, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan concluded: “Exhibiting at this grand ASEAN AI Summit is not just a mark of pride for APU, but also a recognition of Malaysia’s talent and innovation in the global AI arena. 

“Our commitment is clear — to nurture students with the skills and confidence to shape industries, solve real-world challenges, and drive inclusive growth for communities across ASEAN and beyond.”