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Decentralised technologies, particularly blockchain, are rapidly transforming the way Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developed and deployed. This convergence, widely recognised as Decentralised AI (DeAI), offers the potential to create AI systems that are more secure, transparent, and accessible—addressing critical concerns about data privacy, centralised control, and opacity in traditional AI models. 

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has long recognised the strategic importance of this evolution. With growing enthusiasm for Web3 and decentralised technologies among its students, faculty, and the wider tech community, APU is positioning itself at the forefront of academic and industry discourse in this space. 

A Sold-Out Gathering of Innovators

On 16 June 2025, the APU AI Club (APU AIC) joined forces with Morpheus.Asia—a company specialising in developing and delivering advanced digital products and systems—to host “Super DeAI, Builders & Makers” at APU’s campus in Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil. 

The event, open to the public, saw a rapid sell-out of registrations, ultimately drawing a full house at the auditorium. This marked a significant milestone in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation around DeAI within the APU community. The initiative brought together students, academics, and leading industry experts under one roof—demonstrating APU’s strong academic foundation in blockchain and Web3. 

In addition to Morpheus.Asia, the event was supported by several of APU’s student-led organisations, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (APU IEEE SB), the Information Systems Audit and Control Association Student Group (APU-ISACA), and the APU Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Club (APUBCC), among others. 

Bridging Theory with Practical Application

“This event was a direct appeal to the innovative spirit within the APU community, encouraging students and enthusiasts to not just understand these technologies but to actively build and contribute to the decentralised ecosystem,” said Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Ehsan from the School of Computing (SoC), who served as both a keynote speaker and panellist. 

“In my keynote and panel contributions, I emphasised the importance of bridging theoretical computer science with its practical application in decentralised technologies. A robust grasp of data structures, algorithms, cryptography, and network protocols is vital for innovation in Web3 and DeAI,” he explained.

Dr Ehsan highlighted that APU’s curriculum is deliberately designed to establish this foundation—empowering students not only to use emerging tools but also to design, secure, and scale the next generation of decentralised applications and AI models. “This approach ensures graduates understand the ‘what,’ ‘how,’ and ‘why,’ making them valuable contributors to a rapidly evolving industry,” he added.

By showcasing its existing blockchain curriculum and exploring opportunities to integrate DeAI components, APU positioned itself as a key academic partner for talent development and research, providing a strong value proposition to industry collaborators such as Morpheus.Asia.

Industry Leaders and Global Perspectives

The one-day programme featured an impressive line-up of thought leaders, including Mr Rene Bernard, technology entrepreneur, Asia lead for the Morpheus community project, and a member of APU’s Industry Advisory Panel; Mr David A. Johnston, a global blockchain pioneer and central figure in the Web3 movement; and Mr Olof van Winden, an international curator of AI-driven art and music experiences.

A Commitment to Real-World Learning

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Associate Professor Ts Dr Tan Chin Ike, Head of the School of Computing, remarked:

“We actively seek to integrate with platforms like Morpheus and engage with industry experts. This allows us to provide students with real-world exposure through hackathons, community projects, and research collaborations. The insights from industry figures like Mr Colbert Low and Mr Olof van Winden directly inform our pedagogical approach and student readiness.”

Shaping Tomorrow’s DeAI Talent

With its strong academic foundation, industry partnerships, and commitment to experiential learning, APU is cultivating a new generation of technologists who are equipped to innovate responsibly and effectively in the decentralised AI space.

By bridging academic rigour with real-world relevance, APU is not only responding to emerging technological trends but actively shaping them—solidifying its role as a hub for research, talent, and thought leadership in the era of Web3 and DeAI.