Empowering the Next Generation for an AI-Driven World

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In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping industries, economies and everyday life, equipping the next generation with foundational AI knowledge is no longer optional but imperative. 

Universities play a crucial role in advancing research and innovation, and also in extending expertise beyond their campuses to nurture future-ready learners worldwide. 

On 23 January 2026, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), recognised as a Premier Digital Technology University, brought its academic expertise to the international stage through a knowledge transfer engagement in Taiwan. 

Invited by Taoyuan Municipal Yang Mei Senior High School, APU demonstrated how higher education institutions can meaningfully contribute to global STEM education and internationalisation efforts. 

Translating Complex AI into Accessible Learning

Representing APU was Assistant Professor Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Lau Chee Yong, Programme Leader for Computer Engineering in the School of Engineering and Lead of the Visionary AI Studio at APU. 

A chartered engineer registered as a European Engineer (EUR ING) and a Professional Technologist (Ts) in Malaysia, Dr Lau is widely recognised for his expertise in AI applications in engineering and his commitment to bridging complex technical concepts with accessible education. 

Invited to further his advocacy in STEM outreach, Dr Lau facilitated a three-hour session titled Workshop on Intelligent AI Applications, held from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.

Organised by the Research Division of the school’s Academic Affairs Office as part of its internationalisation programme, the workshop engaged approximately 50 students from the 114th academic year.

From Theory to Practice Through Hands-On Exploration

Designed with a strong emphasis on practical experience and interactive learning, the workshop was intentionally accessible to students regardless of prior programming or engineering background. 

Rather than presenting AI as an abstract or intimidating concept, Dr Lau guided participants through the complete AI workflow — from data preparation and model training to deployment.

Students explored AI image recognition using transfer learning, working with pre-trained models to recognise and classify images before building their own simplified image recognition systems. Through intuitive tools, they observed how AI models arrive at their judgements and examined the principles underlying machine learning decisions.

The session also introduced the concept of fine-tuning models to meet specific application requirements, offering participants an early understanding of how AI systems can be adapted for real-world use across diverse industries. By witnessing first-hand how an AI system learns and evolves, students were transformed from passive observers into active creators.

Strengthening Cross-Border Educational Collaboration

The event reflects a growing trend among schools in Taiwan to incorporate internationalisation into their curricula by inviting overseas experts to deliver specialised workshops. 

For APU, this engagement signifies more than a single outreach activity; it represents the university’s expanding international footprint and its commitment to global knowledge exchange.

Such cross-border educational collaborations enable APU academics to contribute meaningfully to international learning ecosystems while strengthening institutional partnerships. They also position APU as a trusted global contributor to AI literacy and digital competency development at the pre-university level.

As Dr Lau observed, “As AI continues to evolve at a remarkable pace, initiatives such as the Yang Mei AI Smart Application Workshop play a vital role in ensuring that students are not merely passive consumers of technology but informed, capable participants in shaping its future.” 

Building Shared Vision and Future Pathways

Beyond the classroom, Dr Lau had the opportunity to meet the school principal, Ms Wen Bi Xia, where both discovered a shared vision — that students should be exposed to diverse learning opportunities that broaden perspectives and prepare them for a technology-driven future. 

Reflecting on the experience, Dr Lau expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality of the organisers and commended the exceptional enthusiasm and curiosity demonstrated by the students, describing their energy as standing out among the many institutions he has visited. 

Through meaningful international academic participation, APU continues to extend its impact beyond borders — nurturing global connections, strengthening knowledge transfer and reinforcing its mission to empower learners in an increasingly intelligent world.