In its ongoing commitment to providing students with real-world learning opportunities, the School of Computing (SoC) at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised an insightful industrial visit to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on 14 August 2024.

Led by Assistant Professor Ts Dr Maythem Kamal Abbas Al-Adilee, the visit aimed to explore the future of communications and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is part of the School’s continuous effort to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practices, particularly in the dynamic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

On a bright Wednesday morning, 40 eager students embarked on this enriching journey to MCMC’s headquarters in Cyberjaya. The visit offered them a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into Malaysia’s advancements in both communications and AI technologies.

The day began with a warm welcome, setting the stage for a series of engaging presentations and interactive sessions. Ms Kasthuri Sri Tharan, Deputy Director of the Research Enterprise & Scholarship Department at MCMC, provided an overview of the organisation’s critical role in shaping Malaysia’s communications infrastructure and digital transformation. Her presentation helped students understand how MCMC drives innovation and technological progress across the country.

One of the key highlights of the visit was a talk by Mr Muhammad Athari Ismail, Deputy Director of the Digital Demand Creation Department, on "Leading the AI Revolution: MCMC’s Role in Advancing Communications". His session showcased how AI is revolutionising communication technologies and emphasised MCMC’s leadership in promoting AI adoption to enhance digital services. Students were thrilled to see how their academic studies aligned with real-world industry applications.

Following this, Mr Mohammed Imtiaz Mohamad Mokhtar, Assistant Director of the Standards Management Department, discussed regulatory requirements for communication equipment in Malaysia. His talk highlighted the importance of regulations in ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of communication networks, a critical aspect in today's increasingly interconnected world.

The event also featured a lively Q&A session, where students delved into topics ranging from AI’s role in communications to regulatory standards. This was followed by an interactive quiz session, where students tested their knowledge in a competitive and fun atmosphere. Diploma in Information and Communications Technology (Software Engineering) student Suchitra Nambiar Mahandran was among the quiz winners, receiving a prize from Mr Mohammed Imtiaz.

Many students shared that the visit was an eye-opening experience, offering them valuable insights into how AI is transforming communications. It also deepened their understanding of the regulatory frameworks that ensure the safe and secure deployment of these technologies. Students left with a stronger appreciation of how the theoretical knowledge gained in class can be applied in real-world scenarios. The expertise of the speakers inspired many to explore AI and communications technology further.

The visit concluded with a group photo and a tea break, providing students with a chance to reflect on the day’s lessons and relax. Through the engaging talks and discussions, students left with newfound inspiration and knowledge, ready to contribute to the ever-growing tech landscape.