KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the first artificial intelligence (AI) faculty next month, the Dewan Negara was told today.
"Based on the latest information, insyaAllah the AI faculty will be officiated by the prime minister on May 3," said Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud in response to an additional question from Senator Datuk Seri Professor Dr Awang Sariyan.
Awang inquired about the latest developments concerning the AI faculty at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Mustapha mentioned that RM20 million, as announced before, had been allocated for the establishment of the AI faculty.
"Currently, the Finance Ministry has released the initial funds, and the faculty is undergoing repair and upgrade works," he said, adding that the process of acquiring equipment for the faculty is in progress.
During the tabling of the 2024 Budget in October last year, Anwar announced that the first AI faculty in the country will be set up at UTM.
He said it would involve an initial allocation of RM20 million.
"Malaysia must move fast to lead the field in line with the global digital boom.
"Digital innovation and talents must be strengthened, especially in the AI field, for a more sustainable economic development," he said.
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