The Complete Guide to Study Artificial Intelligence in Malaysia

This program helps to receive profound training for the creation of intelligent systems that can solve those tasks that require human intellect. Culturally, over three years, students learn artificial intelligence technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and robotics with assistance from famous universities like APU and UTM. The graduates can take up jobs that involve AI development, research, and the overall advancement of technology.

Country

Malaysia

Duration

3 Years

Fees

$7,500+ Yearly

Field

Computer Science

Program Overview

Artificial intelligence is one of the most growing and dynamic fields of education, and it is undoubtedly an outcome of ever-evolving technology. It revolves around creating and understanding intelligent systems that can perform tasks that require human intelligence. Consider learning, problem-solving, reasoning, language understanding, and perception – don’t all these tasks require human intelligence? Well, not anymore, because the invention of artificial intelligence has dramatically automated most of them, allowing humans to focus on more productive areas. At the same time, the AI can handle repetitive tasks and simplify human life. With AI revolutionizing the world, the demand for AI specialists who can understand the system behind it continues to increase, making it a high-sought field of education for students interested in technology and a passion for changing the world.

Considering the rapid rise in the use of AI technology worldwide, the scope for students studying the subject seems comprehensive. The global AI market was valued at USD 62.35 billion in the year 2020 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 40.2% from 2021 to 2028, states Grand View Research. There are multiple career opportunities for the students and chances for growth. Students pursuing their degrees or diplomas in AI are much more likely to engage in developing advanced technologies, conduct cutting-edge research, and contribute to technological advancements around the globe. It is a multi-disciplinary field with various subjects involved, such as mathematics, computer science, robotics, neuroscience, and cognitive science – offering students an opportunity to explore diverse interests. There has been major investment being made in the field of AI with an estimated 40 billion dollars being invested privately into the field in the year 2020, projected to an increase of 9.3% from the year 2019. Therefore, it is a promising field of education promising great career opportunities for the students in the long run.

The most likely courses taught in any AI-focused degree or diploma program may include machine learning, introduction to artificial intelligence, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, data science, big data analytics, ethics in AI, and AI programming and software development. The top universities of Malaysia offering either a degree or diploma program in Artificial Intelligence can be listed as follows:

1. APU
2. ⁠UTM
3. ⁠UKM
4. ⁠Nottingham Malaysia
5. ⁠MMU

Why Study Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is a rapidly transforming field of education that impacts almost every aspect of human life. It is reshaping the business landscape around the world and changing how industries used to operate. Therefore, pursuing studies in artificial intelligence can benefit students worldwide and open up gates to varying opportunities. Here is a brief description of the few top reasons why artificial intelligence is the best field of education for students in recent times.

High Demand for AI Professionals: The ever-evolving AI technology has kept everyone on foot and continues increasing the demand for AI professionals in almost every field. From small-scale startups to tech giants, companies are actively in need of AI professionals everywhere so they can help them innovate and maintain their competitive edge in the market. AI is expected to produce around 12 million jobs, predicted the World Economics Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020. Therefore, studying AI ensures guaranteed job security and unlimited career opportunities.

Interdisciplinary Learning: Artificial Intelligence is an inherent field of education intersecting with various subjects, including mathematics, computer science, psychology, neuroscience, and many more. Studying AI can help you gain command over an all-rounded education and information, allowing you to make an impact in multiple domains at a time. It will enable you to understand the technology and how it can be applied in the different aspects of human life.

Driving Innovation and Impact: With continuous evolution and innovation, AI can address the world’s most pressing challenges. From climate change and transportation to the healthcare industry’s problems, students studying AI can contribute to driving innovation in almost every sector and industry operating around the globe. As an AI graduate, you can impact the world with your knowledge and bring innovation to existing technologies.

Future-Proofing Your Career: The best part about studying AI is that it secures your career in the long term. Studying artificial intelligence allows students to master skills and information that are significant for adapting to the globe’s ever-evolving landscape. Since AI is a great technology that integrates into almost every industry and sector, studying the subject will surely be a career for students.

Why Study Artificial Intelligence in Malaysia?

There are several reasons you should study Artificial Intelligence in Malaysia. The best among them include the following:

Quality Education: Malaysia is known for being home to all the highly accredited and globally renowned universities that offer the best AI courses. Each of these courses and programs is accredited by professional global bodies such as the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), which ensures that quality education meets global standards. The curriculum has been rigorously developed with the latest developments in the world’s economy and upcoming trends in mind.

Affordable Tuition Fee: Compared to most educational institutions, Malaysian universities offer affordable fee options. By ensuring the best quality education and the preservation of global standards, Malaysian universities make themselves an attractive destination for students with high-end academic dreams.

Strategic Location & International Exposure: Located in the very central heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia offers strategic access to almost every economically growing state. It is an easy-to-access study destination for students aiming to get a quality education abroad and experience an international perspective of AI at the same time.

Vibrant Student Life: Universities of Malaysia are known for offering vibrant campus lives for both local and international students. These all-inclusive educational centres welcome students from varying cultures and allow them to engage with each other, enjoy multicultural festivities, and experience a fun-loving study environment where their academics are always complemented with the best extracurricular activities to ensure a balanced life.

Career Prospects

There are unlimited career opportunities for AI graduates available in the market; a few of the best and high-paying among them can be listed as follows

Machine Learning Engineer: The critical job responsibility of a machine learning engineer is to design and develop algorithms that can assist machines in learning from the provided data and information. Their role involves building predictive models and creating systems that can make critical decisions without the need for human intervention. The designation is often essential in most industries, including finance, technology, and healthcare companies, and could be a perfect career choice for AI graduates interested in machine learning. They are likely to make around USD 112,806 per year on average.

Data Scientist: The core job role of a data scientist is to perform a thorough analysis of complex data points and interpret them to assist organizations in making strategic yet informed decisions. They utilize AI techniques and methods to quickly analyze larger volumes of data and extract insightful information, which can help enhance business performance. The critical skills required for this role might include data visualization, programming, statistical analysis, data mining, and machine learning. Glassdoor suggests that an average data scientist makes around USD 96,494 per year.

AI Research Scientist: AI research scientists have the core job responsibilities of conducting advanced research in the field of technology to design and develop newer AI algorithms. They collaborate with research labs, academic institutions, and tech-based companies to help bring innovation and advancement into existing technology. Their core job is to implicate their knowledge and skillsets in a manner that can further enhance AI technology for good. The critical skills required for this role might include a thorough understanding of programming, AI theories, research methodologies, and command over using AI tools and frameworks, etc. They are likely to make a sum of 105,000 USD per year, according to an analysis conducted by Indeed.

Robotics Engineer: The role of a robotics engineer involves designing and building robots that can perform different tasks automatically. They are responsible for integrating artificial intelligence into robotic systems to make them autonomous and enable them to learn from the environment and make decisions without human intervention. This role is often significant in healthcare, manufacturing, and service-based companies. The skillset required for the role typically includes understanding machine learning, programming, mechanical engineering, computer vision, and robotics. The average pay scale of a robotics engineer is up to 96,569 USD per annum and that is also subject to growth over the period.

Program Duration

Undergraduate Programs

1. Bachelors in Artificial Intelligence (3-4 years typically)

Postgraduate Programs

1. Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence (1-2 years typically)
2. Doctorate (PhD) in Artificial Intelligence (3-5 years typically)

Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) are implied and followed by every professional university in Malaysia. They can be described as follows:

Undergraduate Programs

Academic Qualifications:

1. A-Levels (at least two passes)
2. Matriculation/Foundation (at least 2.00 CGPA)
3. Diploma (a course-relevant diploma with at least a 2.00 CGPA)
4. Unified Examination Certificate (at least five Bs)
5. STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) ( at least 2.00 CGPA)

English Language Proficiency:

1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
2. A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) and 80 (internet-based) for international students.

Post Graduate Programs (Masters' Degree)

Academic Qualifications :

1. A relevant bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.00 CGPA

English Language Proficiency:

1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
2. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) and 80 (internet-based) for international students.

Postgraduate Programs (Doctorate – PhD)

Academic Qualifications :

1. A relevant master’s degree with at least a 3.00 CGPA.
2. A well-crafted and subject-relevant research proposal is to be submitted.

English Language Proficiency :

1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
2. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) and 80 (internet-based) for international students.

Fee and Costing

The fee structures for both undergraduate and postgraduate degree and diploma programs in Malaysia vary based on the program you’ve chosen, the institution you might be looking for, the duration of study, etc. However, the generic cost of a bachelor’s degree in Malaysia may be between 20,000 MYR and 70,000 MYR (an estimated 5,000 USD to 17,500 USD) a year.

Postgraduate programs, however, may cost a bit higher, ranging from 25,000 MYR to 80,000 MYR (an estimated 6,250 USD to 20,000 USD) a year. The range is often similar for both master’s and doctorate programs. However, the total expense of doctorate programs might vary based on the nature and duration of the research involved.

But the good news is that most Malaysian Universities offer scholarships and financial aid to students in need. Many flexible payment plans are also offered to help accommodate students without strong financial backgrounds but a desire for bright academic careers.

Accommodation

Malaysian universities offer excellent and versatile accommodation facilities which suit each student’s diverse needs and requirements. As a foreign student landing in an entirely new destination for studies, accommodation could be a significant issue for you. But you need not worry because most Malaysian Universities offer a wide range of options, including hostels, dormitories, and even spacious apartment residences. You can pick what suits your needs and comes under your budget, and boom – enjoy all the excellent facilities they offer along with the comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation.

The shared facilities and amenities usually include :

1. Study desks
2. Beds
3. Attached bathrooms
4. Fully functional kitchens or pantries include a microwave, electric kettle, stove, fridge, etc.
5. Laundry rooms
6. Socializing areas
7. Recreational activities
8. 24/7 security surveillance

Admission Procedure

The admission process for getting into Malaysian Universities typically comprises multiple steps, including submission of an application, verification of the documents, eligibility assessment, and, in some cases, entrance exams or interviews etc. While it can be overwhelming and tedious to handle all that pressure while preparing for your entrance exams and interviews, TJS Study Steps can be your savior and simplify the admission process like never before. Here’s how the experts from TJS Study Steps can help during each stage of the admission procedure and ease you from the hassle!

1. We have added featured university and program guides on our website that experts from the industry have prepared. These guides can help you pick the finest universities and programs from a widespread palate as per your academic goals and aspirations.
2. Filling out the lengthy application forms can be exhausting; our team’s experts know how to ease you from that hassle. They offer professional assistance to the students in filling out correct information and attaching the required documents with their applications without any error to ensure the admission process goes smoothly.
3. TJS Study Steps also has documentation experts onboard who can help you gather all the required documents, such as transcripts, personal statements, certificates, and so on.
4. We also track your applications on your behalf and inform you of their progress in real-time.
5. If a university invites you to an interview or entrance exam, TJS can also assist you in your preparation and ensure you perform well and get selected.
6. Once you’ve secured admission at a university in Malaysia, the next step is to get a student Visa, and we also provide total guidance for the Visa application process.
7. Last but not least, TJS Study Steps ensures your well-being abroad. From booking the best flights at affordable rates to assisting you with a city tour, we help you adjust to the city.