TrustDecision, a Singapore-based AI risk decision intelligence firm, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) to cultivate an industry-ready AI talent pipeline. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s AI Nation 2030 vision, addressing the country’s growing demand for AI professionals.
The partnership will offer XMUM students structured internships, guest lectures, and exposure to applied research, integrating academic learning with practical AI applications across various sectors, including finance, e-commerce, and digital platforms. This comes as Malaysia faces a significant AI talent shortfall, with only 3,000 AI professionals currently available against a projected demand of 30,000 by 2030, according to the World Bank.
TrustDecision’s Chief Data and AI Officer, Simon Liu, emphasised the importance of real-world exposure for students, stating, “TrustDecision is pleased to support XMUM students with practical industry exposure and help bridge the gap between academic theory and high-stakes business applications.”
The programme will extend beyond the School of AI and Robotics, encompassing students from computing, marketing, finance, and e-commerce disciplines. This reflects AI’s expanding cross-functional role in the industry. The collaboration will also feature knowledge-sharing sessions, starting with a guest lecture by Liu on AI’s evolution.
Looking forward, the partnership aims to expand into joint applied research projects, offering postgraduate students opportunities for industry-informed research and innovation. This MoU represents a strategic collaboration between academia and industry, fostering Malaysia’s broader AI ecosystem.
