The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) marked a historic milestone in its journey toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into higher education with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AI Labs, Malaysia, and the launch of a two-day “Training Workshop on AI in Higher Education” on December 22-23, 2024, at the UNP Gymnasium. These initiatives, spearheaded by the University Research and Development Office (URDO) under the leadership of Dr. Edelyn A. Cadorna, reflect UNP’s vision to position itself as a leader in AI-driven education and management while adapting to the demands of modern technological advancements.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Rolando B. Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the importance of preparing the academic community for an AI-driven future. He highlighted the university’s commitment to equipping educators and researchers with the skills to embrace emerging technologies, expressing his hope for a productive and impactful training experience for all participants.

Building on this, Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, SUC President, extended his heartfelt gratitude to participants for attending the workshop despite the busy holiday season. He emphasized that these initiatives represent a vital investment in the institution’s future and exemplify UNP’s commitment to education, innovation, and global collaboration. Dr. Cadorna praised the partnership with AI Labs and SEAMEO INNOTECH, noting its potential to drive transformative advancements in teaching, research, and management. He underscored that such collaborations are pivotal in shaping a future-ready university that can thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The MOU between UNP and AI Labs secured their shared commitment to advancing AI education and research. The agreement outlines strategic collaborations, including the AI Edupreneurship Program, which certifies UNP personnel and students as AI instructors and supports the establishment of AI Educenters. It also includes training on the NewBe.AI platform to enhance research and problem-solving skills, internship opportunities at AI Labs for hands-on industry experience, joint research initiatives, and the issuance of certificates for program participants.

Representing AI Labs were four internationally recognized AI experts who played a pivotal role in the workshop. Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Lim Meng Hee, an AI Application Engineer and Researcher affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Precision Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), was the lead resource person. With extensive expertise in AI applications and technical consultancy, Dr. Lim also serves as the Technical Advisor for AI Labs Sdn Bhd. Supporting him were Mr. Meng Thong Lim, CEO of AI Labs; Mr. Chee Kian Leow, Principal Consultant at AI Labs; and Mr. Gui Shun Wong, an Engineer at AI Labs. These experts provided valuable insights and hands-on guidance throughout the workshop, ensuring the MOU’s objectives are realized.

Also present at the MOU signing was Dr. Juan Robertino Macalde, Manager of the Learning Development and Management Office of SEAMEO Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology, representing SEAMEO INNOTECH’s pivotal role in the partnership.

After the MOU signing, the Training Workshop on AI in Higher Education commenced with a lecture by Dr. Lim Meng Hee, who provided an overview of AI fundamentals, exploring its mechanisms, impact on industries, and transformative potential in the job market. He emphasized that AI is the new competitive advantage in this era, asserting, “While AI itself does not replace jobs, people who use AI will replace those who do not.” His session was lively and interactive, engaging participants in discussions and real-time problem-solving in a classroom-style setting.

The practical segment of the workshop focused on data analysis, feature engineering, and AI model training and deployment. Participants explored real-world applications, such as predicting tiger species and estimating salmon prices based on dataset features. The first day concluded with a standout moment: the demonstration of an AI-powered tomato sorter, showcasing how AI technologies can optimize processes in agriculture and industry.

On the second day, sessions focused on AI’s applications and challenges in higher education, emphasizing tools for productivity, enhancing learning and creativity, syllabus development, exam question setting, and applications in research and paper writing. These sessions were jointly delivered by Dr. Lim Meng Hee, Mr. Meng Thong Lim, Mr. Chee Kian Leow, and Mr. Gui Shun Wong, who guided discussions on integrating AI into various disciplines.

The workshop concluded with a closing program that celebrated its success and impact. Plaques and certificates were awarded to the esteemed Malaysian speakers in recognition of their invaluable contributions, followed by participant impressions reflecting on the practical knowledge and insights gained.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Albert R. Tejero, Vice President for Finance and Administration, commended the participants for their active engagement and challenged them to incorporate the knowledge and strategies learned into their roles within the institution.

The event celebrated the success of the training workshop in fostering collaboration and innovation, leaving participants equipped to apply AI in education and research.

The “Training workshop on AI in higher education” marks a significant milestone in UNP’s journey toward becoming a future-ready institution. The MOU signing with AI Labs reflects the university’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, laying a strong foundation for transformative changes in higher education. By embracing the opportunities presented by AI, UNP reaffirms its mission to empower learners, inspire innovation, and shape the future of academia.

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Article by Dean Alvin L. Pablico, PhD Photos by Joel Fabillaran, UIO