Delegates at CCA’s study consultation explore new frontiers of AI and its applications at research laboratories in Cyberjaya
Prof. Dr Mardeni Bin Roslee, Chairman of the Centre of Wireless Technology at Multimedia University’s Centre of Excellence for Intelligent Networks, Cyberjaya, presents a memento to CCA General Secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara during the visit and on-site study sessions in the AI Lab
Cyberjaya, Malaysia: The Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering (FAIE) at Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, facilitated on-site learning sessions for participants of the four-day international study consultation organised by the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), giving them insight into the university’s structured research and development agenda in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
The international participants were welcomed by Prof. Dr Mardeni Bin Roslee, Chairman of the Centre of Wireless Technology, Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Intelligent Network of Multimedia University, Cyberjaya. Addressing the diverse group of global experts, Prof. Mardeni explained the nature and features of FAIE, highlighting its 27 teaching labs and 5 research labs, with four main domains of specialisation: 1) 5G/6G and Beyond; 2) Mobility; 3) Microwave; and 4) Antenna.
The introductory remarks were followed by a curated tour of FAIE’s AI and research labs, also facilitated by Prof. Dr Mardeni. The tour began with the TMOne Innovation Lab, showcasing FAIE’s state-of-the-art AI-backed surveillance system, Vision AI.
Dr Aiman, one of the experts heading the digital security service, explained Vision AI as “a context-aware agent with many use cases.”
Vision AI, a subset of artificial intelligence, enables computers to analyse visual data such as images and videos to perform tasks and automate processes. Prof. Mardeni highlighted its diverse applications across sectors: from medical imaging and patient monitoring in healthcare, to automated retail systems, crop monitoring in agriculture, and advanced surveillance with AI-powered video analytics. Vision AI offers both an instantly deployable video analytics platform and a trainable model platform, with pre-trained models for tasks such as fire and smoke detection, perimeter intrusion monitoring, facial recognition, people counting, PPE compliance, and behavioural analysis.
The Vision AI showcase generated keen interest, sparking numerous questions from academics and scientists attending the CCA’s study consultation. Participants were particularly intrigued by the challenges of sourcing datasets to train AI systems and curious about accuracy and efficiency. The session at TMOne Innovation Lab of FAIE highlighted both the opportunities and complexities of deploying AI in real-world contexts.
The second part of the tour within the Robotics Lab introduced an array of interactive robots, including a lifelike robot dog. Participants enjoyed a lighter, engaging moment as humanoid robots performed choreographed dances and the robot dog mimicked real canine behaviour with tricks and playful gestures.
During the final lab visit to FAIE’s Artificial Intelligence for Digital Pathology (AI4DP) Lab, delegates explored the use of AI in cancer diagnosis and prognosis, with the lab specialising in the detection of cancer cells, particularly breast cancer.
Highlighting the alarming prevalence of breast cancer—classified as “very common” in over 157 countries—FAIE researchers explained that it remains one of the deadliest diseases worldwide and the second most common type of cancer. Against this backdrop, the AI4DP Lab is pioneering groundbreaking innovations in digital pathology, developing tools that not only identify cancer cells with precision but also help determine whether chemotherapy would be beneficial.
The researchers explained that data samples received from hospitals in Malaysia are collected anonymously and tested, with the outcomes cross-checked against assessments by professional pathologists to verify accuracy and further training in AI.
The on-site learning session concluded with a presentation on “The Influence/Impacts of AI and Internet of Things (IoT) in Asian Countries” delivered by Prof. Dr Mardeni Bin Roslee.
“The IoT refers to the network of interconnected physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to collect and exchange data over the internet. These devices can range from everyday objects like home appliances, wearables, and vehicles to industrial machinery and infrastructure,” explained Prof. Mardeni.
Highlighting the widespread integration of gadgets and devices, from smart home appliances to smartphones and personal computers, Prof. Mardeni noted that IoT is far more common than we realise. “When we combine AI with IoT, it creates one of the smartest entities in the world, giving rise to smart homes, smart offices, smart campuses, and ultimately a smarter world”, he remarked.
Prof. Mardeni highlighted the economic and social impacts of AI and IoT in Asian countries, citing examples such as smart farming, smart factories, and smart campuses. “AI is really giving impact to national economies,” he noted. Yet, even amid FAIE’s benevolent and humanitarian aspirations, he echoed the cautions raised during CCA’s study consultation, emphasising that significant challenges and risks with AI remain.
Issues of trust and safety remain paramount, with concerns over privacy, cross-border data flows, rising infrastructure costs, and security risks posing significant hurdles. These challenges underscore that while AI opens new horizons, its development must be guided with vigilance, responsibility, and a commitment to the common good.
