Leading the Charge Toward a Future-Ready Workforce in the Digital Economy
Wawasan Open University (WOU) is taking a decisive step to equip its students with essential skills for the digital economy by offering unlimited complimentary access to 80 curated Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) courses. These courses, available to both new and current students, span a wide range of AI-related topics, from foundational principles to advanced applications in the Business, Digital Transformation, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. Through this initiative, WOU aims to empower adult learners with the AI expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape, where artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented industry transformation. This initiative reflects WOU’s commitment to providing flexible, high-quality education to ensure its students are not only prepared for today’s workforce but are also future-ready to excel in a rapidly changing business landscape.
According to Professor Dr Lily Chan, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of WOU, “Today, AI stands at the forefront of technological innovation, driving unprecedented levels of investment and transforming industries across the globe. In 2023 alone, generative AI attracted globally over $21.8 billion in funding, reflecting its critical role in shaping the future of work. This explosive growth is not merely a trend but a profound shift in how organisations operate, innovate, and compete in the global market.
She added “Closer to home, Malaysia’s AI market is poised for promising growth, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 31% from 2024 to 2032 and a forecasted market value of USD 3.23 billion in key areas such as machine learning, data mining and analysis. In response to this, WOU is introducing a comprehensive range of Gen AI courses to help address the expected increase in demand for an AI skilled workforce locally. Our AI programme initiative also dovetails with the government’s MyDigital Blueprint to strengthen the AI ecosystem and to nurture AI startups as part of its roadmap to becoming a digital economy leader in the region.”
“The 80 Gen AI courses will be offered as a complimentary benefit and made available to all WOU students. This means as long as you have signed up for any diploma, graduate or postgraduate programme with WOU, you will automatically have access to the diverse range of AI learning courses we have lined up. Students have the flexibility to select any AI courses from the eighty that best align with their individual career paths and AI learning needs,” explained Professor Chan.
AI courses WOU students have access to cover four key categories:
- Foundation in Gen AI: Ideal for beginners, these courses offer a solid introduction to core AI concepts and basic applications.
- AI for Business: Tailored for business professionals and entrepreneurs, these courses explore how AI can transform business strategies and drive innovation.
- AI in STEM: Aimed at those in science, technology, engineeringwi and mathematics, these courses focus on using AI to advance research and development.
- AI in Digital Transformation: These courses provide practical insights into how AI drives digital transformation across various industries, helping learners apply AI effectively.
To delve deeper, each one of the Gen AI courses offer a unique opportunity to develop expertise and knowledge in AI. For example, the “Introduction to Generative AI” allows students to gain a solid foundation in AI principles while engaging with tools like GitHub Copilot and DALL-E. For those focusing on marketing, “Integrating GenAI into Data-Driven Marketing Strategies” reveals how AI enhances marketing through improved insights, personalisation, and campaign effectiveness. Additionally, the “ChatGPT Advanced Data Analysis” course enables students to boost their productivity by automating data analysis and content creation, even without prior programming knowledge. The course “Introduction to AI and Machine Learning on Google Cloud” further supports learners by guiding them through AI and ML project development tailored to their specific career goals. While “Generative AI: Business Transformation and Career Growth” explores the far-reaching impact of AI on industries and career paths, shedding light on how AI can reshape business strategies and open new avenues for professional growth.
WOU’s Gen AI course curriculum is developed in collaboration with Coursera, a globally recognised leader in online education. This partnership ensures that WOU’s courses are at the forefront of AI education, adhering to the highest international standards. Coursera’s extensive expertise and resources complement WOU’s commitment to delivering world-class education, providing students with access to some of the most advanced AI courses available today.
Enrolment for WOU’s September intake is now open. New students can take advantage of exclusive access to the 80 GEN AI courses, available to them when they sign up for any WOU diploma or degree programme within this registration period. In a strategic move for 2025, WOU intends to incorporate accredited AI courses into the core curriculum of major degree programmes it offers.
For more information, visit www.wou.edu.my or contact our admissions office at 04-2180 333 or WhatsApp: 019-4749 323. Take advantage of this opportunity to advance your career with WOU’s innovative AI education offering.
Contact Information
- Press Contact Name: Karen Lim
- Press Contact Title: PR Agency
- Email: nuanceworks@gmail.com
- Phone Number: 012 220 6843
- Website: www.wou.edu.my
Prof Lily’s Quotes Facts & Figures References
Global facts and figures extracted from below
The generative AI boom in 6 charts – CB Insights Research
PitchBook Analyst Note: Generative AI VC Trends
Generative AI Boom: A Look at the Latest Funding Rounds
Local perspective facts & figures extracted from below
The Malaysian AI market statistic is derived from recent reports by Datacube Research and 6Wresearch. According to these reports, Malaysia’s AI market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31% from 2024 to 2032, with the market size expected to reach USD 3.23 billion by 2032.
You can find more detailed information in the following sources:
- Datacube Research: Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Market Growth and Performance (DataCube Research).
- 6Wresearch: Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Platform Market Report (6Wresearch).
MyDigital Blueprint: This comprehensive strategy outlines Malaysia’s vision to become a digitally-driven, high-income nation by 2025. A significant component of this blueprint includes expanding AI education and skilling opportunities to ensure Malaysians are prepared for the future job market (The Malaysian Reserve). job market (The Malaysian Reserve.)