Sunway College announced a new Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence as the sector seeks more talent to meet the growing demand for AI expertise.
Program details and curriculum focus
The two‑year diploma blends core AI theory with hands‑on projects, covering machine learning, generative AI, natural language processing, cloud‑based AI and intelligent systems. Students will design chatbots, predictive tools and automated workflows while learning how to evaluate models for accuracy, fairness and ethical impact.
Practical work is woven throughout the curriculum. Learners use cloud platforms and industry‑standard tools to build and deploy solutions, culminating in a final‑year project that guides them from data preparation to live deployment.
Internships are arranged at the Research Centre for Human‑Machine Collaboration (HUMAC) at Sunway University. There, participants observe applications such as 3D mapping and AI‑driven detection systems that assess the ripeness of palm oil fruits, giving them exposure to real‑world use cases.
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Industry partnership and future pathways
Sunway College also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Open Technology Incubator, an organization that supports companies developing open‑source AI products. The agreement aims to deepen ties between academia and industry, offering students chances for knowledge exchange, industry engagement and exposure to open‑source development practices.
According to Professor Dave Harris, an advisor to the Open Technology Venture Fund, “Sunway College and Sunway University are among the best private institutions in ASEAN, with a strong commitment to ethics and sustainability. These are values we deeply believe in, making this collaboration a natural fit.” He added that the partnership is intended to equip graduates with the strategic mindset needed for the AI era.
The diploma serves as the first step in a broader education route. Graduates can continue to a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and later pursue a Master’s in AI at Sunway University, creating a seamless pathway from diploma to advanced degree.
From a practical standpoint, the program’s blend of classroom instruction, industry internship and open‑source exposure could help students transition more quickly into roles that require both technical skill and an understanding of ethical AI deployment.
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For employers, the pipeline promises candidates who are already familiar with the tools and standards used in modern AI projects.
Professor Teo Ee Sing, Managing Director of Sunway College, said, “Technology continues to advance, and AI is now becoming an integral part of everyday life, making it essential that we adopt it while teaching students to use it ethically and responsibly.” He emphasized that the curriculum is designed to prepare learners for the “increasingly AI‑driven world.”
Sunway College will host an Open Day on 22 August 2026 at its Kuala Lumpur campus, inviting prospective students to learn more about the diploma and related opportunities. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
