UCSI hosts the President of the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World for a thought-provoking session on Diplomacy, Development and the Global South, emphasising innovation and business transformation in the Industry 5.0 era.

UCSI International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability Distinguished Visiting Prof Dato' Dr Lee Yee Cheong highlights how Malaysia can draw from AI-driven advancements to enhance efficiency, productivity and profitability.

KUALA LUMPUR: The integration of diplomacy, technology and advanced skills training is sorely needed if Malaysia is to secure a leading role in the IR5.0 era.

This was the frank assessment of Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World (AETDEW) honorary president Academician Dato’ Dr Lee Yee Cheong, who delivered a keynote lecture at UCSI University’s AI, Circular Business and Sustainability seminar.

Leveraging on decades of experience in engineering and science diplomacy, Lee underscored how bilateral cooperation through projects like the Belt and Road Initiative can spur technological advancement and national growth.

“Large-scale infrastructure projects that come with digital integration, from ports to railways, stimulate trade and strengthen economic resilience,” said Lee, who is also Unesco’s International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South‑South Cooperation chairman.

“They ensure opportunities and national development will reach the most vulnerable members of society. And they directly address some of our nation’s core challenges, like poverty and regional inequality.

“Malaysia must devote all its resources to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty, as it is the root cause of all social, economic and environmental ills in any nation, region and the world.”

Distinguished Visiting Prof Lee of UCSI’s International Institute of Science Diplomacy and Sustainability lauded the Xiaomi-AETDEW Industry-Education Integration Alliance.

He encouraged the launch of an AI Internet of Things Training College for Asean engineers that would start with an initial focus on talent in Malaysia and Indonesia.

He added that seamless "car-to-home-to-office" connectivity would be the immediate future of engineering, where Generative AI and other advanced technologies drive intelligent interaction between vehicles, smart homes and workplaces to enhance productivity and quality of life.