With the Fall intake already underway, higher education leaders in Malaysia are rethinking the way they attract, engage, and enroll students. While affordability and institutional reputation continue to be important, they’re no longer enough to stand out in today’s competitive landscape. Students now expect future-ready programs, global relevance, and technology-enabled experiences that prepare them for the world ahead.
To better understand this pivotal moment, we hosted a latest edition of #EducationCircuitByMeritto featuring Dr. Sasa Arsovski, Faculty Dean, AI and Robotics at Raffles University. The discussion centered on how cutting-edge tech programs and digital innovation can drive student interest, enrollment, and long-term institutional impact.
Here are the key insights and takeaways from this episode:
What’s changing in student decision-making today
Malaysian students are moving beyond traditional decision drivers like tuition fees and rankings. Today, they are motivated by global career opportunities, access to technology, flexible learning paths, and the quality and uniqueness of academic programs. Institutions that adapt and demonstrate clear pathways to employability are the ones resonating most with prospective learners.
“Employment opportunities remain the single most important factor for students. While cost and financial aid are important considerations for families in Malaysia, quality programs with innovative teaching methods, international recognition, and strong digital platforms truly set universities apart,” shared Dr. Sasa Arsovski.
Meeting modern student expectations
Many students now expect blended or even fully online options that help them balance academic, personal, and professional commitments, while also easing financial pressures through scholarships or reduced study costs. Yet one factor stands above all others: employability. As Dr. Sasa Arsovski shared, “Employment opportunities remain the single most important factor for students. While the cost of programs matters, families also value the quality and uniqueness of programs, supported by innovative teaching methods and strong digital learning platforms.”
How AI and technology programs can create real differentiation
With AI and technology programs becoming increasingly common across universities, the true differentiator lies not in offering just another theoretical course, but in how institutions design and deliver them. Students now expect more than concepts, they want hands-on experience, exposure to industry-standard tools, and opportunities to work on live projects.
As Dr. Sasa Arsovski emphasized:
“The most important key is industry collaboration and making a connection between academia and industry, not focusing only on theory, but providing students with practical experience in AI tools and practices.”
AI solutions that truly work best for education
Implementing AI solutions in education comes with its own set of challenges. Dr. Sasa Arsovski explained that the biggest hurdle is not only infrastructure and budgeting, but also curriculum design. Because AI is a rapidly evolving field, some modules need to be updated almost every month. He emphasized that “using AI to teach AI” through technical teaching and learning support systems has already shown great results, helping educators move beyond standard approaches to deliver dynamic, future-ready curricula.
Difference between chatbot and AI agent
In today’s education landscape, the difference between a chatbot and an AI agent lies in depth and capability: a chatbot is designed to provide quick, predefined answers to routine questions, like campus directions or admission deadlines, whereas an AI agent is more intelligent and adaptive, capable of understanding context, updating itself as knowledge evolves, and actively supporting both students and faculty with tasks such as guiding learning journeys, recommending resources, and even facilitating curriculum delivery.
Why AI and robotics programs are critical for employability
In a region that is rapidly embracing digital transformation, students are acutely aware of the skills employers demand. AI and robotics programs give them a competitive edge by building capabilities in automation, data analysis, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future workforce. Dr. Arsovski highlighted that institutions offering such programs are not just teaching skills, they are signaling to students and employers alike that they are committed to innovation, relevance, and long-term career success.
What education leaders should prioritize now
Dr. Sasa Arsovski left education leaders with a powerful reminder: the future is not something distant, it is already here. With the rapid rise of AI, he emphasized, educational systems can no longer remain the same; they must evolve to keep pace with these changes. The critical question now is clear: what will be the role of the teacher in the future of education?
Final thoughts & next steps
This conversation with Professor Dr. Sasa Arsovski reinforced that Malaysian higher education is entering a decisive phase, one where embracing AI and emerging technologies is no longer optional but essential. Success will come to institutions that integrate innovation into their core strategy, equip faculty to deliver cutting-edge programs, and forge stronger ties with industry to ensure graduates are truly career-ready. By aligning technology with student needs and institutional values, universities in Malaysia can transform enrollment into a seamless, future-focused journey and establish themselves as leaders in the evolving education landscape.
Missed the podcast episode? The full recording is now available here and to know more, schedule a personalized demo today.
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