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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Fall has always been a defining season for U.S. higher-ed, but 2025 brings new urgency. With recruitment, and student engagement all converging, institutions are under pressure to deliver outcomes faster, with fewer resources, and with greater transparency. To stay competitive, many are turning to AI and digital platforms that scale operations and create more personalized student experiences.

To better understand this pivotal moment, we hosted a landmark edition of #EducationCircuitByMeritto featuring Miloš Topić, VP & Chief Digital Officer at Grand Valley State University, who brings over 25 years of experience at the intersection of education and technology. The discussion centered on how AI is reshaping enrollment processes, building trust with students and families, and preparing institutions for long-term growth.

Here are the key insights and takeaways from this episode:

Why Fall 2025 is a defining moment for the U.S. higher-ed

Fall is traditionally the busiest season for higher education, but this year stands out as institutions balance tighter budgets, evolving student expectations, and increasing competition. According to Miloš, with the rapid rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, the task now is to ensure these technologies truly serve students, faculty, and staff, aligning innovation with long-term goals to build trust, boost efficiency, and strengthen digital infrastructure.

How AI builds trust in admissions

In Fall 2025, trust is becoming the foundation of how higher-ed institutions embrace AI. As universities explore new tools for enrollment and engagement, the challenge is to move beyond the “black box” perception and create transparency for students, parents, and faculty. The way forward, Miloš explained, is to involve stakeholders, share openly, and demonstrate real results.

“Trust is critical. It comes from being honest, showing what you’re doing and why, and solving problems in ways people can see and believe in,” shared Miloš Topić, VP & Chief Digital Officer at Grand Valley State University, in our latest episode of #EducationCircuitByMeritto.

Where AI delivers the quickest efficiency gains

Operational efficiency with AI starts with strong data. When applied to admissions, AI models can process thousands of applications, compare transcripts, and accelerate decision-making with growing accuracy. While the first and last mile of enrollment will always benefit from human relationships, much of the middle can be automated, reducing manual workloads and freeing staff to focus on high-value interactions. By starting small, testing internally, and then scaling, institutions can redeploy time, cut inefficiencies, and see measurable impact across enrollment and operations.

Challenges in integrating AI into admissions

Adopting AI in higher education requires more than just technology, it depends on leadership, culture, and data readiness. Institutions need the courage to experiment, a culture open to change, and unified, reliable data to build effective AI models.

“It starts with leadership, the courage to try something new. Then comes culture, because if an organization resists change, progress is slow. And finally, you need the right technical investments: clean, unified data on which AI models can truly work,” shared Miloš Topić, VP & Chief Digital Officer at Grand Valley State University, in our latest episode of #EducationCircuitByMeritto.

Digital infrastructure as the foundation 

For AI to succeed in higher education, institutions must begin with clear objectives and shared definitions of what they want to achieve. Miloš emphasized that technology only adds value when it aligns with institutional strategy, values, and student needs. That means defining what personalized learning truly means, incorporating student voice in the process, and making proactive investments in technology as a strategic differentiator. Strong governance, the right infrastructure, and empowered teams then ensure AI becomes a catalyst for efficiency, innovation, and student-first outcomes.

KPIs for data-driven decision making

Fall 2025 also brings focus on the right enrollment metrics. “We track things like commitments, orientation sign-ups, housing deposits, CRM responses, and social engagement to see where students are in the funnel,” said Miloš. “But the key measure is retention after the first year, because once students move into their second year, they are much more likely to finish their degree.”

How can institutions begin their AI journey

Not every institution is at the same stage of digital readiness. “It starts with leadership, having the right people to guide the journey and an honest assessment of where your technology and data stand,” Miloš noted. “AI is here to stay, but without clean, unified data and strong infrastructure, it can do more harm than good. The goal is to treat technology as a strategic enabler, not an afterthought.”

Leadership for an AI-driven era

“Leadership in the age of AI starts with self-awareness, knowing your strengths and where to lean on others,” Miloš emphasized. “It also takes courage to call out problems when you see them, and the humility to focus not on being right, but on doing what’s right for students and the institution. That’s how technology becomes a true enabler of progress.”

Final thoughts & next steps

This conversation with Miloš Topić reinforced that Fall 2025 is more than just another recruitment season, it’s a defining moment for U.S. higher education. With AI now firmly part of the landscape, the challenge is to move past experimentation and align technology with institutional values, strategies, and student needs. By building trust through transparency, using data to drive efficiency, and investing in strong digital infrastructure, institutions can reduce friction, guide students more effectively, and lay the groundwork for future growth.

Missed the podcast episode? The full recording is now available here and to know more, schedule a personalized demo today.

• [EXPERT INSIGHTS] The new playbook for transnational education
• Trust as the real driver of enrollment in Malaysia | An expert’s take on Meritto’s podcast
• How UAE universities can future-proof undergraduate education | An expert’s take on Meritto’s podcast
• How Voice AI Agents scale student engagement and lead nurturing
• The 3P framework for predictable student enrollment growth in 2026

Global student mobility is rapidly evolving and the UAE isn’t just responding, it’s leading. By blending creativity, technology, and industry relevance, the region’s higher-ed institutions are becoming increasingly attractive to students from all over the world.

To better understand this, we hosted a special edition of #EducationCircuitByMeritto, featuring Jan Horn, Managing Director at SAE University College UAE, and explored how the UAE is positioning itself ahead of the Fall 2025 intake. The conversation spanned everything from setting ambitious growth goals to building strong value propositions for both students and partners worldwide.

Here are the key ideas and takeaways from this landmark episode:

How student choices are shifting this Fall

Students planning to study abroad in Fall 2025 are approaching their choices with a fresh perspective. With visa restrictions tightening in major destinations like the UK, North America, Europe, and Canada, students are rethinking their study abroad choices. They’re making value-driven decisions, looking for destinations that offer better career pathways, real-world learning opportunities, and long-term stability. That’s where the UAE is stepping up, offering accessible visas, abundant internship opportunities, a reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, and a thriving economy eager for skilled graduates.

“The UAE has become the first choice for many students,” shared Jan Horn, Managing Director at SAE University College UAE, in our latest episode of #EducationCircuitByMeritto. “They want to be part of a growing economy, gain meaningful work experience while studying, and secure good employment once they graduate.”

How can creative-led programs create strong global demand

Creative-led programs are emerging as a distinctive strength in the UAE’s higher-ed landscape. Designed at the intersection of innovation, design, and storytelling, these courses go beyond traditional classroom learning. By integrating advanced technology with creative disciplines, they prepare graduates to step into industries where adaptability and originality are key drivers of success. With global entertainment, design, and media sectors expanding, the UAE is positioning itself as a launchpad for the next generation of creative professionals.

“We’ve seen a shift in how students choose their academic career pathways,” shared Jan Horn, Managing Director at SAE University College UAE, in our latest episode of #EducationCircuitByMeritto. “They’re looking for programs that match their passion with a clear career outcome. Here, they can experiment, take risks, and collaborate with peers from across the world, all while building a portfolio that speaks directly to industry needs.”

How Agentic AI is reshaping student recruitment

Emerging technologies like Agentic AI are transforming student recruitment by replacing generic outreach with deeply personalized journeys. Acting as a 24/7 recruitment agent, AI can respond instantly to student queries, ensuring every interaction feels timely and relevant. It enables institutions to segment students with precision, deliver tailored responses that build trust, and convert more prospects into qualified leads.

Beyond recruitment, AI is shaping learning itself, from adaptive learning systems that adjust to each student’s pace to AI-integrated curricula that prepare graduates for an evolving world. Together, these capabilities create a connected, responsive, and future-ready student experience.

How can institutions avoid mistakes when adopting new technology

A common pitfall in technology adoption is implementing tools without strategic alignment to the institution’s mission and educational value. When tech becomes a distraction rather than an enabler, it risks creating disjointed systems and diluted student experiences. The real opportunity lies in adopting solutions that not only streamline recruitment and enrollment but also improve the student experience to be better than ever before, reinforcing the institution’s brand, impact, and long-term relevance.

Measuring brand resonance globally

Global brand strength in higher-ed is defined by the depth of connection an institution builds with its students. At SAE University College UAE, this connection is powered by its global reach, with students joining from diverse regions and a significant share around 60 to 70 percent, drawn to its creative-led programs. The institution places emphasis on tracking meaningful indicators such as engagement levels in target markets, the quality of interactions during the admissions journey, and the real-world success of its graduates.

“We focus on understanding how our brand performs in the places we want to be present,” shared Jan Horn, Managing Director at SAE University College UAE, in our latest episode of #EducationCircuitByMeritto. “From measuring yield in our target markets to assessing the experience students have with our admissions teams, and tracking graduate employment rates, these insights tell us far more about our global relevance than enrollment data alone.”

What students value now

To stay competitive this Fall and beyond, UAE higher-ed institutions need to move beyond traditional recruitment and deliver high academic quality, thereby providing students with clear career pathways, and create better student experiences. By embracing agility, offering creative-led and tech-enabled programs, and aligning strategies with student success and career readiness, institutions can achieve sustainable growth and strengthen their global standing in an evolving education landscape.

Bold moves forward

To stay competitive this Fall and beyond, UAE higher-ed institutions should adopt AI to sharpen strategic positioning and enhance operational efficiency. Building strong industry partnerships and expanding collaborations beyond local borders will open new opportunities for innovation and knowledge exchange. By maintaining high academic quality, offering clear career pathways, and driving graduate employment, institutions can strengthen their global reputation while delivering meaningful student experiences.

Final thoughts & next steps

With global student mobility evolving faster than ever, UAE institutions are positioning themselves as global frontrunners. This conversation with Jan Horn of SAE University College UAE highlighted how adopting AI for strategic positioning, forging strong international industry partnerships, and delivering high academic quality are critical to future-proofing competitiveness. It reinforced that the key to attracting worldwide student interest lies in offering clear career pathways, ensuring graduate employability, and creating exceptional student experiences that resonate across borders.

Missed the podcast episode? The full recording is now available here and to know more, schedule a personalized demo today.

• [EXPERT INSIGHTS] The new playbook for transnational education
• Trust as the real driver of enrollment in Malaysia | An expert’s take on Meritto’s podcast
• How UAE universities can future-proof undergraduate education | An expert’s take on Meritto’s podcast
• How Voice AI Agents scale student engagement and lead nurturing
• The 3P framework for predictable student enrollment growth in 2026