Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are rapidly transforming the landscape of higher education. Tools such as generative AI, intelligent learning platforms, and automated analytics are increasingly being used to support teaching, learning, research, and academic communication. Recognising both the opportunities and challenges associated with these technologies, Universiti Malaya has released two important documents to guide the responsible use of AI within the University community.
The newly issued documents are:
- Universiti Malaya Academic Policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Universiti Malaya Guidelines on the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
These documents provide a comprehensive framework for the use of AI in teaching, learning, and academic work at Universiti Malaya. They outline key principles to ensure that AI technologies are used in a responsible, ethical, and academically sound manner, while maintaining the integrity and originality of student work.
The policy establishes the University’s overall direction on how AI may be integrated into teaching and learning activities. It emphasises that AI should enhance innovation and improve the quality of education while preserving academic integrity and fairness. At the same time, the accompanying guidelines provide more practical guidance on how AI tools may be used by students and academic staff in coursework, assessments, research, and thesis writing.
For students, the documents highlight several important expectations. AI tools may be used as learning support tools where permitted by the lecturer or supervisor, but they should not replace students’ own intellectual contribution. Students are also expected to declare any AI use where required, verify the accuracy of AI-generated outputs, and ensure that their work complies with the University’s policies on academic integrity and plagiarism.
The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine (SPM) encourages all current and prospective students to familiarise themselves with these important documents. Understanding the responsible use of AI is becoming an essential academic and professional competency, particularly in fields such as public health, research, and health policy, where accurate information and ethical practice are critical.
To help students better understand the key points of the two documents, SPM has prepared a student-friendly summary of the policy and guidelines. Students are encouraged to review the summary available on the SPM website:
- Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Teaching and Learning
- Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Teaching and Learning
Students should take time to read these summaries and refer to the full documents when necessary to ensure that their use of AI tools in coursework, assignments, and research activities is consistent with Universiti Malaya’s academic policies.
As AI continues to evolve and become more integrated into academic practice, developing the ability to use these technologies responsibly will be an important part of digital and research literacy. By understanding these policies early in their academic journey, students will be better prepared to harness AI as a tool for learning while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity.
AI Use Disclosure
This article was prepared with the assistance of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool (ChatGPT) to support drafting, language refinement, and summarisation. AI was used as a supporting tool in the writing process and not as a substitute for the author’s intellectual contribution or judgement.
You must be logged in to post a comment.