Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly used in education, research, and professional practice. Universiti Malaya (UM) recognises the potential of AI to enhance teaching, learning, and research while maintaining strong standards of academic integrity and responsible scholarship.
The Universiti Malaya Academic Policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides guidance on how AI tools should be used by students and academic staff in academic activities such as coursework, assignments, research projects, and thesis writing.
Why the Policy is Important
The policy aims to ensure that AI is used in ways that:
- Enhance the quality of teaching and learning
- Support innovation and digital transformation in education
- Protect academic integrity and originality of work
- Promote ethical, fair, and responsible use of technology
AI should support learning and creativity rather than replace students’ own thinking, analysis, and academic effort.
Scope of the Policy
The policy applies to all academic staff and students at Universiti Malaya across all modes of teaching and learning, including:
- Coursework and assignments
- Research projects and dissertations
- Final year projects and theses
- Online or blended learning activities
Students are expected to understand and follow this policy whenever AI tools are used in academic work.
Key Principles for Students
Students may use AI tools as learning support tools, but several important principles must be observed:
1. Maintain academic integrity
All submitted work must represent the student’s own intellectual effort. AI should assist learning rather than generate the final work entirely.
2. Declare the use of AI
If AI tools are used in assignments or assessments where permitted, students must acknowledge and declare how the tool was used.
3. Follow course instructions
Lecturers may specify the permitted level of AI use for each assignment or assessment. Students must follow these instructions carefully.
4. Use AI responsibly and ethically
Students must ensure that AI-generated content is accurate, properly cited where necessary, and does not violate copyright or academic rules.
Protecting Intellectual Property and Confidential Information
Students should be cautious when using public AI platforms such as generative AI tools. Information submitted to these platforms may not remain confidential.
Students must not upload confidential academic materials, research data, or university documents to public AI platforms without permission from their lecturer or supervisor.
AI Literacy and Skills Development
Universiti Malaya is committed to developing AI literacy and digital competence among students and academic staff. The University will provide training, resources, and support to help students:
- Understand how AI technologies work
- Use AI tools effectively and ethically
- Critically evaluate AI-generated information
- Develop responsible digital and research practices
These competencies are increasingly important for graduates entering a technology-driven workforce.
Shared Responsibility
The effective and ethical use of AI requires collaboration across the University community:
- Academic staff guide students on how AI may be used in courses and assessments.
- Students must ensure their work remains original and complies with academic rules.
- Responsibility Centres and committees oversee policy implementation and support training and resources.
This shared responsibility ensures that AI strengthens learning while maintaining the credibility of academic work at Universiti Malaya.
Final Note
Artificial Intelligence will continue to shape the future of education, research, and public health practice. By learning to use AI responsibly, students develop critical digital competencies that will support innovation, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice in their professional careers.
AI Use Disclosure
This article was prepared with the assistance of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool (ChatGPT) to support drafting, language refinement, and summarisation. The content has been reviewed, edited, and verified by the author to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the Universiti Malaya Academic Policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI was used as a supporting tool in the writing process and not as a substitute for the author’s intellectual contribution or judgement.