Universiti Malaya (UM) recognises that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in education, research, and professional practice. AI tools can support learning, improve efficiency, and expand access to knowledge. However, their use must be responsible, transparent, and aligned with academic integrity.
UM has therefore introduced the Guidelines on the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure that AI technologies are used appropriately in teaching, learning, and research activities.
Purpose of the Guidelines
The guidelines aim to ensure that:
- AI tools are used responsibly and ethically in academic activities
- Students and staff understand the appropriate role of AI in learning and research
- Academic integrity and originality of work are maintained at all times
- Misuse of AI, including plagiarism or academic dishonesty, is prevented and managed
These guidelines apply to students, academic staff, supervisors, and examiners involved in teaching, assessment, and research at Universiti Malaya.
How Students May Use AI
AI can be a helpful learning support tool when used appropriately. Examples include:
- Brainstorming ideas or planning assignments
- Clarifying difficult concepts
- Summarising reading materials
- Supporting data analysis or coding tasks
- Generating visual materials or learning aids
However, AI should support learning rather than replace a student’s own thinking or analysis.
Students remain responsible for ensuring that all submitted work reflects their own understanding and intellectual contribution.
Levels of AI Use in Coursework
Lecturers will specify the level of AI use permitted for each assignment or assessment. These may include:
- Level 0 – No AI use: AI tools are not permitted.
- Level 1 – Minimal use: Basic tools such as grammar or spelling checkers may be allowed.
- Level 2 – Limited use: AI may assist with idea generation or concept clarification.
- Level 3 – Open use: AI may support learning and content development with proper declaration.
- Level 4 – Integrated use: AI may be required as part of the assessment activity.
Students must always follow the instructions given for each course or assignment.
Declaration of AI Use
Transparency is essential when using AI. Students are required to:
- Declare any AI tools used in their assignments or assessments
- Explain how the AI tool was used (e.g., brainstorming, summarising, or analysis)
- Provide logs or evidence of AI usage if requested by the lecturer
Failure to disclose AI use may be considered academic misconduct.
AI Use in Theses and Research
AI may be used to assist with tasks such as:
- Improving writing clarity
- Organising ideas or structure
- Explaining complex concepts
However, AI must not replace the student’s original intellectual contribution. Supervisors must be informed of AI use, and a declaration of AI use must be included in the thesis or dissertation.
Students and examiners are also not allowed to upload theses or research reports to public AI platforms during the assessment process to protect confidentiality and intellectual property.
Academic Integrity and Responsible Use
All students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity when using AI. This includes:
- Properly citing sources of information
- Verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content
- Avoiding plagiarism or misrepresentation of work
- Ensuring research data are used ethically and lawfully
AI-generated outputs should always be critically reviewed and validated against reliable academic sources.
Key Principle
AI should be viewed as a learning support tool rather than a substitute for original thinking. Responsible use of AI helps enhance learning while maintaining the integrity and credibility of academic work at Universiti Malaya.
Further Information
Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the full Universiti Malaya Guidelines on the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and consult their lecturers or supervisors if they are unsure about permitted AI usage in a course or research project.
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 Guidelines on the Ethical Use of 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.