By: Norjazlisyamimi binti Abdul Karim

MBA Alumnus 2025 | Pejabat Hutan Daerah Kuantan/Pekan/Maran

Completing my Master of Business Administration (MBA) at GET-BS, FIM, UMPSA has been a truly transformative journey. More than just an academic qualification, the MBA has shaped my leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and professional confidence and qualities that I believe will serve me well in advancing my career and contributing to society. 

The MBA program offers a strong balance between theory and practice. Courses such as strategic management, corporate governance, sustainability, and risk analysis provided not only in-depth knowledge but also real-world applications that are directly relevant to today’s fast-changing business environment. The program is designed to challenge students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make informed decisions as future business leaders. 

A distinctive feature of the MBA at GET-BS UMPSA is its collaborative learning environment. I had the privilege of working with classmates from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, which enriched discussions, broadened perspectives, and enhanced teamwork skills. This peer-to-peer learning, combined with the guidance of dedicated lecturers who bring both academic expertise and industry experience, made the journey even more impactful. 

Graduating with an MBA from GET-BS is more than a personal achievement. It is an investment in future success. The program equips graduates with the tools, networks, and mindset needed to excel in leadership roles and to make a positive impact in their organizations and beyond. 

For professionals ready to advance their careers, the MBA at GET-BS, FIM, UMPSA offers more than a degree; it delivers knowledge, leadership skills, and networks that open new opportunities. It is a program designed to truly transform potential into lasting achievement.

 By: Dr Charis D/O Samuel Koilpillai

MBA and MPM ODL Coordinator | Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Industrial Management, UMPSA

The AI Revolution Is Here

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept, it is transforming industries, reshaping job markets, and altering how we work. From chatbots handling customer service to AI-driven analytics optimizing business decisions, automation is becoming ubiquitous.

While some fear job displacement, history suggests that technological revolutions create as many opportunities as they disrupt. The rise of computers in the 1980s and 1990s, for example, didn’t eliminate jobs, it created entirely new industries. Similarly, AI will phase out certain roles while generating demand for new ones.

The key question is: How will AI impact the job market, and what can professionals do to stay ahead?

Jobs at Risk: Where AI Is Taking Over

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workforce, especially in roles that involve routine, repetitive, and data-intensive tasks. Among the most at-risk jobs are those in administrative and clerical functions. For example, data entry clerks are increasingly being replaced by AI systems that can process large volumes of data more quickly and accurately. Similarly, basic customer service representatives are being supplemented, or in some cases, replaced by chatbots and virtual assistants capable of handling FAQs, order tracking, and basic troubleshooting with 24/7 efficiency.

In the manufacturing sector, automation is revolutionizing manual labor. Robotics and AI-driven machines are now executing repetitive tasks on assembly lines, significantly reducing the need for human intervention. Warehousing operations are also evolving; companies like Amazon use Kiva robots and automated sorting systems to streamline logistics and reduce dependency on human workers.

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Even in the realm of middle management, AI is making inroads. Low-level analysts are being displaced by data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI, which generate insights without human input. Likewise, AI-powered credit scoring tools are replacing loan officers in many financial institutions.

However, this transformation isn’t solely negative. While some jobs will disappear, AI also paves the way for new roles requiring creativity, critical thinking, and technological fluency in addition to skills uniquely human and vital for the future workforce.

Jobs in Demand: The Rise of AI-Driven Careers

As AI continues to automate routine and repetitive tasks, it is simultaneously creating a surge in demand for new, specialized roles that emphasize human oversight, creativity, and ethical decision-making. One key area of growth is in AI-specific roles. For instance, AI trainers and explainability experts are needed to teach models how to improve their accuracy and to interpret the logic behind their outputs. This is particularly critical in sectors like healthcare, where diagnostic tools must offer reliable and transparent recommendations. Similarly, AI ethics and compliance specialists are becoming essential, ensuring that AI systems used in hiring, lending, or law enforcement operate fairly and without bias.

Another emerging field is prompt engineering, an in-demand skill focused on crafting effective inputs to guide AI systems like ChatGPT or image generators such as Midjourney. These professionals play a crucial role in maximizing AI performance through nuanced communication.

Beyond purely technical roles, hybrid human-AI jobs are also on the rise. These include AI-assisted doctors, marketers using generative AI for content creation, and robotics supervisors in smart factories. Meanwhile, emotion-centric jobs like therapists, educators, and creative professionals remain largely insulated from automation due to their reliance on empathy, judgment, and complex interpersonal skills or capabilities that AI still struggles to replicate.

Skills You Need to Thrive in an AI-Driven Economy

Thriving in an AI-driven economy requires a dynamic blend of technical, soft, and hybrid skills that enable individuals to work effectively alongside intelligent systems. On the technical front, basic AI and data literacy are essential, even for non-technical roles. Thus, understanding how AI functions, its capabilities, and limitations allows workers to use it responsibly and effectively. Coding skills, particularly in languages like Python or R, are increasingly valuable, even at a foundational level, enabling automation of tasks or interaction with AI tools. Data analysis skills are also in high demand, as professionals must interpret AI-generated insights to make informed, strategic decisions.

Equally important are soft skills, like the human edge that AI cannot replicate. Critical thinking is vital to question and validate AI outputs, ensuring decisions aren’t blindly automated. Creativity and innovation remain the cornerstone of progress, as AI supports but cannot replace original human ideas. Adaptability is crucial, too; as AI technologies evolve rapidly, workers must embrace continuous learning to stay relevant.

Finally, hybrid skills combine human strengths with AI capabilities. AI-augmented problem solving allows for faster testing of ideas, while human judgment refines the outcome. Furthermore, emotional intelligence requires understanding people, leading teams, and building trust, which remains irreplaceable, reinforcing the human role in an increasingly intelligent workforce.

How to Future-Proof Your Career

In an era of rapid technological change, future-proofing your career means embracing lifelong learning and leaning into the uniquely human capabilities that AI cannot replicate. One of the most effective strategies is to upskill intentionally. Free and accessible courses such as Google’s AI Fundamentals, IBM’s AI Ethics, or Coursera’s Machine Learning programs offer a solid foundation in AI literacy, regardless of your professional background. Additionally, focusing on human-centric fields like healthcare, education, and the creative arts provides career resilience, as these areas require emotional intelligence, empathy, and complex interpersonal interactions.

Rather than viewing AI as a threat, professionals should learn to leverage AI as a powerful tool. Writers can use tools like ChatGPT to generate initial drafts, then enhance them with human tone and nuance. Designers can create concept art using platforms like Midjourney, then refine it with originality and emotion-driven context. The key is to maintain the creative and critical edge that only humans possess.

Finally, strengthening core human strengths such as leadership and complex decision-making is crucial. AI may process data, but it cannot inspire teams, resolve conflicts, or navigate ethical dilemmas. By focusing on skills that emphasize judgment, creativity, and emotional intelligence, individuals can build resilient, adaptable careers in the age of AI.

AI as a Collaborator, Not Just a Disruptor

Artificial intelligence is not merely a disruptor, but it is increasingly becoming a powerful collaborator in the evolving workforce. Rather than replacing human workers outright, AI is transforming the nature of work by automating routine tasks and enabling people to focus on higher-value activities. 

Success in this new landscape hinges on three core traits: adaptability, creativity, and ethical oversight. Professionals must be willing to continuously learn and adapt to emerging tools and technologies. Creativity will be essential for generating original ideas, solving complex problems, and guiding innovation in ways AI cannot replicate. Moreover, as AI becomes more influential in decision-making processes, ethical oversight will be vital to ensure fairness, transparency, and social responsibility.

On the whole, the future belongs to those who view AI as a partner, augmenting their abilities rather than diminishing their role. Embracing this mindset empowers individuals to stay relevant, contribute meaningfully, and lead with both technological fluency and human insight.

By: Professor Dr Salina Daud, Dr Nur Sofia Nabila Alimin, Dr Norhana Mohd Aripin, Dr Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad, Dr Suhaidah Hussain

Dato’ Shahrul Nizam Abdul Aziz is the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tanah Makmur Berhad (TMB), and under his leadership, the company successfully expanded its operations into property development by 2024, leading the creation of the flagship 2,100-acre Kota Sultan Ahmad Shah (KotaSAS) township. He describes TMB’s strategic move as capitalizing on its strategically located land holdings to monetize them through property development, while the established oil palm plantations continue to provide a stable income. Dato’ Shahrul Nizam views TMB as a "community developer" rather than just a property developer, focusing on building a full township where people can "live, work, play, exercise, relax, and enjoy the environment," including residential, commercial, and living components. This approach stems from the understanding that most people buy homes "to live in, not for investment," requiring the design to include essential features such as commercial components, service areas (like hospitals and clinics), schools, and recreational spaces. He highlights that TMB has a competitive strength due to possessing a large, continuous set of land (2,100 acres) in Pahang, unlike other developers. Furthermore, Dato’ Shahrul Nizam emphasizes TMB’s commitment to environmental sustainability, noting the necessity of incorporating green technology and sustainable materials and fitting all commercial rooftops with solar panels.

Q1: TMB initially focused on the agribusiness, specifically the palm oil sector. How has TMB leveraged its existing assets to facilitate its strategic shift into property development, and how do the two business segments relate today?

We recognized that we could capitalize on our extensive land holdings, which are strategically located, and chose to monetize this land through property development instead of relying solely on the oil palm business. Even while we develop smaller parcels for property development, the oil palm plantations on other undeveloped areas continue to operate, providing a stable income. This creates a symbiotic relationship: the oil palm business offers a stable cash flow, while the property development business adds additional revenue streams driven by economic growth and demand. This balance allows us to benefit from both stable and growth-driven income streams.

Q2: TMB's flagship project, Kota Sultan Ahmad Shah (KotaSAS), is described as more than just a residential area. How do you define TMB's role in the property market, and what key components are essential to the modern township design?

We consider ourselves a community developer. Our goal is to build a full township that includes residential, commercial, and living components, creating a space where people can live, work, play, exercise, relax, and enjoy the environment, as well as gather and interact. We operate under the understanding that most people buy homes to live in, not purely for investment. Therefore, our designs must ensure the area is truly livable, incorporating essential features like commercial components, residential areas, service areas (such as hospitals and clinics), schools, and recreational spaces.

Q3: The upcoming East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the establishment of the Pusat Pentadbiran Sultan Ahmad Shah (PPSAS) are major developments in Kuantan. What specific business opportunities do these infrastructure and administrative changes unlock for TMB within the KotaSAS township?

In terms of immediate opportunities, we possess 380 acres of land that have been gazetted near the central business district, right next to the PPSAS area. With government offices relocating into this area, we see a crucial opportunity to attract large companies to set up regional offices on the East Coast. These developments have already made KotaSAS a highly favourable residential area in Pahang.

Q4: TMB is committed to sustainability. What steps are you taking, both in design and construction, to incorporate environmentally responsible practices into projects like KotaSAS?

Environmental sustainability is a significant and growing concern that directly influences how we design and build properties. We are focused on reducing the environmental footprint of our projects by incorporating green technology and sustainable materials. We incorporate sustainability and Green Building Index requirements into our architectural plans. For example, all commercial buildings in KotaSAS will be fitted with solar panels on their rooftops to decrease dependency on non-renewable energy sources. In construction, we utilize technology to help reduce waste, speed up the building process, and, in turn, lower labour costs and increase productivity.

Q5: The property development sector is highly susceptible to external pressures, including economic shifts and regulatory changes. Can you describe some of the immediate challenges impacting TMB's project efficiency and profitability?

We face dual challenges from regulatory mandates and difficult terrain. Firstly, changes in government regulations, such as altering a 50-meter buffer on land with a slope of 25 degrees or more, directly affect our overall efficiency and effectiveness. Secondly, the terrain, particularly in the northeastern part of KotaSAS, is challenging due to too many valleys and large rocks. Because the land is not level, we must spend a considerable amount of money to flatten it and break up the rocks, which significantly adds to the overall development cost. Furthermore, when interest rates are raised by the Central Bank, this raises the cost of borrowing for home buyers, making it harder for them to afford properties. We also experienced budget disruption when the diesel subsidy was removed, resulting in a rise in prices for materials like cement, bricks, and sand, which increased construction expenses.

* Want to explore the full story of Tanah Makmur Berhad? Get your copy now from UMPSA Publisher Bookstore or conveniently on Shopee:  https://my.shp.ee/uWRDUxK

By: Dr. Nurul Ashykin binti Abd Aziz

Director, UMPSA Center of Creative Entrepreneur Development | Academic Associate of Graduate Engineering & Technological Business School | Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Industrial Management

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) has triggered significant shifts in the evolving work environment, and the marketing sector is no exception. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, blockchain, and intelligent automation have transformed the way organizations formulate, execute, and evaluate marketing strategies. In today’s workforce, advanced marketing requires the integration of strategic, creative, and technological skills to establish a competitive edge in an increasingly challenging marketplace.

Marketing strategies have shifted from relying on traditional media to technology-driven approaches that leverage real-time customer data. Technologies such as machine learning and predictive algorithms enable organizations to identify patterns in consumer behaviour, anticipate customer needs, and design more targeted and effective campaigns. In digital marketing, technological proficiency is no longer optional; it is essential for achieving campaign success.

Professional marketers now need to develop new skills, such as marketing automation, creating interactive content through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), AI-driven search engine optimization, and integrated data analysis. With these skills, they can offer more engaging and personalized customer experiences. In addition, marketing strategies and campaigns can be adjusted to follow changes in digital platform algorithms, which helps improve both efficiency and results.

As a result, the rapid growth of the global digital economy has created more demand for jobs such as digital marketing strategists, marketing data analysts, AI-powered customer experience managers, blockchain marketing specialists, and marketing automation managers. The growth of e-commerce, the use of social media, and the rise of subscription-based businesses have also increased this demand. Therefore, these jobs require not only technical skills but also cultural and geographical understanding to manage marketing activities effectively at the global level.

Omnichannel marketing has also become a fundamental component of advanced marketing strategies. This approach integrates multiple communication channels such as social media, email, mobile applications, e-commerce platforms, and in-store interactions to deliver a seamless and consistent customer experience. The effectiveness of this strategy depends on advanced analytics to synchronize customer data, identify key touchpoints, and deliver brand messages that are both relevant and timely.

 The emergence of the gig economy has created new opportunities for skilled marketing professionals to provide their expertise independently in the global marketplace. Digital platforms facilitate cross-border project management, enable virtual collaboration, and allow for services to be customized to meet diverse client needs. This trend increases talent mobility, broadens market reach, and fosters a more flexible and dynamic marketing ecosystem.

Despite its vast potential, technology-driven advanced marketing faces challenges such as data privacy concerns, cybersecurity threats, and the need to comply with varying digital regulations across different jurisdictions. Professionals in this field must continually enhance their technological expertise, understand the legal implications of transnational operations, and develop ethical and sustainable strategies. The ability to adapt quickly to technological and market changes is crucial for maintaining relevance.

In brief, advanced marketing in the IR 4.0 era presents significant career opportunities for individuals who can master technology and integrate it with innovative marketing practices. Technology and digitally driven marketing not only enhance campaign effectiveness but also foster deeper, longer-lasting customer relationships. The future of marketing will be shaped by data, automation, and artificial intelligence, making technological literacy and continuous innovation essential for success in this domain.