KUANTAN: Although there have been no reports on university lecturers or students being involved with Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB), the Higher Education Ministry is closely monitoring the situation.

Its deputy minister, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, said the matter was discussed during the weekly cabinet meeting. Up until last week, the ministry had not received any information linking any higher learning institution across the country with GISB.

"To date, there has been no information of any lecturers or students being involved with GISB but we are monitoring. Usually, these matters (involving GISB) will be tabled during the cabinet meeting but till last week there has been nothing involving the ministry.

"We will wait for the next meeting (cabinet) this Wednesday to see if there is any information. In case there are reports, then appropriate measures will be taken," he told reporters after opening the 3rd Elsevier-Malaysian Technical University Network became the focus (MTUN) Symposium 2024 here today.

Also present was Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin.

GISB became the focus of police investigations following raids conducted on Sept 11 on 20 welfare homes allegedly operated by the company which led to 402 children being rescued.

Some of the children suffered physical and emotional injuries. Since then police had launched nationwide operations, codenamed 'Op Global', at GISB-linked premises nationwide including charity homes.

GISB has denied all allegations of child exploitation and abuse.

On the symposium, Mustapha said it served as a platform for academicians to discuss and explore new discoveries, latest achievements and forward-thinking innovations in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) especially in Science, Technology and Engineering.

He said teaching and research will be more efficient, effective and innovative by leveraging advanced technology to address challenges and improve outcomes in the field.

"We need to prepare our undergraduates to embrace AI for future careers. MTUN has to play an important role in preparing local manpower to meet the needs of the industry, especially with investors in Malaysia now focusing towards AI," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1112841/ministry-monitoring-if-lecturers-students-involved-gisb