SERDANG, 27 November 2025 – In conjunction with UPM Digital Month 2025, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) organised a “Data Sovereignty, the Driver of Intelligence” Talk Session at the Ballroom, Faculty of Educational Studies, UPM. The session served as a platform for knowledge sharing and expert insights on the importance of data as a strategic asset and a key driver of intelligence and digital transformation within the university.

The talk session was moderated by Prof. Nurfadhlina Mohd Sharef, UPM Chief Digital Officer (CDO), together with a distinguished panel of experts with diverse backgrounds in data management, cybersecurity, agriculture, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation.

The panel comprised Associate Professor Dr. Masrah Azrifah Azmi Murad, Deputy Director (Corporate Data), UPM Strategic and Corporate Relations Centre; Assoc. Prof. Col(R) Dato Ts. Dr. Husin Jazri, Director, Global Centre for Cyber Safety, School of Computer Science, Taylor’s University; Prof. Dr. Siva Kumar Balasundram, Head of Department, Faculty of Agriculture, UPM; Mr. Mahathir Muhammad Rafie, Founder/CEO of Aibots Sdn. Bhd.; and Dr. Mohd Hafeez Osman, Deputy Director (ICT Infrastructure and Innovation), InfoComm Development Centre (iDEC), UPM.

The discussion focused on several strategic issues, including the transformation of data into valuable insights and strategic decisions, cybersecurity threats and the importance of digital sovereignty in navigating an increasingly complex technological landscape. The session also explored the use of data to strengthen food security, challenges associated with data in AI development and adoption, as well as the need to establish a robust, secure and sustainable AI and big data ecosystem.

The speakers highlighted that effective data management requires clear governance, comprehensive security measures and the organisational capability to utilise data responsibly. Insights from the panel provided a multidisciplinary perspective on the opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that data can be optimally leveraged to support service delivery, research activities and informed decision-making.

The organisation of the talk session reflects UPM’s commitment to strengthening a data-driven culture and raising awareness among the university community on the importance of data sovereignty in the digital era. The initiative is expected to contribute towards UPM’s efforts to develop a more secure, resilient and future-ready digital ecosystem capable of responding effectively to the rapid development of AI and emerging technologies.

Date of Input: 29/11/2025 | Updated: 20/08/2026 | zuraya