Dr Helmi in Media
2025
In The Malaysian Reserve (Printed and Online)
3 January 2025. The Malaysian Reserve.
Malaysia’s education, business, healthcare AI journey in 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, January 3 (The Malaysian Reserve) -
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Centre for Professional and Leadership Development director Assoc Prof Ts Dr Helmi Norman highlighted the pivotal influence of technology in redefining Malaysia’s educational landscape. He said AI-driven technologies and digital tools are game-changers for personalised learning, and progress in Malaysia’s education system was seen in 2024. These tools help tailor learning experiences to each student’s pace, strengths and needs, making education more effective and engaging. For instance, AI-powered platforms are being used in schools to identify where students are struggling and recommend resources or exercises to help them catch up. This ensures that no one gets left behind while also challenging high-achievers to excel further. “AI allows us to create highly adaptive learning experiences that were impossible just a few years ago. “Students who need additional support can receive it in real-time, while those who excel can be continuously challenged,” said Helmi, who is also an associate professor of Digital and Futuristic Education at UKM’s Faculty of Education.
2024
In Harian Metro (Printed)
17 September 2024. The Malaysian Reserve.
Affordable access to tech is essential in ensuring all students can benefit from AI’s transformative potential
KUALA LUMPUR, September 17 (The Malaysian Reserve) -
Given many people struggle with basic needs, can Malaysia ensure all students benefit from AI’s transformative potential?
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Faculty of Education Assoc Prof of Digital and Futuristic Education Dr Helmi Norman said Malaysia’s national broadband penetration rate is commendable at 96.8%. However, rural areas, where many B40 students reside, still face significant connectivity challenges. “This poses a serious obstacle to full engagement in AI learning.
“The digital divide is still very evident in rural areas, and if we want to enhance AI learning for B40 students, affordable access to technology is essential,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). Besides, Helmi, who is also the director of UKM’s Centre for Professional and Leadership Development, mentioned the Education Ministry’s efforts to boost digital skills, namely the National Digital Education Policy. He said the six strategic cores outlined by the ministry, including digital proficiency and competent educators, are aligned with global trends but the real challenge is in rural connectivity. With broadband penetration in rural areas still at 87%, Helmi stressed that Malaysia must overcome this barrier to ensure all students can participate in AI education.
He added that establishing AI learning labs in underserved areas would allow students to explore AI with access to the necessary hardware and software. “It is not just about giving them Internet and devices but providing them with a localised AI curriculum tailored to their needs,” he said.
Helmi added that this curriculum should focus on fields relevant to the local economy such as healthcare and emerging fields like the Internet of Things and AI at work. When it comes to delivering education, he mentioned about integrating AI learning in both physical and digital environments. “We need a blend of smart classrooms in schools and digital environments like the metaverse, emphasising the importance of flexible learning platforms that cater to the diverse needs of students across different regions,” he said. Teacher training is another crucial component for successful AI education. Helmi said specialised programmes should be implemented to equip educators with the skills necessary to teach AI, particularly in rural areas.
2023
In Forbes
3 April 2023. Forbes.
The Ascent Of Chief Product Officers: Transforming Business In An Era Of Innovation
London, April 3 (Forbes) - Helmi Norman, an associate professor of digital and futuristic education at the National University of Malaysia, agrees. “The product-led growth strategy requires the organization to be customer-centric, which is why appointing a CPO is essential,” he said in an interview. “A CPO will ensure that the company’s products and services are aligned with customer needs and market trends—think Rendanheyi—so that they can achieve sustainable, profitable growth.”
In Harian Metro (Printed)
2023
In Utusan Borneo (Printed)
2022
In BERNAMA (online)
15 July 2022. Bernama.
5G technology key to national digital education revolution
KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) - Deputy Director of Instructional Technologies of the Centre for Teaching and Curriculum Development, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Helmi Norman said the 5G technology will not only be a game changer to the education sector, but will also give a more meaningful learning experience to the students. He said the 5G technology will create a more interesting and interactive environment when the students, teachers and lecturers alike explore all the available technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence (AI).
2020
In the New Straits Times (online)
27 June 2020. New Straits Times.
#TECH: Apple plays role in boosting digital education
According to UKM's Deputy Director of Learning Technologies and Apple Distinguished Educator, Ts Dr Helmi Norman, the ADE programme is for educators to enhance digital learning. "The learning resources from Apple, for example, has helped inspire me and teachers to shift to digital learning though Everyone Can Create and Everyone Can Code curriculums," he said. "Personally, I have used the curriculum and this has helped me transform my teaching and learning practices," said Helmi.
In the Malay Mail (online)
9 July 2020. Malay Mail.
On digital learning and the Apple ecosystem: A chat with UKM's Helmi Norman
I asked questions via email to Helmi Norman, deputy director of UKM's Centre for Teaching and Learning Technologies and who also happens to be an Apple Distinguished Educator. Having a long-held passion in new and emerging technologies, Helmi said his interest in Apple's approach drove him to explore the integration of its technology in teaching and learning environments.
“I envisioned teaching and learning to be different — challenging the norms of traditional learning.”Helmi was drawn to the Apple Distinguished Educator program which provided the means for educators across the globe to exchange new ideas around teaching and learning, as well as new ways of using technology in learning environments. “These stories were transformative, and further ignited my passion to become an Apple Distinguished Educator — which to me means one that drives innovation in teaching and learning by assuming the roles of author, advisor, ambassador, and advocate.”
In the Edge Markets (online)
30 November 2020. The Edge Markets.
Achieving maximum e-learning potential
Ts Dr Muhammad Helmi Norman, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s deputy director for instructional technologies, stresses that the powerful combination of the right digital tools and innovation can elevate the way content is consumed through technology, and teachers can explore new approaches to integrating technology in current and future teaching and learning environments.
“We are already seeing that teaching and learning can be different – teachers can create content, use animation and background music to make learning more immersive, fun and interesting. The possibilities are endless when you have the flexibility of using technology, even in its simplest forms. It allows teachers to be more innovative. So, imagine what new technologies like 5G can create for the entire ecosystem of students, teachers and parents to maximise the overall learning potential,” says Helmi, who is a certified Apple Distinguished Educator.