Olga Dymarskaya Takes Part as an Expert in a Plenary Session on Artificial Intelligence at an International Conference in Kuala Lumpur
Olga Dymarskaya, Leading Research Fellow at the Laboratory for Education Reputation Management and the Satellite Laboratory for Social Entrepreneurship at HSE University – Saint Petersburg, presented a research perspective on the transformation of universities in the age of artificial intelligence during a plenary session of the international conference AHIBS-ACT 2026. Together with representatives of academia and industry, she discussed the role of universities in preparing future talents, developing partnerships, and maintaining a human-centered approach amid digital transformation.
On 2 July 2026, the second day of the 4th International Conference on Action-Centric Research AHIBS (AHIBS-ACT 2026) in Kuala Lumpur featured a plenary session titled “The Imperative of AI Leadership: Universities, Industry, and Future Talents.” The session was held in an interactive discussion format, with each of the three speakers representing one of the key dimensions of future development: research, talent development, and industry.
The research perspective was presented by Olga Dymarskaya, Leading Research Fellow at the Laboratory for Education Reputation Management and the Satellite Laboratory for Social Entrepreneurship at HSE University – Saint Petersburg. Drawing on the concepts of the fifth-generation university and reputation management in higher education, she addressed questions about what distinguishes future-ready universities from traditional ones; how artificial intelligence influences the reputation, competitiveness, and strategic positioning of universities worldwide; what international trends she observes in university–industry collaboration for developing future talents; and how universities can remain valuable and relevant to society in an era when information is becoming increasingly accessible through AI.
“Amid the accelerating development of technologies, people must remain at the center of attention, and this can be achieved through a human-centered model of university and societal development,” emphasized Olga Dymarskaya.
The talent development perspective was presented by Professor Dr. Ali Selamat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. As a university leader and researcher in artificial intelligence and software development, he discussed the transformation of higher education and student experience under the influence of AI, the need to combine technical competencies with human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and leadership, the role of universities in preparing graduates for careers that do not yet exist, and the importance of strengthening university–industry collaboration to ensure graduate employability in an AI-driven economy.
The industry perspective was presented by Professor Abdul Halim Johar, Head of Information Technology and Systems at MISC Marine Services / MISC Berhad. From a practitioner’s perspective, he discussed the major challenges organizations face when leading digital transformation and AI adoption initiatives; the factors that distinguish successful digital transformation efforts from unsuccessful ones; the skills, mindsets, and qualities employers seek in graduates and industry leaders; and how organizations can build innovation-supportive cultures while ensuring that people remain at the center of transformation processes.
At the conclusion of the session, each speaker shared one recommendation for university leaders, industry professionals, graduates, and students preparing for an AI-driven future.
