🎉 Nantah-ST AI Centre of Excellence Officially Launched ✨

On 4 July 2026, Southern University College officially inaugurated the Nantah-ST AI Centre of Excellence, marking a significant milestone in the University’s journey into the era of artificial intelligence. The ceremony was graced by YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Finance Malaysia, together with alumni, industry partners, and distinguished guests who witnessed this historic occasion.

From the establishment of the Southern AI Development Fund to the opening of the Centre, this achievement has been made possible through the unwavering support and shared vision of alumni, corporate partners, and members of the community.

Special Appreciation

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Mr. Lim Soon Tiong for his lead donation of RM2.5 million, followed by generous contributions from Mr. Soh Yik Hwa (RM1 million), Tan Sri Lim Kuang Sia (RM500,000), and 99 Speed Mart (RM200,000). Their generosity laid a strong foundation for the Southern AI Development Fund and accelerated the University’s AI aspirations.

Within just six months, the University successfully integrated international and industry resources by partnering with MaiStorage Technology, founded by renowned Malaysian semiconductor entrepreneur Dato’ Dr. Pua Khein-Seng. This collaboration led to the establishment of advanced AI laboratories, namely the KOSSAN AI Laboratory, donated by Tan Sri Lim Kuang Sia, and the Dou YEE AI Laboratory, donated by Mr. Soh Yik Hwa. Through the international education platform Wenhua Online, the Dou YEE AI Laboratory has also introduced Huawei’s comprehensive AI training systems and equipment, creating an internationally connected platform for AI learning, innovation, and practical application.

The name “Nantah-ST” is inspired by Mr. Lim Soon Tiong’s ST (One Heart) Foundation and prefixed with “Nantah” as a tribute to Nanyang University. More than just a new centre, it symbolizes Southern University College’s commitment to embracing technological transformation, nurturing future AI talents, advancing research and innovation, and strengthening academia-industry collaboration for generations to come.

南方大学学院于2026年7月4日隆重举行“南大一心”人工智能卓越中心开幕典礼，并荣幸邀请马来西亚财政部副部长YB刘镇东担任主宾，与校友、产业伙伴及社会贤达共同见证南院迈向人工智能新时代的重要里程碑。

从发起“南方人工智能发展基金”，到人工智能卓越中心正式落成启用，这一路走来，凝聚了无数校友、企业伙伴及社会热心人士的支持与期许。

特别致谢

衷心感谢前南洋大学资深校友林顺忠先生率先捐赠250万令吉，并获得苏益华先生捐赠100万令吉、丹斯里林宽城捐赠50万令吉，以及99 Speed Mart慷慨捐助20万令吉，共同推动南院人工智能教育的发展，为“南方人工智能发展基金”奠定坚实基础。

同时，在短短半年之间，南院积极整合国际与产业资源，与马来西亚著名半导体企业家拿督潘健成博士创立的MaiStorage科技公司缔结合作，签约设立尖端人工智能实验室，包括由丹斯里林宽城捐献的【KOSSAN人工智能试验室】及由苏益华先生捐献的【Dou YEE道益人工智能试验室】。其中，Dou YEE道益人工智能试验室更透过国际教育平台“文华在线”，引进中国华为全套AI培训设备与系统，为师生及企业界打造接轨国际的人工智能学习、创新与实践平台。

“南大一心”之名，取自林顺忠先生创立的“一心”基金，并冠以“南大”二字，寓意饮水思源、薪火相传。这不仅是一座人工智能卓越中心的诞生，更象征南院以开放创新的姿态拥抱科技变革，肩负培育未来AI人才、推动科研创新及深化产学合作的重要使命。