Heriot-Watt University Malaysia unveils purpose-driven robotics programme
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia launched its new MEng Robotic and Mechatronic Engineering programme at its Putrajaya campus, coinciding with the roll-out of the WattTech: Engineer in You initiative and the 4th Teachers’ Conference 2025.
These efforts reflect a bold commitment to nurturing future-ready leaders equipped with cutting-edge technical skills, strong values, and global competitiveness.
Powering Malaysia’s Digital Future
This innovative programme is designed to drive Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional leader in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging technologies. It aligns closely with key national strategies such as the 4IR Policy, Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, and Putrajaya Green City 2025 — all centered on smart, sustainable growth through innovation.
Developed with industry leaders and the UK’s National Robotarium, the programme equips graduates with advanced expertise in automation and AI, ready to drive Malaysia’s digital transformation and green economy.
Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, said: ““The programme is designed with the industry, anchored in the world-class research that we globally lead, and inspired by the needs of society. Robotics and Mechatronics represent a major pathway for deploying AI to serve humanity in applications related to healthcare, commerce, agriculture, and the broader industrial context. The employability prospects of graduates are wide and expanding.”
During the event, Professor Mushtak introduced the newest addition to the Watt community, a robot named “Iki,” inspired by Ikigai, the Japanese concept meaning “reason for being.” The name reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing purpose-driven leaders and using education as a platform to create a better world.
In his conversation with Iki, Professor Mushtak emphasised that if we want AI and robotics to reflect qualities such as kindness, compassion, and collaboration, then we, as humans, must lead by example. He explained that AI systems learn from human behaviour and values, and therefore it is essential for society to model self-awareness, empathy, and strong ethical principles. Building trust, fostering cooperation, and demonstrating positive values are key to ensuring that AI works alongside humanity rather than against it.
To celebrate its launch, the university is offering a 20% Inaugural Scholarship for September 2025 enrolments. Additional highlights include the 2027 AI & Robotics Winter School hosted at the National Robotarium, providing students with global research exposure, and internship opportunities with leading companies such as Aerodyne Geospatial Sdn Bhd, Advance Retro Solution Sdn. Bhd, KUKA Robot Automation (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Robopreneur Sdn Bhd, adding valuable industry experience.
Inspiring Educators and Future Engineers
Parallel to the programme launch, the 4th Teachers’ Conference 2025 convened educators, industry experts, and students to explore the future of education and work. The conference highlighted the importance of coaching and mentoring in helping teachers confidently integrate emerging technologies while maintaining pedagogical excellence.
Meanwhile, The WattTech: Engineer in You initiative engaged school leavers in engineering challenges from building robots to designing sustainable systems; to spark curiosity and hands-on challenge-solving.
“It is a platform that champions innovation, encourages curiosity, and nurtures a solution-focused mindset from the very start. We believe that engineering talent begins not in lecture halls, but in the courage to explore and create and this is exactly what WattTech was created to inspire. We’re not just educating; we are cultivating changemakers who will help solve global challenges, from climate change and urban mobility to ethical AI and digital equity,” concluded Professor Mushtak.