Villa College's Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL) participated in an international webinar titled "Artificial Intelligence for Research and Academic Productivity" on 24th March 2026. Organised by the AI and Technology Unit of the Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence, the event gathered scholars and academics from around the world to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, research productivity, and ethical academic practice.
Villa College's participation in a forum of this scale underscores the institution's ongoing commitment to engaging with global academic discourse, particularly at a time when universities worldwide are grappling with both the opportunities and the challenges that AI presents. The webinar served as a platform for cross-border knowledge exchange, bringing together diverse perspectives on how academic institutions can harness AI tools while maintaining scholarly rigour and integrity.
Dr. Muhammad Shekaib Alam, Assistant Professor at FSL, delivered a session on "Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Academia." The topic addresses one of the most pressing questions facing higher education today: how institutions and researchers can integrate AI into their work without compromising academic honesty, intellectual originality, or the trust that underpins scholarly endeavour. As AI-powered tools become increasingly embedded in research workflows, from literature reviews to data analysis, the need for clear ethical frameworks has grown considerably. Dr. Alam's session contributed to this critical conversation at a global level.
FSL's engagement extended beyond a single presentation. Mr. Amish Abdullah, Senior Lecturer, and Mr. Mohd Arsh Shery, Lecturer, also took part in the webinar, contributing to the wider discussions on AI's implications for legal education and research. Their involvement reflects a collective faculty commitment to staying at the forefront of developments that are likely to influence how law and Shariah studies are taught, researched, and practised in the years ahead. The intersection of AI and legal education raises distinct questions around precedent analysis, regulatory interpretation, and the role of human judgement, making FSL's participation particularly relevant.
Villa College continues to encourage its faculty to pursue international academic collaboration and to engage with emerging developments in research and technology. Representation at forums such as this webinar positions the institution as an active contributor to the global conversation on AI in higher education, rather than a passive observer. For an institution rooted in academic excellence and community impact, ensuring that its faculty are part of these discussions is not merely aspirational but essential to delivering education that remains current, responsible, and forward-looking.
