USM PENANG, 6 June 2025 – In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries, the Unit of Professional and Industrial Development (U-PRIDE) of the School of Distance Education (SDE) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) took a proactive step in educating future innovators.

The institution successfully hosted a public workshop series titled “Understanding AI Agents & Hands-On with n8n Workflow”, featuring esteemed guest speaker Dr. Hing Ratana.

The event took place in the school's conference room, bringing together professionals, students, and developers eager to explore AI-powered automation.

The workshop provided a comprehensive introduction to AI agents, emphasising their role in automating processes beyond conventional tools.

Through engaging discussions, participants gained insights into how AI agents differ from traditional automation methods and how they can be leveraged in various industries.

Attendees then immersed themselves in hands-on activities using n8n, an open-source, low-code workflow automation platform.

Under guided instruction, they built automated workflows, integrating tools such as OpenAI, Gmail, and Google Sheets to streamline tasks efficiently.

"Understanding AI agents enables individuals to develop valuable skills for personal growth and business innovation," Ratana, a PhD degree holder from the USM School of Computer Sciences, shared during the session.

"By embracing AI-driven automation, professionals can enhance productivity and unlock new possibilities in their respective fields."

Participants expressed enthusiasm about the practical applications explored in the workshop.

One attendee, a university student specialising in computer science, remarked, "This session helped me grasp the potential of AI automation in reducing repetitive tasks. I look forward to implementing what I've learned in my projects."

The workshop concluded with discussions on real-world use cases of AI-powered automation, providing attendees with a strong foundation to integrate AI into their work.

With AI continuing to shape industries, initiatives like these ensure that students and professionals alike are well-equipped to navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Looking ahead, USM plans to host similar workshops to further enrich AI literacy and empower individuals in harnessing cutting-edge technology for innovation and efficiency.

Text: Dr. Chuah Lee Siang, Unit of Professional and Industrial Development, School of Distance Education USM/Editing: Rebecal Armugam, Internship Student Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC) & Tan Ewe Hoe/Photos: School of Distance Education USM