On October 23, 2024, Ruijie Networks convened IT directors and C-level executives from private universities across Malaysia for a roundtable focused on exploring sustainable and innovative strategies for digital transformation on campuses. Titled "Building Smart, Sustainable, & Connected Campuses for the Future of Education," the event provided an exclusive forum to discuss real-world challenges and cutting-edge solutions tailored to the educational sector.

Held at Crystal Crown Hotel, Selangor, Malaysia, the roundtable focused on emerging technologies, innovative funding models, and essential infrastructure improvements that will shape the next generation of educational environments.

Key Discussions Covered

1. Investment and ROI Justification: A recurring concern among CIOs was the challenge of justifying ICT upgrades to university boards. Effective communication on the long-term benefits and ROI of such investments is essential to secure approval and ensure strategic alignment with institutional goals.
2. Shift from CAPEX to OPEX: Institutions are moving from traditional capital expenditure (CAPEX) models to operating expenditure (OPEX) for greater financial flexibility. However, rising subscription costs from major vendors have pushed universities to seek alternative solutions that balance budget control with innovation.
3. User Acceptance and Training: Successful technology adoption requires robust user training. While younger users adapt quickly, experienced faculty members may resist changes that alter their established teaching methodologies, underscoring the need for tailored, role-specific training.
4. Network Security: With increased digitalisation, network security is a top concern, especially given internal and external security threats. Real-world cases like unauthorised student access to modify academic records emphasise the importance of proactive security measures.
5. Limited Downtime for Upgrades: Educational institutions operate on tight schedules, with limited downtime for system upgrades. Managing large-scale implementations within short windows, like holiday breaks, is critical to minimising disruption to academic activities.

The roundtable event provided valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of campus technology. University leaders departed with practical strategies to improve budgeting, enhance security, and adopt data-driven decision-making practices, all with the shared goal of developing connected, sustainable, and future-ready educational spaces.

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