The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education Systems: Evidence From Malaysia

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping the landscape of higher education institutional. Among university students, the adoption of AI tools has facilitated faster and more accurate access to information, enhancing various aspects of teaching and learning. However, despite its growing presence, not all students are equally equipped to utilize AI effectively, often due to limited digital literacy and lack of understanding of AI’s capabilities and implications. This study aims to examine the factors influencing the adoption of AI among students in Malaysian higher education institutions focus on Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM). Data were collected from 300 students and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that, among the three factors studied, only the enhanced learning experience had a statistically significant influence on the adoption of AI. While AI offers notable educational benefits, the findings show that overreliance on such technology may impair the development of critical thinking and independent learning skills. These insights underscore the need for a balanced integration of AI in education, ensuring that technological tools complement rather than replace essential cognitive skills in Malaysia education systems.