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AI isn’t just something for big companies or far-away countries. Right here in Malaysia, local tech firms are making real changes with it. One of the clearest examples? University libraries.
When you think of a library, you probably think of shelves and books. But that’s changing fast. In campuses across Malaysia, libraries are becoming some of the smartest buildings around. And that’s thanks to the quiet work of teams like GR Tech, who are helping make AI a normal part of how universities operate every day.
This post looks at how Malaysian tech companies are putting AI to work in real places like student libraries—not in theory, but in actual projects with visible results.
Malaysian libraries are no longer just about borrowing books. They’ve become entry points to wider digital experiences.
Think of it this way:
This is where AI steps in. It helps universities meet these new needs. Facial recognition, smart sensors, and even robots are making their way into campuses—not in a flashy way, but in ways that actually help people.
And behind some of these projects is GR Tech, a Malaysian software company focused on education systems.
Let’s start with one example that’s already live. GR Tech worked with a public university in Malaysia to fix an old access control problem. The library was using RFID swipe cards—but those cards were slow, easy to lose, and hard to manage.
This wasn’t just a hardware project. The aim was to give students a smoother experience and help staff see who’s coming in and when. Everything had to work together in real time.
Here’s what Ahmad Ahsan, Founder of GR Tech, shared on LinkedIn after the install:
“Watching students walk through without breaking stride or fumbling for IDs is a small, everyday win — but one that truly matters.”
This simple quote captures the point. AI in libraries doesn’t need to be dramatic. It just needs to work well.
Read the full case study here: Turnstile Integration – GR Tech
In another project, GR Tech went even further.
Years after working on industrial robots, Ahmad and his team returned to robotics—this time, for education. Their goal? Automate how library books are scanned and checked using robots.
“The robot wasn’t moving space parts. It was scanning shelves across three floors, keeping track of over half a million books,” Ahmad shared.
The robot:
This robot doesn't need a human to guide it. It knows what to do and when to do it. And it never skips a shelf.
The robot also helps track lost books, missed entries, and overdue items. It’s a working example of robotics in Malaysian libraries—and it does a boring but important job very well.
Read the full case study here: Automated Library Book Borrowing – GR Tech
Ahmad also recently posted about a new project: smart lockers in a library.
Students were often in a hurry between classes, needing to drop their bags or borrow devices. Instead of using cards or PINs, GR Tech added facial recognition access.
Here’s how it works:
It's connected to the campus system for identity verification and logs all activity. Plus, it meets GDPR standards for privacy from day one.
This system is now being used to manage digital locker access in real time, without adding more tasks for staff.
It’s not just global companies doing this kind of work. GR Tech shows that Malaysian tech companies and AI can go together in real, working systems.
What makes GR Tech's work stand out is:
We don’t just install tools—we work with universities to understand what’s actually needed.
1. Is this technology expensive?
Costs are falling. GR Tech’s AI projects are done with clear budgeting and often phased to start small.
2. What about privacy?
Systems are encrypted, and data policies follow PDPA guidelines. Facial data is stored securely and access is limited.
3. What if the system fails?
Projects like the library turnstile come with offline backup so entry is still possible during power cuts or downtime.
4. Do staff need to learn a lot of new tech?
Not really. GR Tech includes admin dashboards that are built for non-technical users. Staff get full training and support.
The move toward smart campus technology is just beginning.
Here’s what we might see soon:
And because companies like GR Tech are already working in these areas, adoption might happen faster than expected.
AI doesn’t need to be a big project with fancy names. Sometimes, it's about replacing a swipe card with a camera. Or a clipboard with a robot.
What matters is that the systems help real people: students, librarians, and university staff.
As Ahmad puts it:
“This wasn’t just a hardware swap — it was a shift in how institutions approach digital-first infrastructure.”
For universities in Malaysia thinking about AI, these projects show that it’s possible, practical, and useful. Start small, start where it matters—and build from there.
How does AI improve library management in Malaysia?
AI speeds up access, improves book tracking, and helps staff manage large user volumes without manual work.
Is AI being used in Malaysian universities today?
Yes. From GR Tech’s facial recognition systems to automated book robots, AI is already live on campuses.
Are these systems secure?
Yes. GR Tech’s systems follow local and international privacy rules, including PDPA and GDPR.
Can smaller universities afford these tools?
Many projects start small. Smart lockers or partial turnstile rollouts are good entry points with limited budgets.
Where can I learn more or request a demo?
Visit GR Tech’s case study library or contact their team for a live walkthrough.
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