Higher Education in the AI Era Challenges and Opportunities for ASEAN Universities

Abstract

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents transformative opportunities and complex challenges for ASEAN higher education. This study aims to empower academic and administrative staff by enhancing practical AI literacy and evaluating the immediate impact of AI capacity-building interventions. Employing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, an international community service program was conducted collaboratively at Rajamangala University, Thailand. Data collection involved 65 participants using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was gathered through pre-test and post-test questionnaires based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and analyzed using paired sample t-tests. Qualitative insights were obtained via Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The findings demonstrate a statistically significant increase in the perceived ease of use and behavioral intention to adopt AI, alongside a drastic reduction in technological anxiety following the hands-on training. Despite these positive outcomes, qualitative results highlight persistent systemic challenges, including the linguistic bias of Western-centric AI models, infrastructural disparities, and profound ethical concerns regarding academic integrity.

 Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Higher Education, Capacity Building, Technology Acceptance Model, ASEAN