CIO and University Librarian Message
Happy new semester! I would like to warmly welcome all the new and returning students and staff back from the restful summer and wish you a successful journey ahead.
In this newsletter, my colleagues share several projects embedding AI capabilities. ITSC is committed to leveraging the cutting-edge technology to advance the strategic priorities of the University. Naturally, AI tools and agents are on our radar, and we are prepared to utilize them securely across our applications to build a smarter campus.
AI tools rely on substantial computational power. To this end, ITSC has built HPC NexT Phase II following the successful launch of Phase I in February 2025. Equipped with increased processing power and advanced cooling technologies, this facility will support emerging AI research as well as its integration into teaching and learning.
One new application set for deployment is the AI facial recognition system. It has been soft-launched in the offices of the President and Vice-Presidents and will soon be rolled out to the new T-Plus campus. A registration campaign was launched during the Postgraduate Carnival event in late August. Developed as a convenient alternative to tapping your LU card, this system provides seamless access to campus facilities. Registration is required to ensure accurate recognition and is now open at the ITSC HelpDesk. Once registered, you will be able to gain instant access to the T-Plus campus future facilities with the system installed without needing to bring your LU card.
As we develop these applications, cybersecurity remains at the forefront of our work. Given the recent cyberattacks affecting local higher education institutions, preventing threats and ensuring campus security are our highest priorities. We are deeply committed to protecting your personal data and the sensitive information stored across our systems. To strengthen our defense, we have tightened security measures. Starting last year, we placed more critical systems behind our firewall, requiring VPN and 2FA for access. Over the past year, my colleagues have also implemented more than 40 cybersecurity measures, some of which are highlighted in this newsletter. While I understand that these added steps may cause some inconvenience, the current threat landscape leaves us no choice. Your personal data is so precious that it is worth a few more steps in authentication.
I kindly ask for your continued support as we work together to build a smarter and safer campus!