Higher Education in the Age of AI
A Changing Learning Landscape
At a recent Teachers & Advisors Conference in Newport, our founder, Kamal Ali, returned to the University of South Wales (USW) to speak about the evolving role of higher education.
In an era shaped by artificial intelligence and unlimited online resources, a common question is emerging: do young people still need university?
Kamal acknowledged that self-education is more accessible than ever. AI tools are advancing rapidly, and many skills can now be learned independently. There is merit in the idea that traditional pathways are no longer the only option.
However, he also made clear that university offers something that cannot easily be replicated through online learning alone.
Beyond the Degree: What University Really Builds
Confidence, Exposure and Environment
According to Kamal, higher education is not just about obtaining a qualification. It is about environment, exposure and growth.
University places students in diverse settings where they encounter new perspectives, challenges and expectations. It builds communication skills, resilience, independence and confidence. These experiences often shape personal development as much as academic knowledge.
For Kamal, these formative years played a role in shaping the mindset that later led to the creation of My Salah Mat. The structured thinking, presentation skills and confidence developed during university years contributed to his ability to design educational products and lead a growing organisation.
Alumni Giving Back
The conference, delivered by the USW Schools and Colleges Team, brought together teachers and advisors to explore how higher education can unlock potential beyond graduation.
Kamal attended as an alumnus, emphasising the importance of graduates returning to share real world experiences. Alumni stories demonstrate that career paths are rarely linear and that growth often happens gradually.
Shared Inspiration: Meeting Hamed Amiri
Another speaker at the conference was fellow USW alumnus Hamed Amiri, who works at PwC and is the author of the BBC award-winning book The Boy With Two Hearts.
Amiri’s work has gained national recognition, been adapted into a stage production and is now reaching a global audience. Kamal described the meeting as inspiring, noting how storytelling and authenticity can create meaningful cultural impact.
Both speakers represented different industries but shared a common theme: higher education can provide a platform that supports long term growth, even when careers take unexpected directions.
In reflecting on the event, Kamal reaffirmed that while technology is reshaping education, the value of university extends beyond content delivery. It offers structure, community and personal development that can influence future leadership and innovation. For My Salah Mat, a brand built on educational purpose, that foundation remains significant.
0 comments