ALOR SETAR, 28 July 2025 – In a strategic effort to promote data literacy and strengthen institutional decision-making, Albukhary International University (AIU) successfully conducted a three-day workshop titled “Data Analysis for Teaching and Data-Driven Decision Making Using Excel and Power BI.” Held from 23 to 25 July 2025, the event brought together academic and administrative staff in a collaborative learning environment focused on practical data application.
This initiative was spearheaded by AIU’s Centre for Development of Academic Excellence (CDAE) and reflects the university’s commitment to fostering evidence-informed planning and performance management across all departments.
Bridging Data with Decision-Making
The training workshop was hosted at the Wakaf Computer Lab, providing hands-on exposure to Microsoft Excel and Power BI, two of the most widely used tools in data analysis and business intelligence. The sessions aimed to:
- Strengthen analytical skills among AIU staff,
- Support strategic academic and operational decisions through data insights,
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement through evidence-based practices.
Rather than offering a general theoretical overview, the workshop adopted an application-based approach, using real-life scenarios and datasets from within the university’s administrative and teaching operations.
Expert-Led Sessions for Practical Impact
The workshop was facilitated by three respected experts in the fields of data analytics and educational management:
- Dr. Noor Farizah Ibrahim, Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Dr. Noratikah Nordin, Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Prof. Dr. Zurinahni Zainol, Albukhary International University
Participants benefited from the facilitators’ real-world academic and institutional experience, which helped bridge the gap between technical tools and strategic planning. Their sessions covered a range of topics including:
- Data cleaning and management using Microsoft Excel
- Interactive dashboards and reports with Power BI
- Data visualization techniques for communicating insights
- Aligning analytics with institutional KPIs and educational outcomes
Attendees were guided through step-by-step examples to ensure deep understanding of core functions, such as PivotTables, advanced filtering, Power Query, and dynamic dashboards.
Real-Time Application, Real-World Relevance
A key highlight of the workshop was its relevance to AIU’s operational environment. Participants worked on simulated datasets derived from actual academic and administrative workflows. These exercises allowed them to:
- Apply analytical thinking to solve real problems,
- Interpret trends to support student performance monitoring,
- Assess operational efficiency through data reporting tools.
Such practice ensured that staff could immediately apply their learning to their roles, whether in classroom planning, enrolment management, or institutional research.
A Step Toward a Data-Empowered University
The workshop supports AIU’s long-term vision of becoming a data-empowered institution, where decisions across academic and administrative levels are guided by reliable, real-time data insights. The initiative aligns with the university’s mission to:
- Enhance transparency and accountability in decision-making,
- Cultivate a performance-driven culture,
- Equip its staff with 21st-century digital competencies.
Participants expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising the timely and practical nature of the training. Many noted that the ability to create visual dashboards and interpret patterns in data would significantly improve their day-to-day efficiency and strategic planning capabilities.
Looking Ahead
Following the success of this session, CDAE and the university leadership plan to explore:
- Advanced-level training modules on business intelligence,
- Cross-departmental data collaboration workshops,
- Ongoing support and peer learning groups to ensure continued growth in analytics proficiency.
Such initiatives further position AIU as a forward-thinking institution committed to academic excellence, operational integrity, and technological advancement.
📌 About Albukhary International University (AIU)
Albukhary International University is a non-profit, private institution in Alor Setar, Kedah, dedicated to inclusive, values-driven higher education. AIU strives to develop global citizens equipped with the skills, knowledge, and ethics to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
📍 Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 05200 Alor Setar, Kedah Darul Aman, MALAYSIA
📧 Email: corpcomm@aiu.edu.my
🌐 Website: www.aiu.edu.my
