For Gark Jun Feng, pursuing a degree in artificial intelligence did not mean choosing between studying in Malaysia or studying abroad. Through INTI International College Penang’s international degree pathway, he began his studies locally before completing his degree in the United Kingdom.
Gark Jun Feng, a First Class Honours graduate of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence at Coventry University, began his academic journey at INTI International College Penang before completing his degree in the United Kingdom.
Gark began his academic journey at INTI International College Penang, where he completed his Diploma in Computer Science from April 2022 to April 2024. He then progressed to the BSc (Hons) in Computer Science 3+0 in collaboration with Coventry University, completing Year 2 in April 2025.
In 2025, he transferred to Coventry University through INTI’s international degree transfer pathway to complete the final year of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence. He entered Year 3 in September 2025 and completed Level 6 in May 2026 with First Class Honours.
The pathway allowed him to build his academic foundation at INTI before moving into a new country, culture and learning environment. INTI’s University Placement Office also supported him through the transfer process, including guidance on university selection, applications, visa arrangements, accommodation and pre-departure preparation.
For Gark, the route gave him the foundation to pursue his interest in artificial intelligence while preparing him for an international study experience.
“My studies at INTI gave me the foundation to pursue my interest in AI,” Gark said. “When I continued my final year in the UK, I began to see the field from a wider perspective. I realised that the real challenge is not only building smarter systems but creating technology that people can trust.”
Gark said his interest in artificial intelligence began with a technical focus. Like many students starting in computer science, he initially thought success in AI depended mainly on writing better algorithms.
As he progressed through his studies, that view began to expand. His grounding in programming and software development helped him understand how AI systems are built. At the same time, his final year of learning introduced him to broader considerations such as responsible AI, data governance and trust.
That understanding became clearer through his final-year dissertation project, NutriEat, a nutrition-based food and recipe recommendation system completed at Coventry University.
As a food and recipe recommendation system, NutriEat required Gark to consider how user information was handled and how the system could be designed responsibly. Through the project, he applied principles related to data governance, privacy and responsible software design.
“I realised AI isn’t only about developing powerful algorithms,” he explained. “It is equally about protecting people’s data, respecting privacy and ensuring technology is responsible, secure and trustworthy.”
Beyond academic development, the pathway also helped Gark grow personally.
During his time at INTI, he served as a Student Ambassador, a role that gave him early exposure to communication, leadership and working with people from different backgrounds. These experiences helped him build confidence beyond the classroom before continuing his studies overseas.
Before studying abroad, Gark initially worried that his English might become a barrier.
“I thought people might judge me because I didn’t have a British accent,” he recalled. “Instead, I met people who were patient, welcoming and willing to communicate. That experience completely changed my confidence. It taught me that communication is about connecting with people, not speaking perfectly.”
At Coventry University, he continued to serve as a Student Ambassador during his final year, representing the university at events, supporting prospective students, and working with peers from different countries and cultural backgrounds.
“Working with students from different backgrounds taught me that everyone approaches problems differently,” he said. “Those experiences helped me become more adaptable and prepared me for the realities of today’s global workplace.”
For Gark, the experience showed that success in AI requires more than technical ability. Building responsible technology also requires communication, adaptability and an understanding of the people who may be affected by the systems being developed.
His journey reflects the flexibility available to students pursuing the Coventry University computer science pathway at INTI, where eligible students may build their foundation locally before progressing to an overseas study option.
Gark Jun Feng completed his final-year dissertation project, NutriEat, a nutrition-based food and recipe recommendation system, at Coventry University before graduating with First Class Honours in May 2026.
For Gark, that flexibility offered more than a route to an international qualification. It allowed him to begin close to home, progress with academic support and complete his degree in an overseas environment that broadened his perspective.
Gark believes that students considering a similar path should not let uncertainty hold them back.
“Don’t let uncertainty stop you,” he said. “Every meaningful opportunity begins outside your comfort zone. Studying overseas isn’t just about earning a degree. It’s about becoming the kind of person who can make a positive difference wherever you go.”