BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Educators have a responsibility to ensure the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education remains grounded in ethical principles to safeguard academic integrity and support student success, Executive Director of the Asean University Network (AUN) Associate Professor Dr Thanapan Laiprakobsup said.
Speaking at the opening of the 6th Asean University Network for Technology-Enhanced Personalised Learning (AUN-TEPL) Symposium at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) on Wednesday (June 3), he highlighted the transformative role of technology in creating more inclusive and flexible learning environments while stressing the need for responsible implementation of AI.
“It is our utmost responsibility as educators to ensure the use of AI is grounded in ethical principles as our ultimate goal is to nurture young talents and create a safe and supportive learning environment that brings them closer towards their academic goals without undermining academic integrity,” he said.
The two-day symposium, held from June 3 to 4 at Chancellor Hall, UBD, brought together educators, researchers and institutional leaders from across the AUN+3 region to discuss ethical, inclusive and technology-enhanced personalised learning.
Hosted by UBD and co-organised with Singapore Management University, Universiti Malaya, Mahidol University and the University of the Philippines Diliman, the event is being held in conjunction with the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE) 2026.
Under the theme ‘AI Ethics in Personalised Learning’, participants are exploring how AI is reshaping personalised learning environments while addressing concerns related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, equitable access, academic integrity and the responsible use of emerging technologies in higher education.
UBD Deputy Vice-Chancellor and UBD Host Chair for AUN-TEPL Professor Dr Noor Azam Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Othman described the symposium as an important platform for strengthening regional collaboration in higher education.
“The AUN-TEPL Symposium has become an essential platform for driving regional collaboration that directly enhances teaching, learning and societal impact across Asean higher education,” he said.
“As we gather for the sixth edition under the theme of AI ethics, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping personalised learning environments that are not only innovative but also responsible and inclusive.”
The symposium opened with a keynote address by Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation at Michigan State University Dr Jeremy Van Hof, who discussed the role of student-centred and equitable education in guiding technology-enabled teaching and learning.
A panel discussion titled ‘Balancing Innovation and Integrity: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Technology-Enhanced Personalised Learning’ featured speakers from Mahidol University, Singapore Management University, Peking University, the University of the Philippines Diliman and UBD.
Participants also attended workshops on integrating AI into digital pedagogy, developing interactive learning resources and formulating higher education AI policies that balance innovation with ethics, security and academic integrity.
Chair of AUN-TEPL Associate Professor Tamas Makany said regional collaboration remains essential in helping educators and students navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
“AI brings genuine risks to personalised learning, including bias, privacy concerns, unequal access and the silencing of students who stop thinking critically,” he said.
“Collaboration across the region helps students become confident partners with AI and active collaborators rather than passive consumers.”
The symposium will conclude today with discussions focusing on ethical AI, transformative learning and innovative approaches to preparing future-ready learners. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
