BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Artificial intelligence (AI) should serve as a tool to support people rather than replace human intellect and judgement, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (pic) said during the 14th UTB Convocation Ceremony at the International Convention Centre on Wednesday (Aug 26).
His Majesty emphasised that the use of technology in education must remain human-centric, noting that while AI is capable of processing data at great speed, it does not possess a soul or genuine moral judgement.
“AI is merely a tool to assist humans in obtaining information, while the information itself must still be verified and its truthfulness assessed by humans,” the monarch said.
His Majesty said rapidly advancing technologies continue to create opportunities for the development of local talent and expertise, while emerging technologies such as AI can be harnessed to enrich learning experiences and improve teaching effectiveness.
However, the monarch stressed that such technology should not be used to replace the workforce entirely, adding that AI cannot take over the role of human intellect.
Turning to the country’s higher education landscape, His Majesty said that after four decades of building capacity through the establishment of institutions of higher learning (IPTs), the sector should now enter a new chapter by assuming a greater role in strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and expanding its contribution to national development.
His Majesty called on all IPTs to take proactive steps to refine their respective policies towards this objective.
The monarch also highlighted UTB’s efforts to enhance the capabilities of its laboratories towards international certification and accreditation, saying the initiative could further strengthen the quality of the country’s infrastructure and broaden the university’s contribution to the development of knowledge-based industries.
Such progress, His Majesty said, cannot be achieved by universities alone and requires cooperation between higher education institutions, industry and relevant agencies.
Strategic collaboration between universities and stakeholders is also crucial to addressing unemployment by producing graduates equipped with practical skills, the monarch said.
Through the sharing of technology and expertise, His Majesty said such partnerships could help narrow the mismatch between academic qualifications and the actual requirements of today’s labour market.
On research and development, His Majesty expressed hope that UTB’s initiatives would continue to strengthen the university’s innovation capabilities.
The monarch stressed that innovation should not begin and end in laboratories but should be driven by creative minds and networks of strategic international collaboration.
His Majesty also called on UTB to ensure that its programmes remain responsive to changes in industry so that graduates possess a high level of employability.
At the same time, the monarch reminded graduates that Islam must never be marginalised regardless of the field of knowledge they pursue, describing Islam as the guiding light of all knowledge and the straight path that never deviates.
His Majesty also highlighted UTB’s milestone of marking 40 years since its establishment this year, noting that the institution has grown from a technological institute into a university recognised globally.
His Majesty congratulated the graduates on successfully completing their studies and expressed hope that their achievements would serve as a catalyst for continued excellence.
The monarch also congratulated parents, guardians and teaching staff for their encouragement and support in helping the graduates achieve success. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
