KUCHING: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) must be managed carefully and responsibly, especially among students, to avoid negative impacts on their character development.
The Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education, Language, and Communication at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Dr Santrol Abdullah, said technologies such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and others are now widely used, with some even using them as platforms to express their emotions.
He said that this is today’s reality and cannot be ignored—some individuals seeking solutions also turn to ChatGPT, which can answer questions and even engage in conversation.
“If we have a problem or confusion, we can ask ChatGPT for help or guidance on what needs to be done. Paid applications are even more advanced, capable of providing deeper responses.
“I feel that this technology provides boundless value, if we use ChatGPT for good, It becomes beneficial. If used in the wrong way, it can become harmful,” he said.
He said this during a forum discussing “Challenges of Humanising Society – The Role of Parents, Educators, and Preachers” during the Fikrah Siddiq Fadzil Sarawak Zone Seminar 2.0 at Sarawak State Library on Saturday (Nov 8).
However, he added that AI itself is not the problem but rather, attention must be given to how it is managed.
“If such an approach is not taken, I do not know what will happen to our society in the next 20 years.
“Perhaps we could seek the views of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to find solutions. Otherwise, it could become dangerous if not handled properly,” he said.
He also said that offensive language, trolling, and ridicule on social media are concerning, as such language seems to have become normalised in culture.
Citing UNIMAS as an example, he said the university offers courses and programmes not only in academics but also in leadership, ethics, and other areas to produce students excelling both academically and in character.
“Therefore, issues related to offensive language must be addressed, especially in higher education, as students at this age are closer to their peers than family.
“This is important for shaping the character of students and graduates. That is why we often discuss that AI use must be handled properly, as it could influence the education system,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Director of the Adab and Values Programme Development Unit, Islamic Education Sector, Sarawak State Education Department, Sulaiman @ Leman Hashim, said the value of love and care must be nurtured among young people, who now face various challenges.
“Children today are more tech-savvy, including with AI, and this is their challenge. As teachers, we must also see how we can help solve problems so they understand the realities outside.
“In the past, people would say that locking children at home ensures they are safe and good. But today, even children locked in rooms are not guaranteed to develop well, because they are exposed to a boundless world even indoors.
“This is a challenge that cannot be solved by teachers alone; it also requires parents to play an active role,” he stressed, emphasising the importance of developing good character.
The forum, which lasted nearly an hour, discussed contemporary challenges, particularly efforts to nurture young people with strong character, and was moderated by the Sarawak State National Archives director, Afham Jauhari Aldi.
Prior to the forum, the seminar also featured presentations by WADAH Deputy President Yusop Hassan on “Diversity Within the Framework of Unity” and Kuching MCMC Deputy Director Mohd Mu’izzuddin Rengga on “Challenges of Humanizing a MADANI Society: Communications and Multimedia Perspective.”
