KUCHING: The inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) in the school syllabus should be considered as a step to give early exposure to the younger generation on both the benefits and risks of the technology.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said such a move is important to prevent any misuse of AI.
Citing examples abroad, he noted that several universities in Europe have begun offering AI-related courses, which also cover ways to prevent misuse of the technology.
“For us, courses like this are very important to ensure there is no misuse of AI.
“Therefore, AI-related subjects can be introduced to school students. They must know and learn this technology from an early stage,” he told the media after officiating at the ‘AI-Driven Talent: Shaping the Future of Sarawak Workforce Development’ held at a hotel here today.
Following this, he said the Ministry of Education could also consider the proposal, as AI technology is not only accessible to adults but also to children.
“I cannot implement it as it falls under the jurisdiction of MoE. They have to introduce a subject.
“In fact, there are already subjects in the school syllabus, such as Design and Technology (RBT), which could be reinvented to include AI,” he said.
He said that such efforts must be implemented ethically and morally to avoid negative impacts on society.
“This is what needs to be done. The more we understand about AI, the better equipped we are to prevent potential negative consequences,” he added.
Sarawak is moving towards developing a holistic AI ecosystem covering government infrastructure, academic research, talent development, deep tech innovation, and AI integration in critical sectors.
