KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed his support for the specialised training programmes aimed at enhancing knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) within the education sector.
He emphasised the importance of instilling moral and ethical values in the use of AI in education to ensure that the technology is applied responsibly.
“We have to tell them (students) the importance of the value in AI so as to educate them not to misuse AI.
“AI is just a machine with no human touch but we (humans) are not machines; we have emotions,” he said in his speech during the opening ceremony of Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2025, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism’ held at a hotel here today.
At a press conference later, Abang Johari also stressed that such knowledge must not be abused, but must be used wisely and ethically.
“It’s like a knife. When properly taught, a knife is used in the kitchen, not as a weapon. The same principle applies to AI. There must be moral boundaries to avoid misuse,” he reiterated.
Earlier in his speech, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol conveyed the aspirations of educators in Sarawak.
He urged the Sarawak government to consider introducing special training programmes or seminars for teachers across the state to help them integrate AI into their teaching methods in schools.
