Royal attendance: Raja Zarith Sofiah and Che’ Puan Khaleeda (left) departing UTM’s 68th convocation ceremony at the university’s Dewan Sultan Iskandar in Johor Baru. — Bernama
JOHOR BARU: The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology should be used to improve the quality of life and not solely for economic gains, says Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia.
Her Majesty said that Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), which is the first university in the country with an AI faculty, should also take on the responsibility of ensuring the technology is put to good use in an ethical manner.
“In this era driven by technology, the advancement of AI presents immense opportunities and challenges.
“AI technology should be harnessed to improve the quality of life for society and not solely for economic gain.
“UTM, as a research university entrusted by our nation to lead AI research through the establishment of Malaysia’s first faculty of AI, must ensure the technology is used responsibly and ethically,” said Her Majesty, who is also the Chancellor of UTM.
Raja Zarith Sofiah said this in her speech during UTM’s 68th convocation ceremony at the university’s Dewan Sultan Iskandar here yesterday.
Also present at the ceremony was Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, who is also UTM’s pro-chancellor.
Her Majesty told the attendees to do their part in protecting the environment amid the swift development of AI.
“Beyond the rapid development of AI, it cannot be denied that human activities have significantly and worryingly damaged our planet’s natural systems.
“As an educated society, we must play our part to address the degradation of the environment.
“It begins with a change in attitude and a sense of responsibility to preserve our world for future generations,” added Her Majesty.
Her Majesty also commended UTM for addressing environmental challenges by being among pioneering institutions championing global health elements through its Sustainability Plan 2030.
UTM’s AI faculty was launched in May this year, making it the first university in Malaysia with a faculty dedicated to AI.
The faculty, located at UTM’s Kuala Lumpur campus, currently has 126 students, including 27 international students.
On a separate matter, Raja Zarith Sofiah also told local graduates to maintain close ties with their peers from other countries.
“Foster goodwill and spread kindness regardless of race or religion.
“Strengthen your bonds of friendship with students from abroad, especially those from countries experiencing war, natural disasters, or other crises.
“Brotherhood among humans is one of the most important values necessary to build a civilised, cultured, and competitive society,” added Her Majesty.
A total of 7,499 students, including 1,149 international students from 56 countries, will receive their scrolls during the convocation ceremony, which is being held between Nov 16 and 21 here.
The ceremony here also saw the appointment of UTM’s former vice-chancellor Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Mohd Zulkifli Mohd Ghazali, as the university’s new pro-chancellor.
Meanwhile, another former UTM vice-chancellor Datuk Wahid Omar and the former Dean of the university’s Mechanical Engineering Faculty Mohamad Afifi Abdul Mukti, were conferred the title Emeritus Professors.
