Sarawak to provide specialised AI training for teachers, says Premier

Borneo Post

a day ago

Abang Johari officiates the launch of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 as other distinguished guests look on during the ceremony at a hotel here today. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (July 2): The Sarawak government will provide specialised training in artificial intelligence (AI) for teachers across the state to equip them with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI into classroom teaching.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this in response to a request from Sarawak teachers, conveyed by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
'With the request of the teachers, I support your request. What is important is the value — the value system in AI — so that we can educate our students not to misuse AI,' said Abang Johari during his officiating speech at the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 at a hotel here today.
'We have to tell them, enabler — AI is just a machine. A machine without common touch. But we are not machines, we have emotion,' he added.
Earlier in his welcoming remarks, Abdullah touched on the theme of the conference, 'Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism', and presented a short AI-generated video clip by a local teacher.
According to Abdullah, Cikgu Zul — who teaches at SK Green Road Primary School — is passionate about AI and had asked for his message to be conveyed to the Premier.
'On behalf of all the teachers in Sarawak with similar interest and passion about AI, he would like to seek your kind consideration for the Sarawak government to consider providing special training programmes or seminars for all teachers to enhance their knowledge and know-how about AI,' he said.
Speaking at a press conference later, Abang Johari reiterated that AI will be a key enabler across various sectors in Sarawak.
'I tell you, number one, AI will be the enabler that we adopt in whatever we do — agriculture, manufacturing, even in the social sector,' he said.
He also stressed the need to instil ethics and responsibility in the use of AI.
'Number two is the question of morality and ethics — that's where we have to educate the people that this is just a tool for you to produce something. But this tool must not be abused — just like a knife. You educate people to use the knife for kitchenware; you don't use the knife to kill.
'Otherwise, you may abuse the function of AI. And this is why we have to educate our people — that AI is an enabler; you use it to improve your life, not to destroy it,' he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar. abang johari AI training lead teachers