DATUK SERI (DR.) ENG WEI CHUN – THE CONVENIENCE AND IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON LIFE
Humans live on Earth, and as time passes and the planet moves, the world continues to change: children grow up, adults age, and populations increase. Civilizations evolve, societies advance, and challenges in areas such as the economy, politics, and education also shift over time.
Technological advancements have profoundly influenced human civilization. The establishment of ancient Egypt around 3100 BC, the rise of Roman kings in 753 BC, and the Industrial Revolution in Britain around 1750 all marked milestones in history. When Western industrial culture awakened to the importance of technology, it became clear that a nation’s strength equated to the strength of its people. By 1870, Britain had become the “Empire on which the sun never sets,” further proving the close link between technological power and national competitiveness.
Since the invention of computers in the 1950s, computer technology has made tremendous advancements. To this day, computer software continues to evolve, leading to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which has become the core driving force behind the Industry 4.0 revolution.
Technological advancements have made life more convenient while also deepening human dependence on technology. With less need for physical labor, humanity has progressed rapidly, inspiring new ways of thinking. For example on April 11, 1970, NASA launched Apollo 13, sending three astronauts into space. Today, the sky is filled with artificial satellites.
In the era of Industry 4.0, AI has emerged as a major technological breakthrough. Innovations like ChatGPT have not only boosted productivity but also changed the way people access information and solve problems. AI- powered tools such as ChatGPT enable users to obtain knowledge quickly, making them especially popular among young people. Recently, China launched a new AI software called DeepSeek, sparking widespread discussion and debate.
However, I believe the real issue is not about comparing which AI tool is better, but rather how we can wisely understand and use this technology. As the I Ching states, ‘Every advantage comes with a disadvantage.’ While AI offers convenience, it also carries potential risks.
Back in the 1980s, when I was a student, finding answers to questions meant going to the national library or the British Council Library to search through encyclopedias or other reference books.
Today, AI has absorbed vast amounts of information from encyclopedias, Google, and various databases, combining it with advanced chip technology to create powerful AI systems. In my view, the biggest issue with AI lies in the control of data integration. The core of AI depends on its learning sources—if the information it receives is biased or incomplete, it may spread false or misleading content. In the near future, besides AI products like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Grok 3, other AI technologies will also become widespread across various fields.
I firmly believe that AI will continue to evolve in the near future. On one hand, it will enhance efficiency and make life more convenient. On the other hand, excessive reliance on AI could weaken human critical thinking and contribute to the spread of misinformation. AI is a double-edged sword—if misused or abused, its consequences could be unpredictable.
If humanity misuses technological advancements, AI could lead to intellectual stagnation. Therefore, regardless of how advanced technology becomes, fundamental principles must be upheld, and AI should be used responsibly. If misused, technology will continue to evolve, but instead of progressing, humanity may only grow more ignorant.
We must neither ignore technological progress nor blindly depend on it. I hope that “AI literacy” courses will be incorporated into national education systems to cultivate the ability to use AI rationally. Since AI has become an inevitable part of the future, the United Nations needs to establish regulations to govern AI, ensuring that technological development is not dominated by a few powerful tech nations, in order to uphold global fairness and security.
In summary, whether looking back 3,000 years to ancient civilizations or at today’s Industry 4.0 era, humanity must approach fundamental principles with wisdom and clear understanding. We must not blindly rely on or conform to technological advancements. I believe that Malaysian citizens will use AI wisely.
Translated from original article source:
