The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into classrooms has significantly transformed Malaysia's educational landscape, creating vast opportunities for both educators and students. As classrooms become more digitised, AI tools designed to personalise learning experiences and streamline administrative tasks mark the beginning of a new era in technology-enhanced education. The Ministry of Education’s plan to introduce foundational AI education in schools by 2027 represents a progressive step; however, the education sector needs to address the challenges accompanying this transformation.
The concerns of AI integration in Malaysian education are data privacy, ethical use, training, literacy, and the national regulatory body. Providing comprehensive training for educators is imperative, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the technical complexities and ethical considerations associated with AI implementation in the classroom. Furthermore, establishing AI literacy programs aimed at both educators and students, coupled with forming a national regulatory body, would play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of responsible and ethical AI use within the Malaysian education system.
A. Data Privacy and Security Solutions
Artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings has sparked concerns about protecting privacy and security, particularly gathering student data. In response to these concerns, Malaysia is reviewing and updating the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) to ensure that public and private institutions responsibly handle personal data. This initiative aims to safeguard individuals' privacy and address the potential risks associated with the increasing use of AI in educational institutions (Arina Musthafa, 2023).
Furthermore, the government is considering introducing a new cybersecurity bill to meet the evolving demands of AI deployment and cybersecurity in the education sector. This legislative effort is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing cybersecurity challenges and ensuring the secure implementation of AI technologies in educational environments.
In light of these developments, educational institutions must prioritise the establishment of robust data governance frameworks. These frameworks are essential for creating a secure digital learning environment that protects the privacy of students and parents (Mahadzir Aziz, 2023). Moreover, clear and comprehensive policies are necessary to ensure the responsible utilization of AI in the classroom while aligning with broader educational objectives. Such measures are crucial for promoting trust and confidence in using AI technologies in education.
B. Ethical AI Use Solutions
In Malaysia's multicultural setting, ensuring the ethical application of AI is crucial. The ethical challenges surrounding AI tools, such as bias and fairness, must be addressed, particularly in a diverse society. Through initiatives like the Malaysia Artificial Intelligence Roadmap (AIRmap), the Malaysian government is working towards establishing frameworks that promote inclusivity and equity in AI applications, ensuring that students from all backgrounds benefit equally from technological advancements (Mahadzir Aziz, 2023).
The newly introduced Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics (AIGE) guidelines, launched by Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, are intended to guide industries and AI developers, serving as a reference rather than a legal obligation. While Chang expressed hope that parts of these guidelines would eventually become law, he acknowledged that this would take time. He urged AI stakeholders to follow the procedures as an ethical discipline.
The government has decided not to immediately legislate the guidelines, as current laws adequately address AI-related activities. However, Chang highlighted the importance of establishing a common framework due to the rapid advancements in AI (The Edge, 2024). Educators and institutions should follow established ethical practices while awaiting more specific legislative measures to be implemented. This aligns with the broader call for AI use in education to promote inclusivity, data protection, and fairness.
C. Educators AI Training Solutions
Comprehensive teacher training is essential to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to teach AI effectively in both technical and ethical contexts. Research highlights that educators need a foundational understanding of AI technologies and the ability to critically engage with moral issues such as data privacy, bias, and algorithmic transparency (Holmes et al., 2019). A lack of comprehensive training may leave educators insufficiently equipped to integrate AI tools into their teaching practices and critically evaluate the societal implications of these technologies.
The inadequacy of knowledge not only impedes educators' capacity to teach the technical intricacies of AI effectively but also constrains their ability to engage with critical ethical issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the broader societal impacts of AI. Consequently, professional development programs must be meticulously crafted to encompass a comprehensive understanding of AI's technical aspects and the ethical dilemmas it presents. This approach will empower educators to deliver well-rounded instruction that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of AI (Zawacki-Richter et al., 2019).
D. Strengthening AI Literacy among Students Solutions
Along with providing comprehensive training to educators, it is essential to introduce AI literacy programmes for students. These programmes should teach students how to use AI tools and highlight the ethical and societal implications, such as privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and responsible data management. By incorporating AI ethics into the digital curriculum, students can critically engage with AI technologies, fostering responsible digital citizens capable of navigating AI-powered environments in education and their future careers.
Erkunt (2023) underscores the importance of AI literacy, advocating for integrating AI concepts across various subjects to link theoretical learning with real-world applications. Erkunt also highlights the need to balance theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through platforms like Teachable Machine while stressing the importance of addressing ethical issues like privacy and bias. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared for future AI-driven challenges.
An exemplary case of AI literacy in action comes from Singapore’s AI for Kids (AI4K) initiative, launched by AI Singapore. This programme teaches primary and secondary students the fundamentals of AI through engaging activities, including hands-on experience with machine learning and neural networks. It also focuses on the ethical use of AI, equipping students to understand both the risks and benefits of AI technologies (AI Singapore, 2021). Such initiatives demonstrate how combining technical learning with ethical considerations can prepare students for a world increasingly shaped by AI.
E. Establishing a National Regulatory Body Solutions
Establishing a national regulatory body dedicated to AI in education would be highly advantageous in ensuring AI's responsible and ethical use across all educational levels in Malaysia. This entity would monitor AI integration in schools and universities, ensuring that AI tools are used by updated ethical standards and that data protection laws, such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), are adhered to. The body would provide clear guidelines and support for educational institutions to adopt AI to enhance learning while safeguarding privacy and inclusivity.
Furthermore, this regulatory body would be a critical intermediary between government policy, technology developers, and educational stakeholders. With Malaysia increasingly focused on digital transformation initiatives such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the upcoming AI policies from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), consistent AI governance across all educational sectors is more pressing than ever. This body would regulate the use of AI tools in classrooms and ensure that AI’s role in education aligns with national goals of fostering innovation, equitable access, and the ethical use of technology (MOSTI, 2023).
Let's Ponder...
As Malaysia navigates this transformative period in education, stakeholders must engage in continuous dialogue and take proactive steps to address the challenges associated with AI integration. By embedding ethical standards, ensuring equitable access, and balancing AI technology with human interaction, Malaysia can maximise AI’s potential to improve educational outcomes while safeguarding the values of inclusivity and quality education.
Additionally, establishing comprehensive AI literacy programs and creating a national regulatory body that oversees AI use in education will further support these efforts, ensuring that students and educators are prepared to engage with AI responsibly and effectively. Through these measures, Malaysia can foster a future-ready educational environment that promotes innovation while upholding ethical and inclusive practices.
References
AI Singapore. (2021). AI for Kids (AI4K). https://www.aisingapore.org
Arina Musthafa. (2023). Getting Malaysia Ready for the Rise of AI. The Edge Malaysia. https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/688985
Erkunt, H. (2023). Empowering the Next Generation: Integrating AI Literacy into Modern Education. Cognitive Models and Artificial Intelligence Conference. https://doi.org/10.36287/setsci.6.1.014
Holmes, W., Bialik, M., & Fadel, C. (2020). Artificial intelligence in education: Promises and implications for teaching and learning. Center for Curriculum Redesign. http://bit.ly/AIED-BOOK
Mahadzir Aziz (2023). Malaysia’s Digital Evolution: Unleashing the Power of AI for Inclusive Growth. The Malaysian Reserve. https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/11/01/malaysias-digital-evolution-unleashing-the-power-of-ai-for-inclusive-growth/
The Edge. (2024). Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics (AIGE) launch. https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/727470
Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V.I., Bond, M. et al. Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education – where are the educators? International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education 16, 39 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0
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This guest post was written by Mohd Suhaimi Sulaiman, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and co-written by Aileen Farida Mohd Adam, a senior lecturer at the Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
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