The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is expanding, and Malaysia is no exception. The country’s Higher Education Ministry has given its approval for Malaysian universities to utilize ChatGPT, a powerful AI tool. Universities will be allowed to use this AI tool, but the ministry has emphasised the importance of following its guidelines to ensure responsible usage.
Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin has stated that the department has already issued guidelines on the appropriate usage of ChatGPT. He acknowledges the inescapable presence of AI and ChatGPT in society and is aware of the tool’s potential benefits and drawbacks, including the risk of misuse, when autonomous academic papers can be generated without input from students. Therefore, he stressed the necessity of establishing comprehensive guidelines to ensure responsible usage.
An incident in the United States where lawyers used ChatGPT to fabricate legal cases for court filings underscores the risks associated with this technology. The minister points out that without guidelines, the potential for similar incidents occurring in Malaysia cannot be dismissed.
The Ministry of Higher Education has already announced its intention to develop comprehensive guidelines for the use of AI-powered tools in education.
The minister’s remarks have been met with support from universities, who recognise the potential of such tools but also acknowledge that guidelines are necessary to ensure students’ academic integrity is upheld. It is important that students learn how to use these tools correctly and responsibly.
In conclusion, the Malaysian government has recognised the vital role that AI tools can play in improving education and research methods. However, it is also mindful of the potential risks associated with their misuse and is taking steps to ensure responsible usage with the guidelines provided. Students at Malaysian universities can now make use of ChatGPT with caution, bearing in mind the guidelines laid down by the Higher Education Ministry.
