06/03/2026

FRIDAY | MAR 6, 2026

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COMMENT by Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim

Navigating the rise of AI W E are standing at the threshold of a new era, one not merely defined by technological advancement but also by the rise of intelligence itself.

praise for your spouse’s efforts. 0 Recognise that change takes time. Be patient, and let your spouse know that you’re in this together for the long haul. As you go through this process, try to view it as an opportunity for cooperation rather than conflict. A key to the challenge of marriage is striving to understand each other and seeking to meet each other’s needs. This is a great area in which to put these principles into practice. This article is contributed by Focus on the Family Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the family unit. It provides a myriad of programmes and resources, including professional counselling services, to the community. For more information, visit standards must be developed to prevent a digital arms race and ensure AI serves the collective good. Many agree on the need for a new social contract. Ultimately, the intelligent age demands more than policy tweaks; it calls for a new social contract. One that reaffirms the primacy of human dignity in a world where machines grow smarter. One that ensures technology enhances, rather than erodes, the bonds of community, fairness and trust. And one that recognises that while AI may process vast data sets, the wisdom to govern its use must remain deeply, unapologetically human. As nations chart their course into this intelligent future, the measure of their success will not lie in how much technology they deploy, but in how well they protect, empower and uplift their people. The true measure of global progress will not be how much technology we develop, but how wisely, fairly and humanely we deploy it. As nations chart their course into this intelligent future, they must ensure that intelligence, whether artificial or human, serves the cause of human well-being, social justice and planetary stewardship. In this intelligent age, the choice before us is clear: collaborate to build an inclusive, responsible and ethical global order, or risk a world where technological power outpaces the wisdom to wield it. Malaysia is fortunate to have a government that is very much on the path to effectively embrace the many challenges of the intelligent age. But, as admitted by many, bringing reforms is no easy task. Change is the biggest obstacle. Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

The intelligent age, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), big data and automation, is quietly transforming how societies function, how economies grow and how nations govern. Yet, in many parts of the world, public policy has yet to catch up with this new reality. In the past, societies organised themselves around capital, labour and resources. Today, the premium lies in data, algorithms and the capacity to harness them for strategic and social gain. AI-driven systems now diagnose diseases, trade stocks, optimise supply chains and predict consumer behaviour with astonishing precision. But alongside these opportunities come significant risks, job displacement, widening digital divides, ethical dilemmas and data sovereignty disputes. The question facing governments is no longer whether to embrace the intelligent age, it is how to do so wisely, inclusively and humanely. What are the right policies for an intelligent future? At the heart of this challenge lies education. Nations must urgently modernise their education systems to cultivate not only digital literacy but also the uniquely human skills AI cannot replicate: critical thinking, empathy, creativity and ethical reasoning. Equally vital is lifelong learning, a continuous, adaptive approach to reskilling workers displaced by intelligent machines. Infrastructure, too, must be reimagined. Equitable access to high-speed internet, secure cloud services and digital platforms is as fundamental today as roads and electricity were in the industrial era. Public investment in AI research hubs and smart public services can help narrow inequalities and stimulate local innovation

As nations chart their course into this intelligent future, the measure of their success will not lie in how much technology they deploy, but in how well they protect, empower and uplift their people. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

access and even the idea of a universal basic income. Ignoring these social shifts risks leaving millions vulnerable in an economy that increasingly values machines over manpower. We should not ignore the geopolitics of intelligence. The intelligent age is also redrawing geopolitical lines. Data and AI are now strategic assets, akin to oil in the 20th century. Nations capable of harnessing AI at scale will enjoy decisive economic and military advantages. This makes international collaboration essential. From AI ethics to data-sharing protocols and cybersecurity, global Ultimately, nobody can change another person. The only person you can change is yourself. But you can make positive alterations in your living situation and your relationship if you’re willing to approach the problem with patience, understanding and lots of love. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind: 0 Be upfront and honest. Assume ownership of your feelings, then voice them candidly and respectfully. Approach the situation as equal part ners with the goal of working out an arrangement that’s acceptable to both of you. 0 Don’t attack your spouse. Confront the problem; don’t belittle the person. E.g. “You always leave me to clean up after you. Can’t you be more responsi ble?”versus“I feel frustrated whenever I see laundry all over the house. I would appreciate your help to put the laundry in the basket.” 0 Encourage growth. When you see positive progress taking place, offer

ecosystems. On

“The question facing governments is no longer whether to embrace the intelligent age, it is how to do so wisely, inclusively and humanely.

the front, governments must strike a delicate balance between enabling AI’s potential and safeguarding public trust. Clear, transparent frameworks are needed to govern AI ethics, data protection and cybersecurity. In doing so, nations must avoid the twin dangers of regulatory paralysis and unchecked technological exploitation. And perhaps most importantly, social safety nets must evolve. The gig economy, digital labour platforms and AI-driven automation demand fresh thinking about employment protections, healthcare regulatory

Under One Roof

Playtime the ultimate parent-child bond Q: Our family schedule is pretty crazy, and it seems like we’re all just getting busier. We’re trying to make changes, but meanwhile I’m con cerned about staying connected with our children in what little free time we have. What do you sug gest? Obviously, that playtime didn’t go so well, but, believe it or not, it did have a positive outcome. First, it was a moment they all still laugh about. But more importantly, Jean’s playfulness drew the boys closer to her. The bum ankle and sore jaw are long forgotten, but their boys will always remember their mum taking time out of her busy schedule to play with them. Q: How can I get my husband to help keep the house clean? I never noticed that he was a “messie” before we were married. Since I’m the one who likes the house clean and orderly, I’m the one who picks up after him and does all the house work. I’m getting tired of it; what should I do?

Focus on the Family Malaysia: Parenting can certainly be challeng ing, and it’s easy to let the serious business fill every hollow. But some times you just have to know when to be playful. We’ll share a real story. Jim came home from work one day just as his boys came dragging into the house from the garden. Troy was limping and Trent had a black and blue mark emerging on his chin. “What happened?” he asked. Troy said, “Don’t jump on the trampoline with mum. She landed on my ankle.” Then Trent said, “Her knee cracked me right in the jaw.”

Focus on the Family Malaysia: This is actually a fairly common problem. When you and your spouse fell in love, you weren’t thinking about house work. Now that you’re married, it’s a whole different ball game. If your relationship is to thrive, you’ll have to find a mutually satisfactory way to manage this aspect of your life together. It may help to remember that, to a certain extent, this is a question of conflicting personalities. Creative types, for instance, are often less concerned about “neatness” than people who take a more “left-brain” approach to life.

That’s a great reminder for every parent. The pressures of adult life can make us a little too serious sometimes. Be playful. Play board games, wrestle on the floor, kick the ball around. Find something your children like to do and join them. It’ll deepen your relationship with them, and they’ll see you as more than a disciplinarian or someone who cooks dinner and does the laundry. They’ll see you as someone who really enjoys spending time with them whenever you can. And to a child, that equals feeling loved.

family.org.my. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com