Ensure a balance between technological advancements and human touch, says Premier

SIBU (Aug 13): There must be a balance and fusion between technology and human touch, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Sarawak is trying its best to have balanced development under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“In this respect, Sarawak is trying its best to have this balanced development without jeopardising the environment as well as the culture that we have inherited.

“Of course, technology is important. Now people are talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), including generative AI. So Chatbot has become more important. And AI essentially is artificial. There is no human touch.

“In other words, there must be a balance and fusion between technology and human touch. And this is something which is very complex and very difficult to achieve,” he said when launching the 18th Biennial International Participatory Design Conference (PDC) 2024 at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here last night.

He called on conference participants to find a balance between technology and human touch.

“As we navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and prepare for the transformative challenges of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), it is paramount that we join hands in creating new collaborations and empowering citizens and local innovators.

“These technologies have the power to democratise access and amplify voices, yet they also pose risks to the very democratic values we strive to uphold.

“As we continue focusing on PCDS 2030, participatory design and development play a crucial role in shaping processes through collaboration,” he said.

Abang Johari explained that PCDS 2030 is underpinned by the 17 United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said it emphasises integrated action on social, environmental, and economic challenges, focusing on inclusive, participatory development that leaves no one behind.

“To achieve this goal, we must empower every citizen with the tools and knowledge to participate in the digital age. This means providing access to education, connectivity, and opportunities for all, regardless of background or location.

“While we want to achieve economic growth, at the same time, we must make sure that there is a balance between environment and economic growth.

“Joseph Stiglitz in his book titled ‘Beyond GDP’ mentioned that GDP (gross domestic product) growth cannot be the only target criteria for us to achieve economic growth. It must be seen on the quality of life of people under the policy that we want to impose,” he added.

Over 200 delegates from 24 countries – Denmark, Finland, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, China, and Malaysia – are participating in the conference.