SHAH ALAM, June 16 — Exposure to various artificial intelligence (AI) applications through the state government's Generative AI Programme has enabled students to broaden their technological knowledge while sharpening their critical thinking and communication skills.
The programme, which brought together 200 students from national, private and religious schools across Selangor, also saw three participants recognised as winners based on the creativity of their ideas and the arguments they presented on the use of AI.
Champion Soraya Sofya Nasarudin, 18, said the programme introduced her to a range of AI applications she had never used before, beyond popular platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini.
"Previously, I only used ChatGPT and Gemini, but through this programme I was introduced to various other AI applications such as Pexels and Langflow.
"I learned many new things about AI and how this technology can be utilised across different fields," she told Media Selangor.
AI versus human thinking
Second-placed Adryana Marsha Muhammad Amin Yong, 16, presented on the topic of dependence on AI and the importance of evaluating information before accepting it as fact.
She said the technology could help solve a wide range of problems, but users must scrutinise every piece of information generated.
"The first step is to question the answers provided by AI. Second, seek the views of others, and third, make your own assessment before accepting any information.
"AI should be used as a tool to assist us, not to replace human thinking," said Adryana, who aspires to become a psychologist.
She added that programmes such as this could help improve technological literacy among youths, as many were still unaware of the variety of AI applications used across industries.
Meanwhile, third-place winner Muhammad Zihni Ulwan Anizan, 16, delivered a presentation on the functions, advantages and limitations of AI, as well as its role in the learning process.
He said participating in the programme had given him a deeper understanding of how AI could be used in everyday life and education.
"I learned many things, especially how AI can be used for learning and various other purposes.
"I hope the state government will continue organising programmes like this so that technological literacy among youths and teenagers in Selangor can continue to improve," he said.
Muhammad Zihni, who hopes to become a neurosurgeon, said AI had the potential to improve precision in medicine, including surgical procedures in the future.
A bigger programme next year
The Generative AI training programme attracted 200 students from across the state and is expected to be expanded next year, with participation targeted to increase to 400 students.
Executive councillor for innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said the increase in participants aligned with Selangor's efforts to strengthen digital talent development and emerge as a leading state in the adoption of AI technology.
He said this year's programme focused on Form Four, Form Five and Form Six students, with participants drawn from various ethnic backgrounds and different types of schools.
