AeU Brings AI, Ethics And Leadership To Forefront At Intelligent Age Summit

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Asia e University (AeU) today held its inaugural “The Intelligent Age Summit: Where Leadership Meets Recognition”, bringing together industry and academic leaders to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed while upholding ethical standards and sound organisational governance.

Held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with AeU’s second annual conferment of Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Fellowships, the summit focused on translating discussions on technology and leadership into practical workplace applications.

AeU founder president Prof Datuk Dr Ansary Ahmed in his opening remarks said human leadership must remain at the centre of technological advancement, stressing that people must remain in control of AI rather than allow the technology to take over.

Therefore, he urged graduates to continue learning and to mentor the next generation of leaders to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, despite the growing fascination with AI and rapid technological advancements.

“But while we may be fascinated by the technology, at the end of the day, people matter. It is us, the humans, who will have to be masters to the technology itself. Otherwise, technology will become a master.

“My wish for you is that you don't stop here, but continue your learning and start giving back by mentoring the next generation. Because that is the legacy that collectively we will leave behind for future generations, for our grandchildren as we move forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, AeU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Noor Raihan Ab Hamid in her closing remarks said human leadership remained crucial as organisations increasingly adopted technology.

She said higher education must also continue evolving alongside rapid technological change while drawing on the experience and knowledge of industry practitioners.

“An algorithm doesn’t care about ethics, culture or the human cost of a business decision, only leaders do… We don’t pretend to have all the answers in an era of rapid technological change, but we firmly believe that higher education must evolve alongside it.

“Through our APEL.Q framework and our partnership with CMI, AeU turns a lifetime of real-world struggle, leadership and success into recognised credentials, ensuring our scholars are equipped to guide their organisations with integrity and purpose,” she added.

CMI chief executive officer (CEO) Ann Francke, OBE, in a special address delivered via a recorded video message, said organisations must equip managers and leaders with the knowledge to understand and implement automation effectively if they are to fully realise the benefits of AI.

“At CMI, we talk about AI requiring real human leadership. You need to equip managers and leaders to properly understand and implement automation if you are ultimately going to realise the benefits of the technology,” she said.

The summit also included panel discussion titled "Al for the Future of Humanity: Who Will Lead in the Intelligent Age?" featuring MIMOS Academy CEO Prof Ir Dr Ahmad Nizar, Chapter Advisory Sdn Bhd founder Norlida Azmi and CMI International director Mahmoud Aboulfotoh.

Among the issues discussed were the practical and ethical deployment of digital tools, continuous learning and collaboration in navigating digital transformation, as well as governance frameworks to ensure human values guide technological implementation.

The event also saw AeU and CMI present CMI Fellowships to scholars and alumni in recognition of their professional achievements and leadership experience.

AeU and CMI also announced plans to co-host a flagship joint international forum next year, establishing an annual platform for executive leadership and professional recognition in the region.

-- BERNAMA