RULER: USE TECH FOR GREATER GOOD
Further discussions on STEM impact needed, says Sultan Nazrin
ZAHRATULHAYAT MAT ARIF KAMPAR news@nst.com.my
THERE should be further discussions on why policy-making, regulation and education in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are important.
This, said Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, was to ensure that new technology was used for the greater good instead of contributing to inequality.
Sultan Nazrin said the costs and benefits of the coming transformation were unlikely to be evenly distributed, which could contribute to worsening inequality.
“There are many dire predictions of the likely impact of the coming wave of technological change on employment and the workplace. One study suggests that at least 50 per cent of 700 job categories may be fully automated in the coming years.”
Sultan Nazrin was addressing the opening of the Asian Science Camp 2017 at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) here yesterday.
A total of 340 participants from more than 10 countries are participating in the seven-day programme, which began on Saturday. It aims to build STEM interest among Asian youth and expose them to the importance of STEM.
Present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan and Utar president Prof Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik.
Sultan Nazrin said: “It is also, however, in the social and political realms that we can work to influence these technological and scientific advances and regulate them effectively.
“In this way, we can help to ensure that their power is exploited for the greater good.
“The challenges presented by these coming changes must be examined more closely and discussed more openly.”