Johor bahru: Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia and Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), attended the 2026 UTM Royal Intellectual Forum themed 'Adab dan Akal Dalam Dunia Digital Membina Masyarakat Berhemah'. The forum took place at Dewan Sultan Iskandar, UTM Johor Bahru, with Che' Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, the university's Pro-Chancellor, also in attendance.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the forum, now in its fifth edition, emphasized the balance between technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and data-driven innovation, with ethics, critical thinking, and responsibility. Discussions revolved around issues like fake news, deepfakes, algorithm influence, cyberbullying, AI integrity, mental well-being, and the development of character among the younger generation.
The forum saw participation from about 1,500 individuals, including school and university students, academics, government agencies, industry players, and the public. Organised by the Academy of Islamic Civilisation, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, in collaboration with strategic partners like Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor, Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Berhad, and Perbadanan Islam Johor, the event aimed to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue.
UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim emphasized the importance of guiding technological advances with reason and ethics, highlighting the need to empower human thinking rather than undermine academic integrity or moral considerations.
The forum featured prominent speakers, including Prof Dr Sharifah Hayaati Syed Ismail al-Qudsy from Universiti Malaya, psychiatrist and mental health specialist Dr Fakrul Azren Azhar, and UTM Master of Islamic Studies student Ustaz Mohd Hambali Abd Rahman, moderated by Prof Dr Arieff Salleh Rosman, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.
According to UTM, discussions explored how technology challenges values, mental well-being, and judgment, before suggesting actions at various levels. This approach highlights the need for society to be digitally literate and responsible in technology use.
An AI Manuscript Transliteration Showcase was also featured, demonstrating UTM's project on AI to transliterate Johor Malay manuscripts from Jawi into Rumi script. The project aims to broaden access to the nation's intellectual heritage while preserving authenticity and cultural context.
Findings from a study on gadget use were presented, showcasing both the benefits and drawbacks of gadgets, such as task completion and knowledge acquisition, alongside fatigue, reduced motivation, less physical activity, and disruptions to religious practices.
The publication of two books, 'Gajet dan Masa Depan Remaja Malaysia' and 'Jiwa Digital Muslim: Panduan Etika Media Sosial,' was announced. Each participant received a copy of 'Jiwa Digital Muslim,' funded by Waqaf An-Nur Corporation Berhad to promote digital ethics education grounded in Islamic values.
The forum aligns with the 'Humanity and Well-being' thrust of the UTM ASCEND 2030 Strategic Plan, linking academic excellence with human well-being. It also supports national aspirations to strengthen talent and trust in the AI ecosystem and the Maju Johor 2030 agenda, which focuses on innovation, identity, and people-centered development.