Kuching: Education on the use of technology must be implemented in stages and integrated up to higher education levels to ensure students not only master it but also avoid becoming overly dependent, which could affect family relationships and core life values. Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud emphasized the importance of balancing technological proficiency with maintaining core values rooted in religion and culture.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustapha expressed concern that students and parents must remain mindful of technology’s growing influence in daily life. He highlighted that some students prefer interacting with applications like ChatGPT rather than engaging with their parents. ‘They claim these applications provide quick and easy answers, while their parents are often too busy to respond to their questions,’ he noted during his speech at the ‘Wanita Pesona Elegan, Jiwa Sejahtera’ seminar at Kuching Polytechnic.

The one-day seminar, organized by Pertubuhan SALWA Malaysia and the Ministry of Higher Education’s branch of the Malaysian Association of Wives and Women Civil Servants (Puspanita), attracted about 600 participants. Mustapha further warned about the rising trend among parents who give gadgets to young children to ‘keep them quiet.’ He urged all parties, including relevant ministries and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to address this issue urgently.

Mustapha pointed out that in the process of educating, parents have unknowingly handed over their role to technology, resulting in children becoming too dependent on devices and no longer viewing their parents as the primary source of love and guidance. He also called on students to engage in activities focusing on personality development, confidence, and self-empowerment. Through active participation, students can enhance their skills in managing, planning, and implementing programs, which will boost their self-confidence and serve as a valuable asset upon graduation.