One of the key highlights of the Teaching and Learning Symposium 2025 was the interfaith and interdisciplinary forum titled “Integrating Values in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Insights from Religious Perspectives.” The forum brought together local and international scholars to explore the ethical, philosophical, and theological dimensions of understanding artificial intelligence (AI).
The panel comprised Dr. Mike Brownnutt (The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, University of Cambridge), Prof. Dr. Esyin Chew (Cardiff Metropolitan University), Dr. Ahmad Irfan bin Ikmal Hisham (Centre for Humanities, UMPSA), Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Hasyiya Karimah binti Adli, and Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin (FTKEE, UMPSA).
The cross-religious and cross-disciplinary discussion emphasised that technology must evolve hand in hand with human values. As Dr. Mike Brownnutt stated, “Technology should remain a tool that assists humanity — not replace the critical and spiritual reflection that makes us human.”
From the Islamic perspective, Dr. Ahmad Irfan reminded participants that, “Authenticity and accountability in knowledge are the pillars of ethics; every view of AI must be grounded in authentic sources and true understanding.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Esyin Chew expanded the discussion with an example from the healthcare sector, saying, “AI is no longer just a tool, but a medium for human-machine collaboration that enhances the quality of care and learning.”
The forum was a manifestation of scholarly collaboration under the PIE-WISE Grant by The British Council, connecting Malaysian and UK academics in a rich cross-cultural discourse.
More than just a forum, the symposium strengthened educators’ competencies in TPACK and digital pedagogy, while fostering collaboration among teachers from diverse disciplines. The initiative also benefited nearly 1,700 secondary school students under the mentorship of participating teachers — cultivating a generation of educators who serve as ambassadors of digital transformation.
The program also forged collaborative bridges between local partners such as the Pahang State Department of Education (JPN Pahang) and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), with international partners including Cardiff Metropolitan University and The Faraday Institute.
As Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin, the programme’s principal lead, expressed, “This symposium is not merely a training — it is a culture of reflection, collaboration, and inspiration.”
Heartfelt appreciation is extended to The British Council, Cardiff Metropolitan University, FTKEE UMPSA, JPN Pahang, UPSI, participating teachers and students, and the UMPSA STEM Lab team for their dedication in making the Teaching & Learning Symposium 2025 a success.
This collective effort proves that when values, knowledge, and technology converge, the result is innovation that is not only intelligent — but also ethical, compassionate, and deeply human.
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