With a simple flick of the thumb, today’s young people are discovering their world on platforms like TikTok. They learn about global events, find their creative voice, and build communities, all in seconds. But while this rapid pace captivates us, a more urgent question looms: are we truly preparing them to thrive in a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI)?

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already here, woven into the fabric of daily life. It writes content, drives vehicles, helps doctors with diagnoses, and decides which videos land on our “For You” pages.

For Malaysia, the challenge isn't whether to adopt AI we already have. The real question is whether our youth can move from being passive consumers of these systems to becoming creators, innovators, and ethical guardians.

The shift to AI literacy

This transformation demands more than just technical expertise. It requires AI literacy – a blend of understanding how AI works and recognising its wider social impact. Without this, we risk raising a generation that merely follows algorithms instead of innovating with them.

Artificial Intelligence literacy is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity in today’s digital society. To be truly AI-literate means grappling with pressing real-world issues:

• Data privacy: AI systems learn from massive pools of personal information.
• Misinformation: AI-generated text, images, and videos are increasingly blurring the line between fact and fake.
• Jobs: Automation may replace traditional roles, but it also creates entirely new career paths.
• Ethics: Bias in algorithms, surveillance concerns, and accountability when machines fail must all be addressed.

Ultimately, AI literacy is not about memorising code or building robots. It is about equipping young people with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and the courage to ask tough questions.

Can they spot an article written by a machine? Do they know how their data feeds predictive algorithms? Can they use AI without compromising their own creativity and judgment? These are the skills that define literacy in the AI era.

The role of higher education

Higher education is central to this effort. Universities and higher education institutions must prepare graduates not just for today’s job market, but for tomorrow’s unpredictable challenges.

At INTI International University, for instance, deliberate steps are being taken in this direction. AI-focused modules and digital training are now integrated into programmes spanning business, healthcare, and the creative arts.

The goal is simple: whatever their career path, students must understand how AI is transforming their fields. Healthcare students examine its role in diagnosis and patient care. Business students discover how it drives strategy and decision-making. Creative arts students explore its potential in design and media production.

This approach is working. Over 90 per cent of INTI International University graduates secure employment within six months, reflecting both the demand for AI-literate professionals and the success of a curriculum that blends technical skills with ethical awareness. The focus is not only on producing graduates who “know” AI, but on nurturing leaders who can responsibly shape its use.

Opportunities and risks

Malaysia stands at a crossroads. One path leads to passive participation, where youth consume AI-driven media without questioning it. The other leads to empowerment producing innovators who can design and regulate AI responsibly.

The risks of inaction are clear. Without AI literacy, young people may be misled by deepfakes, trapped in algorithm-driven echo chambers, or left behind in a job market that values adaptability. Over-reliance on AI tools could also weaken creativity and critical judgment, replacing thoughtful analysis with machine-generated shortcuts.

Yet the opportunities are immense. Artificial Intelligence can democratise education, making high-quality resources accessible to students even in rural areas. It can drive growth through new industries like robotics and digital health. It can help tackle pressing global issues – from climate change to disaster management. The difference lies in whether our youth are prepared to seize these opportunities.

Beyond technical skills: Ethics first

Ethics remains one of the most underappreciated pillars of AI literacy. It is not enough for young people to learn how to operate AI tools – they must also grasp the broader implications of their use.

• Algorithmic bias: When the data fed into AI is flawed, the results will mirror and amplify those flaws.

• Surveillance risks: AI-driven monitoring sparks urgent debates about privacy and civil liberties.

• Accountability gaps: If an AI system makes a critical error – such as misdiagnosing a patient – who bears the responsibility?

These are not issues for engineers or policymakers to solve alone. Students from every discipline should be encouraged to examine them critically. Ethical thinking must be woven into education as seamlessly as technical skills, shaping graduates who can lead AI development responsibly rather than merely follow it.

From TikTok users to tech innovators

The phrase “from TikTok to Tech Talk” captures the bold transition Malaysia must champion. TikTok reflects a generation driven by speed, creativity, and instant gratification – but the future demands something greater: meaningful dialogue, responsible innovation, and smart, informed choices.

Imagine a Malaysian teenager today, editing and sharing TikTok videos. With the right guidance and opportunities, that same creativity could spark AI-powered breakthroughs in education, healthcare, or sustainability. What begins as playful scrolling can grow into purposeful problem-solving – turning digital energy into the engine of national innovation.

Preparing for the future

Malaysia’s economic growth, governance, and cultural vitality all hinge on how well we prepare the next generation. Artificial Intelligence literacy must be elevated to a national priority – a shared responsibility of families, schools, universities, policymakers, and industry leaders.

• Parents can set the tone by modelling healthy digital habits.

• Schools can weave AI literacy into science, language, and ethics lessons.

• Universities and higher education institutions should provide spaces for responsible experimentation and innovation.

• Policymakers and tech companies must strike a balance – regulating AI to protect society while still encouraging creativity and progress.

AI will define the trajectory of the 21st century. Whether it becomes a force that empowers or undermines us will depend on how we prepare today’s youth. For Malaysia, the challenge is pressing – but it is also brimming with possibility.

If we nurture a generation that is curious, ethical, and innovative, we will not merely keep pace with global change – we will shape it. The path from TikTok user to tech innovator begins now, and it is a journey Malaysia cannot afford to delay.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Saheera Sardar Mohamed is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Communication, INTI International University, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, and a member of the Malaysian Association of Communication Educators (MACE).