UPNG Eyes AI Future While Emphasizing Ethics and Human Control

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the modern world at an unprecedented pace, and the University of Papua New Guinea believes education must evolve just as quickly to meet the challenge.

UPNG Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay says the rise of AI presents enormous opportunities but also demands responsible leadership to ensure technology serves humanity rather than dominates it.

Speaking about the growing influence of AI, Professor Findlay stressed that people must remain in control of technological advancement.

"We must make sure that AI is our slave and not our master," he said.

He observed that in only a few years, AI has shifted from being a niche topic to becoming a major influence across education, commerce and everyday society.

Recognizing this transformation, UPNG is developing an Information Technology degree with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence that is scheduled to commence next year. The programme aims to prepare students to understand AI technologies, explore various AI models and critically examine the ethical issues that accompany their use.

Professor Findlay said access to information has fundamentally changed through digital technologies, allowing people to obtain knowledge instantly through online platforms and mobile devices.

As a result, he believes universities should move beyond simply transferring knowledge and instead focus on developing wisdom—the ability to use information responsibly, ethically and innovatively.

He warned that institutions unwilling to adapt to rapid technological change risk becoming obsolete, emphasizing that universities must move at the same pace as the changing world.

Professor Findlay called on educators, students and the wider community to work together so that artificial intelligence remains a positive tool that benefits society while staying firmly under human direction.