Issues on artificial intelligence (Al) in the education sector were raised on the ninth day of the First Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) yesterday, following a question from LegCo member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee on the steps being taken by the ministry to strengthen education on digital safety, online ethics, and mental health awareness among students and youth, in light of the rise in digital content that exploits women and young girls, including Al-manipulated media shared without consent.

Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh responded, “To strengthen digital safety in the education sector, the Ministry of Education (MoE) works closely with various agencies.
“Firstly, the Content Advisory Council (CAC), which involves collaboration between the MoE, the Authority for info-communication Technology Industry (AITI) as well as the Prime Minister’s Office, and other agencies to monitor online content and digital safety issues comprehensively. This includes taking relevant legal actions.”

She shared, “Secondly, briefings at the school level delivered by Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) to raise awareness about internet safety and information security among students and thirdly, the publication of the GenAl Guidance for Education – Handbook Edition launched at the 35″ National Teachers” Day Celebration in Brunei Darussalam in 2025. This handbook provides specific guidance for teachers and students on using Al technology safely and ethically, in alignment with the values of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).”

“Higher education institutions are also actively developing policies and official guidelines for Al use to maintain academic integrity and harness the opportunities of the technology,” she added.

Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh responded, “To strengthen digital safety in the education sector, the Ministry of Education (MoE) works closely with various agencies.

Meanwhile, LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim asked the minister to explain on how the ministry ensures that Al is used responsibly and balanced, as well as how its effectiveness is monitored.

She reiterated, “To ensure that the use of Al technology among the school community, especially students, is carried out responsibly safely, and ethically, the MoE launched the GenAI Guidance for Education – Handbook Edition, in September 2025.”

“The guidance emphasises aspects of digital safety, academic integrity, responsible use of Al, and the protection of personal data in the context of teaching and learning. The preparation of this handbook is also in alignment with the governance and ethics guidelines for Al issued by the AITI, as well as complying with the Personal Data Protection Order (PDPO) requirements in Brunei Darussalam.”

The minister shared, “In May 2024, the MoE launched the Digital Citizenship Framework and Handbook, a guide aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of school citizens as responsible digital users. This guide focuses on three core competencies: know-edge, skills, and attitude/values, to ensure that the use of digital technology in schools is practiced in a safe and ethical environment.”

The ministry will continuously monitor and assess the use of technology and Al to ensure that it is being used safely, responsibly, and a balanced manner.

(news source: Borneo Bulletin; pic source: Info Foto, Jabatan Penerangan)