• Today: September 15, 2026

Focus on AI, digital skills, workforce development

Committee Representative from the Bureau of International Affairs, Brunei Youth Council Nur Fa’izah binti Haji Ibrahim participated in the Russia-ASEAN Online Summit on Digital Skills and Workforce Development, an international platform aimed at strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital skills, workforce development and inclusive digital transformation across ASEAN and Russia.

Brunei Darussalam was also represented by lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Brunei Dr Tan Yie Hua, who contributed an educational perspective on the responsible and meaningful use of AI in teaching and learning.

Nur Fa’izah presented ‘Beyond Technical Skills: Preparing ASEAN Youth for a Safe, Inclusive and Future-Ready Digital Workforce’. Drawing from her involvement in cybersecurity, data science and youth initiatives, she brought a youth-centred perspective to discussions on the future of work. Her presentation emphasised that technical skills alone are not enough to prepare young people for a rapidly changing digital economy. She identified four connected areas of youth readiness: technical skills, human skills, safe and responsible digital behaviour, and inclusion.

Nur Fa’izah highlighted that young people need not only knowledge of AI, data, coding and cybersecurity, but also communication, creativity, teamwork, leadership and the ability to adapt as technology and employment needs continue to evolve.

She also stressed that cybersecurity should be regarded as a basic life skill. As young people increasingly study, work, communicate and manage information online, they must be able to recognise phishing attempts, online scams and unsafe requests for passwords or personal data.

Her presentation noted that internet access alone does not guarantee digital inclusion. Young people may still be left behind when they lack suitable devices, affordable connectivity, accessible learning materials or the confidence to participate. She encouraged the expansion of relevant learning opportunities for rural youth, underserved communities and persons with disabilities.

During the question-and-answer session, Nur Fa’izah was asked about the most suitable educational pathway for young people preparing for the digital economy. She explained that vocational education and information technology should not be viewed as opposing choices.

Instead, young people should choose fields that suit their strengths and interests while also developing digital skills relevant to those fields. She noted that engineering, automotive services, hospitality and business are becoming increasingly dependent on digital systems, AI and cybersecurity. Preparing for the digital economy is therefore not only about becoming an IT specialist, but also about becoming an adaptable professional who understands technology and can apply it responsibly.

Meanwhile, Dr Tan Yie Hua delivered a presentation on ‘Artificial Intelligence in Education’, which examined how AI can support teaching, learning, assessment and academic research. Her presentation highlighted the use of AI in preparing lesson plans, quizzes, worksheets, differentiated learning materials and feedback for students with varying needs.

She also emphasised that AI-generated content must continue to be reviewed by educators to ensure accuracy, curriculum alignment and suitability for the local context. Dr Tan Yie Hua stressed the importance of academic integrity, explaining that AI should support students in improving writing, analysing information and understanding difficult concepts without replacing original thinking, professional judgement or personal responsibility.

The summit also highlighted the achievements of the wider ASEAN-Russia digital skills initiative. Through the project, 172 trainers and experts received training, 145 specialists earned certification and 224 participants joined remote internships. Executive-level AI training was also conducted for government representatives, covering practical areas such as effective prompting, AI-supported decision-making and personal AI systems.

Across the summit, speakers discussed AI in education, TVET transformation, cybersecurity, digital talent mobility, industry-education integration and the recognition of qualifications across borders.

The summit was organised by the Skills Development Agency of the Russian Federation in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat, with support from the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund. It marked the culmination of a joint ASEAN-Russia project focused on digital skills and opportunities for workforce development in the context of labour market digitalisation across ASEAN member states.

Bringing together government representatives, educators, researchers, industry leaders and workforce-development experts, the summit provided a platform to exchange knowledge, share practical experiences and explore future cooperation in digital transformation and human capital development.

The programme featured regional and international figures, including Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community San Lwin; Head of the ASEAN Division at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Kseniya Andriyanova; Deputy Director General for International and Industrial Cooperation at the Skills Development Agency Alina Singh; Director of Strategic Development and External Relations at the Skills Development Agency Alexey Skornyakov; leading figure in BRICS skills development and technological innovation Dr Liu Zhenying; member of the Board of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency Tri Mumpuni; and Researcher at Indonesia’s Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security Puji Lestari.

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Committee Representative from the Bureau of International Affairs, Brunei Youth Council Nur Fa’izah binti Haji Ibrahim; and lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Brunei Dr Tan Yie Hua during the summit. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTOR
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTOR

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

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