Undana Rector urges graduates to use AI without abandoning character
The Rector of Nusa Cendana University (Undana), Jefri S. Bale, has called on 621 graduates to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) as a supporting tool without neglecting character, integrity, fighting spirit, and critical thinking skills in facing future challenges.
“Learn from the pawn. You must dare to start from the bottom, be ready to face collisions, and not walk an instant, spoilt path. Use that imitation intelligence (AI) only as a tool. Do not let technology displace common sense, character, integrity, and the mental toughness that are your primary drivers,” he said in Kupang on Monday.
He made the remarks before hundreds of graduates during the graduation ceremony at the Undana Cendana Hall in Kupang. He stated that technological developments, including AI, must be harnessed to increase productivity and work quality, but must not replace human thinking ability, creativity, or moral values.
The graduation ceremony was emotional when the rector asked the graduates to turn towards their parents and families in attendance as a form of respect for their sacrifices in supporting their education up to the tertiary level. Jefri Bale reminded them that the success of earning a degree could not be separated from the prayers, struggles, and sacrifices of their parents or guardians.
He expressed hope that the graduates would not only become job seekers but also agents of change who contribute to regional development through innovation and community service. The rector also stressed the importance of developing research that stems from local needs and characteristics so that various development issues in East Nusa Tenggara can be resolved with scientific approaches suited to the region’s conditions.
He added that Undana graduates are expected to be able to leverage technological advances as supporting means while continuing to prioritise reasoning power, integrity, and a spirit of innovation in building the region and facing global challenges.