Sultan Nazrin Muizziddin Shah of Perak said that elements of transhumanism will begin to change human life as well as challenge natural concepts due to the existence of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology.

He said elements of transhumanism or cross-humanity will occur when the human world combines with the robot world in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

“Humans must see the probability of a new ecosystem that will change not only the way of life, work and society and norms but in fact, the perception of man itself,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin said this at the first session of the 15th Sultan Azlan Shah Polytechnic convocation ceremony in Behrang today.

He said 4IR would lead to a transformation of the culture of work and daily life involving three major domains, namely the physical, digital and biological.

He added that 4IR will trigger a new challenge, which will demand that humans emerge from their comfort zones, besides mastering numerous elements including critical thinking and problem-solving.

In the meantime, he emphasised the importance of ensuring that humans continue to play a major role without being dominated by robots, other than being the designers of robotic systems to facilitate work without sacrificing the value or spirit of humanity.

“All the knowledge and skills acquired must be used in the best possible manner, ensuring they do not contradict the concept of divinity and faith so that every success will produce innovation and new creations,” he said.

The Perak sultan also said in the face of current world needs, educational programmes and agenda must be prioritised because the current technological advances were taking place at a very fast pace.

“Education is like a commodity that is made easy for every family. Education has been instrumental in transforming the social and economic structure of society.

“The education programme should be widened and expanded. In fact, in the face of current world needs, and future challenges, educational programmes must not only be widened and expanded but must also be enhanced,” he said.

At the convocation ceremony, a total of 1,427 graduates received their awards encompassing Bachelor’s graduates and diploma graduates from the Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Commerce Departments.

- Bernama