Brunei Sultan: AI cannot replace human intellect

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah said AI should function as a tool that supports people rather than replacing human intellect and judgment during the 14th UTB Convocation Ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan on Wednesday (Aug 26). The Brunei ruler emphasized that education must stay human-centric, arguing that while AI can process data rapidly, it lacks a “soul” and cannot deliver genuine moral judgment. He also warned that emerging technologies should not replace the workforce entirely, and stressed that information must still be verified and assessed by humans. Bolkiah used the speech to push UTB and other higher education institutions toward strengthening innovation ecosystems.