KUCHING: Artificial intelligence (AI) cannot match human wisdom and emotional intelligence in preserving cultural heritage and fostering global peace.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said while technological advances provided essential data for problem-solving, human intelligence remained central to finding meaningful solutions and preserving cultural continuity.
"Even with scientific innovations such as AI, artificial intelligence cannot match human intelligence. AI has no wisdom, but humans do.
"Data is needed to find solutions, but the human brain remains superior to artificial intelligence," he said in his keynote address at the 22nd International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 gala dinner here tonight.
Abang Johari said protecting heritage through human-led efforts grounded in shared values was crucial to building a peaceful world.
He said safeguarding living heritage required traditional knowledge to be combined with human wisdom, an approach reflected in Sarawak's commitment to social inclusivity and environmental sustainability under its Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
The gala dinner marked the end of the week-long ICOMOS General Assembly 2026, which brought together 1,800 delegates from 110 countries and saw the adoption of the Kuching Declaration on safeguarding living heritage.
Organised by ICOMOS Malaysia in collaboration with ICOMOS International, the assembly marked the first time the prestigious global gathering was held in Southeast Asia.
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