Malaysia drug rehab numbers rise as NUS mandates AI training

In Malaysia, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reported that 2,145 individuals have voluntarily sought treatment following amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983. Since the amendments took effect in August 2023, 1,401 people have received community-based treatment, while 744 have undergone institutional rehabilitation. The law now includes substances such as glue and ketum under its scope.

In Singapore, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has announced mandatory artificial intelligence (AI) coursework for all students, providing free access to ChatGPT Edu. While some faculty members believe AI can assist in identifying central arguments in social sciences, others express concerns regarding the potential erosion of critical thinking and human empathy.

Additionally, Jamia Singapore hosted a book launch for two new titles: ‘Pesapporul’, which explores Tamil Sufi thought, and ‘Children of Metropolis’, an English translation of 125 Tamil poems by Ishaq. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Murali Pillai attended the event, which aimed to promote racial and religious harmony through literature.