By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norizah Mohamad, Head, Centre of Postgraduate Studies, UNIMY

UNIMY Dean Series | AI & Your Future: Insights from UNIMY Experts

AI & Your Future: Insights from UNIMY Experts

Short answer: No. AI is changing how research is done, but it cannot replace human curiosity, creativity and sound judgement. The researchers who will do well are those who work with AI, question it and think beyond it.

That is the view of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norizah Mohamad, Head of Postgraduate Studies at Universiti Malaysia of Computer Science & Engineering (UNIMY). AI is already helping researchers review academic literature and analyse complex data faster. So what makes a researcher valuable? In her words, it is the ability to think critically, ask meaningful questions and create knowledge that goes beyond what AI can generate.

Key takeaways

· AI helps researchers work faster and explore new possibilities, but it does not replace them.

· Three skills matter most for postgraduate students: AI literacy, critical thinking and adaptability.

· AI can suggest possible research gaps, but only a researcher can decide whether a gap is genuine, significant and worth investigating.

· Demand is shifting towards researchers who combine AI tools with critical thinking, ethical judgement and real-world problem solving.

· The future is not humans versus AI. It is humans and AI working together.

What new skills should postgraduate students build to stay relevant?

In short: Build AI literacy, critical thinking and adaptability.

Dr. Norizah highlights three essential skills:

1. AI literacy. Students should learn to use AI tools effectively, responsibly and ethically, while understanding what the tools can and cannot do.

2. Critical thinking. AI can generate information, but researchers must question its accuracy, weigh the evidence and develop original insights.

3. Adaptability. As research careers change, graduates need to work across disciplines, embrace new technologies and apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

She gives a simple example. AI may help identify potential research gaps, but it takes a researcher to decide whether those gaps are genuine, significant and worth the effort.

Her advice to postgraduate students is clear: don’t compete with AI. Learn to work with it, question it and think beyond it.

What is one myth about AI in academia?

In short: The myth is that AI will replace researchers.

Dr. Norizah explains that AI is changing how research is conducted, but it cannot replace human curiosity, creativity and sound judgement. Research is not just about producing answers. It is about asking the right questions, challenging existing knowledge and making a meaningful contribution to society.

As AI reshapes research, demand is moving towards people who can combine AI capabilities with critical thinking, ethical judgement and the ability to solve real-world problems. In her words, the future belongs not simply to those who can use AI, but to those who know when to question it.

Her final thought

“AI may help us find answers faster, but human curiosity will always drive the questions worth asking.”

The future of postgraduate research is not about humans versus AI. It is about humans and AI working together to advance knowledge, drive innovation and create meaningful impact.

Frequently asked questions

Will AI replace researchers? No. AI can speed up tasks like literature review and data analysis, but it cannot replace human curiosity, creativity and judgement.

What skills do postgraduate students need in the age of AI? AI literacy, critical thinking and adaptability. Students should use AI responsibly, question its output and be ready to work across disciplines.

Can AI find research gaps? It can help point to possible gaps, but a researcher must decide whether they are genuine, significant and worth investigating.

How should postgraduate students approach AI? Work with it, question it and think beyond it, rather than trying to compete with it.

About Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norizah Mohamad
With a background in Engineering Business Management, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norizah brings extensive experience in teaching, research and academic leadership. Her current research interests include strategic management, supply chain and operations management, digital transformation and sustainability. She encourages students to use AI as a research companion while developing their own critical thinking and independent judgement. She is passionate about nurturing future researchers who can harness emerging technologies without losing the human qualities that drive meaningful research.

This article is part of the UNIMY Dean Series and the “AI & Your Future” series. Follow The FutureVerse, UNIMY’s official WhatsApp channel, for more insights.