“Students could lose critical thinking skills” – Tokayev on AI risks

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the first meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Development Council, discussing the benefits and risks of AI in various sectors, particularly education.
Tokayev emphasized that without the development of artificial intelligence (AI), Kazakhstan would not be able to compete on the global stage. However, he also raised concerns about the risks associated with AI in education.

“First and foremost, we need to consider the ethical aspects and the potential misuse of AI. If students rely on answers from AI networks, they may lose critical thinking skills, independent learning, and the ability to analyze. AI should enhance the educational process, not replace its fundamental principles,” said Tokayev.

He called on the government to implement measures to ensure academic integrity.
The President also highlighted the inevitable transformation of the job market, stressing that many professions will gradually be replaced by automation. This shift could lead to a significant portion of the workforce being displaced, with a growing number of workers possessing outdated skills.

“This is a very important issue. If not addressed, it could lead to social consequences such as rising unemployment, a decrease in quality of life, and increased inequality. However, AI can also help solve this problem. AI technologies can analyze workers’ professional competencies, identify their strengths, and recommend the most promising career paths,” Tokayev explained.

Tokayev urged proactive measures, advocating for widespread opportunities for retraining and upskilling. He emphasized that AI could play a key role in this process, without requiring large-scale government spending on cumbersome retraining centers.
The President also noted that the potential of AI should be leveraged to create new jobs, strengthen human capital, and accelerate Kazakhstan’s socio-economic development.
Tokayev instructed the government to launch a national AI-powered online platform to help displaced workers prepare for future professions. He reiterated that Kazakhstan’s digital strategy must prioritize national interests.

“This is not just about artificial intelligence. It’s about our sovereignty and the future of upcoming generations,” Tokayev concluded.

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