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Youth-led innovation: Luke Teoh on AI, privacy, and sustainable tech

AuthorDoris Du

Reading Time7 min

PublishedSeptember 6, 2024

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Headline

Context

The involvement of young professionals is critical to shaping the future of internet governance and technology. Luke Teoh , a Research Assistant at Universiti Sains Malaysia and a NetMission Ambassador, is a key advocate for youth participation in these global discussions. His work revolves around internet governance, the integration of AI in education, and the importance of sustainability in technology development. Speaking as a journalist, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Luke to delve into these topics, discussing the current trends and challenges facing the digital world. Teoh’s journey into internet governance began early in his academic career, and he now finds himself deeply involved in the Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum (APrIGF) and its youth division, the Youth Internet Governance Forum (yIGF). He shares a story from one of his early meetings, where the sheer enthusiasm of the young attendees struck him. “Everyone came prepared to offer solutions, not just criticisms,” he recalls. “It made me realise that youth involvement is not just important—it’s essential.”

Evidence

Pending intelligence enrichment.

Analysis

Teoh is a strong advocate for multi-stakeholder participation in digital governance. In his view, “Balancing cybersecurity and user privacy is one of the most pressing issues today.” His approach, championed by forums like APrIGF, encourages the inclusion of diverse voices, particularly those of young people who, he argues, are not mere token participants but valuable contributors. By incorporating their perspectives, Teoh believes that a secure and privacy-conscious internet can be created, one that aligns with the needs of future generations. Balancing cybersecurity and user privacy requires a multi-stakeholder approach, which we champion at the Internet Governance Forums, whether regional or global. We must bring together all voices in the community to ensure everyone’s perspective is heard. The youth, in particular, need to be part of these discussions, not as mere token participants but as valuable contributors. Their involvement will help create an internet that is not only secure but also aligned with their needs and expectations. This approach resonates deeply with young internet users, who are more aware than ever of the fine line between privacy and security. As Teoh explains, “The internet is for everyone, so we must ensure it reflects everyone’s voice, especially the youth, who are often most affected by online regulations.” His call to avoid overregulation while ensuring online safety highlights the challenges faced by internet policymakers today. In addition to his work in internet governance, Teoh is at the forefront of research on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, particularly in language learning. “We’re exploring how AI can help students learn languages more naturally,” he shares, reflecting on a project he’s currently conducting at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The idea is to shift from traditional classroom settings to more organic, interactive learning environments, where AI can bridge the gap between formal and informal learning.

Key Points

Luke Teoh emphasises the need for young people to engage in internet governance, helping shape future policies on cybersecurity and privacy.
AI integration into education, particularly language learning, and the focus on sustainable technology development, are central to Teoh’s work.