Unismuh International KKN: AI and Digital Literacy for Students in Southern Thailand

UNISMUH.AC.ID, YALA, Southern Thailand – The rapid development of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) necessitates enhanced digital literacy among the younger generation. In response to this need, Wafiq Azizah, a student from the Department of Informatics, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah (Unismuh) Makassar, conducted a technology and digital literacy education program at THAWEEWUT CHITPHAKDI C&E School in Yala, Southern Thailand, on June 14, 2026.

This activity was part of the 2nd International Community Service Program organized by LP3M Unismuh Makassar through the International Community Service scheme. This program provides a platform for students to implement their academic competencies while also introducing students in health schools in Southern Thailand to the latest developments in information technology.

During the program, Wafiq introduced the Department of Informatics as a discipline that studies computer technology, software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and various other digital innovations that are rapidly evolving in various sectors of life.

Students were also introduced to a variety of technologies that are now part of daily life, including the use of AI in education, healthcare, communication, and the workplace. Through interactive sessions, students were encouraged to understand that technology can be used not only for entertainment, but also for learning, creating, and improving productivity.

One of the topics that received significant attention from the participants was the introduction to artificial intelligence. During the session, students were shown various examples of AI applications that are close to their lives, ranging from language translation applications, virtual assistants, facial recognition technology, to its use in the healthcare sector.

In addition to discussing technological developments, the program also focused on strengthening digital literacy. Students were provided with an understanding of the importance of using the internet wisely, maintaining data security, avoiding the spread of false or misleading information, and applying ethical principles in digital communication.

Wafiq Azizah said that introducing AI early is important so that young people can understand the technological developments that will become part of their lives and careers in the future.

"AI is one of the technologies that is developing very rapidly and has been used in various fields. Through this activity, we want students to understand that technology should be used for positive purposes, to support learning, enhance creativity, and help solve various problems in daily life," she said.

The activity took place in a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere. Students participated in discussions, Q&A sessions, and shared experiences about using technology in their daily lives. Many participants also expressed interest in learning more about educational and career opportunities in the field of informatics.

Rizki Yusliana Bakti, S.T., M.T., Head of the Department of Informatics, Unismuh Makassar, praised the students' initiative in providing technology education in an international environment. According to her, informatics students are not only required to master technology, but also to play a role as digital literacy agents in society.

"This activity shows that informatics competencies can be used to educate young people about the positive, safe, and responsible use of technology. Early introduction to AI and digital literacy is an important step in preparing a generation ready to face the global digital transformation," she said.

Similarly, Ir. Muhammad Syafaat S. Kuba, S.T., M.T., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Unismuh Makassar, said that the international program provides opportunities for students to implement their knowledge while also expanding their global perspectives.

"We encourage students to bring their scientific knowledge to the community. The education on AI and digital literacy provided by the students shows that technology can be an important tool to support education, health, and human resource development in the digital age," he said.

The 2nd International Community Service Program was attended by 30 students from various faculties at Unismuh Makassar, who were placed in schools and communities in the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala, Southern Thailand. Of these, 11 students came from the Faculty of Engineering, comprising four students from the Architecture program, four from Informatics, two from Water Resources Engineering, and one from Electrical Engineering.

Through this AI and digital literacy education, students from Unismuh Makassar not only shared their technological knowledge with students in Southern Thailand, but also contributed to preparing a generation that is better equipped to face the challenges of the digital age. This activity is a practical demonstration of international service that connects education, technology, and cross-cultural collaboration to build a better future.