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Kota Kinabalu: Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are already part of everyday life, but concerns remain over whether these technologies will be used for good or for harm. 

At the Soroptimist International Conference (SISEAP COC 2026), participants were reminded that while digital tools bring opportunities, they also carry risks. The sessions raised awareness about precautions when using social media and highlighted the importance of responsible engagement with technology.

Scams and online exploitation are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leaving victims with financial losses, damaged reputations, and even involved in romance traps or trafficking schemes. 

Speakers warned that women, particularly students and the elderly are among the most vulnerable targets. With scammers now using AI to copy voices and create fake messages, raising awareness has become more urgent than ever.

The conference revealed the importance of equipping women with digital literacy, cybersecurity knowledge, and a deeper understanding of AI’s impact on society. 

They said while AI can be a powerful tool for empowerment, it must be approached with caution, responsibility, and human judgment. 

The NGO reaffirmed its mission of supporting vulnerable women and girls, while adapting to modern challenges by addressing both the risks of scams and the opportunities of emerging technologies.

Nora Lam, one of panels speakers a practising lawyer from Johor, focused on the human cost of scams. She reminded participants that almost everyone has experienced suspicious calls, often leaving people unsure how to respond. Victims, she noted, have lost money, reputations, and in some cases been manipulated into romance traps or trafficked abroad as unwitting mules. 

Lam stressed that young people and the elderly are the most vulnerable, and had constantly organised for awareness programmes such as “Happily Never After” in schools and universities, involving police and psychologists to educate students. 

She also said AI is being misused to imitate voices and create convincing fake messages, amplifying fraud risks.She advised to stop, think, and verify before taking any action, and never panic.

Meanwhile, Joanna Liew, a life management coach, spoke about AI as a tool already embedded in daily life. She said how it can help women manage multiple roles without losing themselves, while also streamlining workflows, shortening business proposal processes, and generating innovative ideas. 

While concerns about AI replacing jobs persist, she urged participants to see it as an assistant rather than a competitor. 

“AI will not replace human thinking. It will amplify it,” she said. 

Liew said the true value of AI lies in how users engage with it, by asking better questions, strengthening their own thinking, and using the technology responsibly.

She cautioned that AI should never be misused for harmful purposes, but instead embraced as a supportive tool to improve lives. She also advised younger generations to build strong values and resilience first, before learning to use AI effectively.

Sabrina Asha, a technology consultant with Info Malaysia specializing in cloud readiness and business transformation, highlighted the influence of social media and the need for authentic advocacy.

She explained that millennials, born into a digital age, are accustomed to using technology to navigate everyday life, from Google Maps to online learning and this familiarity can be harnessed for positive change. 

She stressed the importance of branding and visibility in advocacy work, cautioning that funding is often misused. To make a real impact, she urged organizations to focus on authentic engagement, sharing real stories and lived experiences rather than relying solely on donation platforms. 

“Stories touch our hearts,” she said, pointing to the case of Veveonah Mosibin, a girl from Pitas who had to climb a tree just to access the internet. Her struggle quickly went viral, drawing sympathy from netizens because it was a real situation that highlighted the challenges faced by many.

The three speakers offered complementary perspectives: where they highlighted AI’s potential as a supportive tool, but warned of its misuse in scams, and revealed the role of technology and social media in shaping authentic advocacy. 

They said women must be empowered not only through traditional initiatives but also by equipping themselves with the knowledge and skills to navigate an increasingly digital world.

In wrapping up the sessions, the panel emphasized that sharing real-life cases, such as victims unknowingly being used as “money mules” to transfer funds should be a central part of awareness campaigns. 

These examples make audiences realize that scams are not distant stories but real incidents happening around them. Many victims never recognize they are being exploited until it is too late, as scammers often build trust by convincing people they are helping a friend, supporting a cause, or joining a legitimate business. 

They also concluded that education and awareness are the strongest defences. People must learn to question unusual financial requests, recognize suspicious patterns, and seek advice before acting. 

Another speaker, Sarah Branbrook joining via video conference from Australia, addressed the concept of technology being ‘unsafe by design.’  She emphasized the importance of ethics, lived experience, and critical reflection when discussing AI risks and online safety. 

While innovation continues to advance rapidly, it is essential to question how the tools are built, who they serve, and whether they truly protect users. 

She encouraged participants to stay alert about how technology affects people, reminding them to think carefully about the ethics and safety of AI.