“Universities must cope with these disruptions and at the same time, do more than their perceived role in academia.

“They will have to make knowledge interesting because digitisation is not only replacing universities but jobs too,” he said at the Wawasan Open University’s (WOU) Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik Auditorium.

Dr Carmichael was one of six panelists who spoke at a public forum titled ‘Role of the University in a Digitally Disrupted Age’ on Saturday.

At the forum, George Town Institute for Open and Advanced Tertiary Studies (GIOAS) chairman Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, who was moderating the session, questioned the role of universities in the digital age when endless information could be obtained without going through a degree.

Former professor of Oxford University Stephen Oppenheimer said teaching had to change in the current era as it was not just about utilising curriculum and judging students based on modules.

“Universities need to take on the role of guiding the undergraduates in interpreting knowledge.

“Otherwise, the end point for them is just to finish the course,” he said adding that instead of rigid, teaching laterals, universities can also try to move in line with digital media.

Royal Free London Private Patients Unit consultant cardiologist Dr Shiu Man Fai said universities should not be afraid of technology, but instead understand and incorporate it for good use.

He also said the old establishments and educational institutions tend to sit on the glory they have built over the years.

“This needs to change, especially since technology has become an essential part of everyone’s lives,” he added.

Institute Para Limes founding president Jan Wouter Vasbinder believes that the world does not need more universities of academic landscape.

“I believe we need institutions to teach young ones on ways to change and improve the world,” he said.

The forum, officiated by Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, ended after a two-hour discussion.

Yew, in his speech, said Penang has served as an education hub for the nation and has been blessed with a skilful and literate workforce.

“But we also face challenges as human talent becomes an export commodity, causing a massive brain drain over past decades.

“It is important for the city council and state to draw knowledge from these discussions,” he said.

Also present at the forum were WOU Open University Board of Governors chairman Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Indian Administrative Service retired officer Dr Yaga Venugopal Reddy, WOU chairman Datuk Seri Stephen Yeap and WOU acting vice-chancellor Prof Dr Zoraini Wati Abas.