Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that technological progress and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) should not come at the expense of human values or national identity.
Speaking at the launch of AI Malaysia, a national AI institution established under the country’s Digital Ministry, Mr Anwar said Malaysia must strike a balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding its cultural and societal values.
He noted that maintaining this balance would enable the country to remain competitive globally while investing in education, training and infrastructure needed to drive AI and technology development.
According to the prime minister, AI integration should begin in schools, with students introduced to the technology from an early stage. He added that this approach should be backed by stronger science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, expanded technical and vocational education and training (TVET), improved teacher development and adequate infrastructure.
Mr Anwar, who also serves as Malaysia’s finance minister, said these measures would help prepare the country for a technology-driven future.
Also speaking, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Malaysia’s ambition to become an AI-powered nation by 2030 would require collaboration beyond government, involving industries, academic institutions, the public and other stakeholders.
He explained that AI Malaysia is an upgraded and formally institutionalised version of the National AI Office, which was established on December 12, 2024, to lead the country’s AI and digital transformation agenda under the Digital Ministry.
Source: Xinhua/NAN