Kuala lumpur: Advances in technology and artificial intelligence (AI), which are the drivers of national development, need to be balanced with efforts to preserve religion, culture, moral values, and national identity so that these values are not eroded, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized that while Malaysia should embrace and master AI to remain globally competitive, it is crucial to strengthen the human values that are foundational to building a MADANI nation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated, "AI and technological advancement may enable us to reach for the skies, but we must not allow our religion, culture, and moral values to be eroded. We must remain firmly grounded." He underscored the importance of aspiring to the achievements of advanced nations while staying rooted in Malaysia's identity, culture, ethics, and faith. This, he noted, is the new challenge the nation faces, as he spoke at the launch of AI Malaysia, a national AI entity under the Digital Ministry.
The event was attended by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, highlighted that AI adoption should begin with the education system by introducing students to the technology from school level. This includes strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), teacher training, and supporting infrastructure.
Anwar mentioned that he instructed the Ministry of Education to prepare the country by enhancing STEM and TVET education and introducing AI exposure in schools to achieve the objectives of AI Malaysia. He noted that the Digital Ministry would lead efforts to accelerate AI adoption across government ministries, departments, and agencies.
Anwar also urged universities to bolster their AI faculties, departments, and research centers to ensure graduates possess skills that meet global industry demands. Feedback from leading technology companies, such as Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, and Ericsson, suggested that the skills of Malaysian graduates need enhancement through closer collaboration between academia and industry.
However, Anwar stressed that while meeting industry needs, Malaysia must continue to produce graduates with strong ethical values and a sense of humanity. He warned that for Malaysia, as a multiracial nation, erosion of religion and human values would lead to a loss of human dignity.
Discussing the country's AI development agenda, Anwar stated that Malaysia should fully harness local expertise by empowering universities, educational institutions, and the private sector to develop home-grown AI technologies and solutions. He emphasized the shift from 'made in' Malaysia to 'made by' Malaysia, advocating for support of local capabilities development.