Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned that while the growth of artificial intelligence presents abundant opportunities to accelerate energy transition efforts, it must not outpace nations' sustainability ambitions. Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, emphasized the challenge of ensuring that the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) aligns with the sustainability ambitions it is expected to support.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stressed that while countries pursue AI-driven economic growth, it is crucial to ensure that energy remains secure, affordable to consumers, and sustainable. He noted that AI has the potential to strengthen energy systems, from improving grid efficiency and forecasting renewable energy generation to optimizing industrial energy use. These remarks were made during his keynote address on the second day of the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26).
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad and TNB Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Razak Abdul Majid. Anwar highlighted that the rapid expansion of AI is likely to increase demand on energy systems, with data centers and advanced computing infrastructure requiring unprecedented levels of electricity.
Anwar assured that energy transition will be fair, energy-secure, and AI-driven in the nation's interest. He emphasized that energy transition has become a key pillar of the country's policy framework alongside AI and semiconductor development, with all three sectors closely intertwined through their growing energy requirements.
The Prime Minister mentioned the expansion of digital infrastructure, particularly data centers, which has prompted the government to reassess national energy projections to ensure sufficient capacity to support future growth. He reflected on past conversations with TNB and ministries regarding the need to review energy projections due to the increasing interest in data centers, AI, and semiconductors.
Anwar reiterated the importance of ensuring energy remains secure, affordable, and sustainable as countries pursue AI-driven growth. He underscored the need to consider the impact on consumers, questioning how new technology and AI benefit the common man and woman.
The Prime Minister also highlighted significant opportunities AI presents in supporting energy transition efforts, such as improving grid efficiency and optimizing industrial energy consumption. However, he cautioned that technological advancement must be accompanied by considerations of affordability, connectivity, and values, aligning with the MADANI framework.
He concluded by stressing the importance of humanity and values in technological advancements, urging that anyone engaging in new technology, including AI, must consider its implications within the context of the MADANI framework.