Tokyo: Artificial intelligence (AI) development must be guided by ethics, human values and a deep understanding of society to ensure technological progress remains inclusive and sustainable, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He emphasized that AI should not be viewed merely as a specialised field, but as a cross-cutting force that influences economics, technology and virtually every area of study. During a special lecture titled 'Humanity in a Human-Machine Civilisation' at the University of Tokyo, Anwar highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary knowledge grounded in ethics and humanity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar discussed Malaysia's development agenda under the MADANI framework, which places strong emphasis on values and human-centred progress amid rapid technological advancement. He stated that the future would belong to those who are able to combine technological excellence with a deep understanding of society and human values.
Anwar outlined that AI must ultimately serve real development needs, including improving public services, boosting productivity, and supporting key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, engineering, and the civil service. He noted that AI could help address structural challenges, such as ageing populations, requiring stronger national capabilities in talent development, infrastructure, and data governance to ensure responsible technology use.
He stressed the importance of human judgment in determining where AI should be applied, limited, or where human decision-making must remain paramount. Anwar remarked that AI does not come with a fixed purpose but is shaped by human decisions through laws, institutions, and moral responsibility. He emphasized that while Malaysia embraces technological advancement, AI must serve people and strengthen humanity, preserving values such as conscience, responsibility, integrity, and care.
During a question-and-answer session with a Malaysian student, Anwar highlighted that Malaysian students in Japan must play a central role in advancing the nation's AI ambitions by 2030. He pointed out that their role extends beyond academic achievement and carries a broader responsibility shaped by their exposure to Japanese society and culture. Anwar joked that the abbreviation 'AI' could also refer to 'Anwar Ibrahim', drawing laughter from the audience.
The lecture attracted a full house, with the university's 500-seat hall filled with students and academics. Anwar, currently on a three-day official visit to Japan, kick-started the day's programme at the University of Tokyo, where he also received a courtesy call from University of Tokyo President Prof Teruo Fujii before addressing the audience. Presently, more than 2,000 Malaysian government-sponsored students are studying in Japan.