Penang: The nation's digital transformation agenda must benefit the wider population and not be confined to a select group, particularly urban and high-income communities, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He emphasized that the government is committed to bridging the digital divide between affluent urban groups and rural communities with limited access to technology.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that major investments from international companies such as Infineon, Nvidia, and Geely should lead to job creation and broader economic gains for people at all levels. He stressed the importance of ensuring that technological advancements do not widen the gap where only the wealthy and urban communities benefit. "Development must ensure fairness for the many, not just a small group. This is our challenge... to ensure technology benefits everyone," he noted.
Anwar addressed reporters at the recognition ceremony of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Digital Transformation Centre at NADI Kubang Semang. The event was attended by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and other notable officials.
During his speech, Anwar underscored the importance of early exposure to digital technology among students and the need for equitable access to quality education. He emphasized the role of democratizing access to quality education in ensuring equal opportunities for all societal segments.
The prime minister praised MCMC's e-Tuisyen Rakyat programme at NADI centres, offering free supplementary classes using digital facilities to improve students' academic performance. In 2025, the program saw participation from over 42,000 Form Five students at nearly 1,100 NADI centres nationwide.
Anwar also pointed out that NADI's strategies aim to provide exposure to schoolchildren and youths, shielding them from misleading and harmful online content. He emphasized that NADI should act as a platform for learning, skills training, and fostering a sense of community.
Concluding his remarks during a one-day working visit to Penang, Anwar stressed that policy implementation should be followed by close monitoring to ensure effectiveness at the grassroots level.