PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the critical need to ground artificial intelligence (AI) development in human values while addressing the International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities (ICOSH) 2025.
During his opening speech this afternoon, Anwar acknowledged Malaysia’s significant investments in semiconductor and electrical & electronics (E&E) sectors, commending public universities for their swift response in establishing AI faculties and accelerating research initiatives.
However, the Prime Minister cautioned about what he termed the “productivity paradox” – where substantial investments in AI and digital technologies fail to translate into balanced productivity gains.
He expressed particular concern about the widening digital divide that threatens social justice, potentially leaving rural and remote areas further behind.
“No matter how advanced technology becomes, it cannot be separated from human values,” Anwar stated. “AI will only be fair and beneficial if it is rooted in ethics, culture, history, and morality that align with our values and beliefs.”
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the situation in Gaza, where he argued advanced technology and AI are being utilized as weapons to “legitimize tyranny and oppress mercilessly.”
In his concluding remarks, Anwar urged attendees to balance technological advancement with staying grounded in fundamental values, culture, history, religion, and morality.