HANGZHOU – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hangzhou as part of his working visit to the People’s Republic of China, where he also attended the fifth Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE).
The meeting came after Anwar and Li had recently met in Shanghai, with their latest engagement taking place on the third day of the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit to China.
Anwar attended the GDTE, where Malaysia was featured as the Guest Country of Honour. For the first time, Malaysia established a dedicated pavilion at the international trade exhibition, with the pavilion managed by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
Li accompanied Anwar on a tour of the exhibition area, which carried the theme “Discovering the Future of AI at GDTE”.
The exhibition featured technologies and innovations linked to artificial intelligence (AI), providing an opportunity for the two leaders to observe developments in the rapidly evolving field.
During the visit, Anwar said he and Li exchanged views on the development of AI and the challenges associated with its growing use.
A key issue discussed was the relationship between technological development and human oversight. Anwar said AI technologies and products should remain under human control rather than dominate human beings.
The discussions also touched on the need for international cooperation as countries respond to the opportunities and challenges arising from advances in AI.
Anwar said both sides shared the view that countries should combine their respective strengths and work together to make use of emerging opportunities created by technological progress.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of ensuring that technological advances contribute to wider human well-being and progress.
The GDTE, which brings together developments in digital trade and technology, provided a platform for Malaysia to showcase its participation and engage with developments in the digital economy.
Malaysia’s participation as Guest Country of Honour also included the establishment of its pavilion, marking the country’s first such presence at the event.
The visit to the exhibition came amid continued engagement between Malaysia and China, with Anwar’s meetings with Chinese leaders forming part of his broader working visit.
The discussions on AI reflect growing international attention on the potential applications of the technology as well as questions surrounding its governance, oversight and responsible use.
Anwar said the shared emphasis on cooperation was aimed at helping countries respond collectively to technological changes and ensure that innovation is directed towards outcomes that benefit society.
