At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged member nations to pursue technological progress — including artificial intelligence (AI) — without abandoning their moral, environmental, and social responsibilities.
He said that while innovation drives economic growth, it must remain anchored in values that protect humanity and the planet. He warned that a society which embraces technology blindly risks becoming enslaved by it.
“The essence of technology does not lie in the machines we build. It is in how technology reshapes the way we think, behave, and understand the purpose of life,” Anwar said, referencing philosopher Martin Heidegger’s reflections on technology.
The Malaysian prime minister told APEC leaders that AI-powered economies must evolve in tandem with renewable energy commitments, sustainability goals, and the moral duty to protect future generations.
He cautioned against allowing technology to dictate human behaviour or decision-making without ethical guardrails, adding that the Asia-Pacific region must lead in building a humane digital future.
“To remain humane, this issue must be addressed — and APEC must take the lead,” he said.
While Malaysia continues to promote AI and semiconductor development, Anwar stressed that progress should never come at the cost of justice or compassion.
A Call For Responsible Innovation
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for using AI to strengthen knowledge, accelerate innovation, and expand opportunities, while calling for inclusive growth that benefits ordinary people rather than only the elite.
“We welcome investments in data centres, digital capacity development and the promise of new jobs and industries,” he said, noting that economic transformation must still uphold fairness and social balance.
He also expressed concern over the growing anxiety among younger generations, who increasingly view technology and wealth as being concentrated in the hands of a privileged few.
“There has been a loss of values and a lack of clarity in matters of justice and humanity — a trend seen even in developed nations,” he added.
Anwar’s remarks placed moral responsibility at the centre of technological progress. As Malaysia deepens its role in AI and semiconductor development, he emphasised that innovation must remain rooted in ethics and the broader purpose of improving lives.
