Tech must align with ethics and humanities, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Technological advancement, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, must be guided by ethics, culture and societal values to ensure meaningful and sustainable progress, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that technological progress, encompassing artificial intelligence and digital transformation, must be aligned with ethical, cultural, and societal values to ensure sustainable advancement, according to his keynote address at the International Future Conference 2026 held at the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (Istac) in Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar emphasized that discussions on the future should extend beyond mere algorithms, computing power, or economic implications to encompass philosophical, historical, and moral factors. He underscored that for Malaysia, technological growth should remain deeply connected to the society it serves, cautioning against detachment, loss of dignity, or a blurred sense of identity.
The prime minister advocated for a comprehensive approach to future studies, borrowing from Islamic intellectual traditions where science, philosophy, and ethics were traditionally interwoven. He further stressed that Malaysia's aspiration to become a technology-driven economy must be centered around people and promote inclusivity.
The two-day conference, themed Shaping the Future Through Knowledge, Innovation, and Civilisational Leadership, addressed pressing global issues such as AI, the digital economy, space technology, climate change, energy transition, and socioeconomic governance.
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