Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s aggressive push for AI as a tool to expand knowledge, accelerate innovation, and create new industries.

“We welcome data centre investment, digital capacity building, and the promise of new jobs and new industries,” he said in his intervention speech at the second session of the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting here today.

“But progress must not come at the cost of our environment or our moral compass.”

Anwar called for Apec economies to lead in ensuring AI development aligns with sustainability commitments and safeguards the well-being of future generations.

He also highlighted concerns that many young people today “have lost values and clarity in justice and humanity.”

“Our goal is not a world where machines define our destiny.

“Our goal is a future where AI amplifies human creativity, strengthens communities, and enriches the human spirit,” he said.

Malaysia has been actively promoting AI across sectors, such as finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities.

In one high-profile example, YTL Power International Berhad, in partnership with Nvidia, recently completed the first Nvidia-powered data centre in Kulai, Johor.

The government has earmarked nearly RM5.9 billion in the 2026 budget for research, development, commercialisation, and innovation (RCDI) in AI.

Key initiatives include the RM2 billion AI Cloud, RM30 million for cybersecurity enhancements, a 50% tax deduction for SMEs investing in AI and cybersecurity training, and programmes such as the RM53 million Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant to foster innovation.