Next horizons: Anwar launching the FAIE at MMU, Cyberjaya, as Mazliham (fourth from left) looks on. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Being overly cautious about artificial intelligence (AI) could cause Malaysia to fall behind, yet embracing it hastily without clear values and safeguards may lead to misuse, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Warning against both hesitation and blind acceptance, the Prime Minister said the solution lies in building a clear framework that infuses technology use with values, intelligence and balance.
“A smart professor should know the value of children learning by studying several books or just taking an answer from Google or ChatGPT.
“That is why, in universities now, whether online or in-person, students must attend and listen to the lecturer – there is a difference between a professor’s delivery and total dependence on AI or from answers in existing apps,” he said during the “Temu Anwar” dialogue session with higher education students at Multimedia University (MMU) on Aug 18.
Anwar also emphasised that both schools and universities must tread carefully to prevent a decline in productivity, inclusivity and moral values, even as the country embraces new tools.
“In Malaysia, the moment we start talking about AI or digitalisation, everyone rushes (to chime) in.
“But often this happens without proper exploration or consideration of the issues involved, and that is where our real challenges lie.
“Once you embark on something new, you will have to face challenges,” he said, adding that the smart thing to do would be to understand these challenges.
He urged academic staff and experts to have ongoing reasoned discussions on AI so that policymakers, including the Higher Education Ministry, can make informed decisions in addressing these issues.
Anwar also said Malaysia is becoming a hub for AI data centres, attracting big investments.
He said that since fields like engineering, digital and AI are in high demand, salaries rise accordingly, and with proper training and expertise, students can expect rewarding pay in these areas.
“I want to appeal to the students: gain as much knowledge as possible, build your expertise, strive towards specialisation, and God willing, it will benefit all of us in the future,” he said.
The premier also stressed that while mastery of AI is crucial, its adoption must remain anchored in equity.
He pointed to massive national investments in digitalisation, while questioning whether the returns were aligned with Malaysia’s goals of equitable connectivity and closing the widening gap between rich and poor.
“That is why we say that there must be action so that this gap does not continue to widen. That is among our tasks (when in comes to) multimedia, connectivity and digital transformation.
“Acquisition of technology is necessary. The question is whether it will give us the right result,” he said, adding that beyond productivity, “result” also means mastery of the technology, ensuring justice and equity, and safeguarding ourselves, our culture and our moral values.
