CAIRO: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded the Muslim world of the risk of falling further behind without decisive and sustained investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
The Prime Minister emphasised the essential need for the Muslim world to strengthen STEM education from the earliest years possible, significantly increase research and development investment, and prioritise transformative fields such as biotechnology, chemical sciences, and information technology.
"These sectors are critical not only to economic growth but also to addressing urgent issues, from healthcare crises to environmental degradation, that cannot wait for tomorrow’s solutions," Anwar stated.
"The digital economy poses yet another urgent challenge. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the Muslim world must prioritise investments in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and information and communications technology (ICT) skills.
"We must establish strong cybersecurity frameworks, build resilient digital infrastructures, and ensure that the next generation is prepared to navigate and shape a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” he said during his public lecture titled "Stronger Together: A Vision For The Muslim Ummah Through Tech, Social and Economic Empowerment” at Al-Azhar University on Sunday (Nov 10).
The lecture was attended by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Shaikh Professor Dr Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt Datuk Mohd Tarid Sufian.
Anwar highlighted the necessity for large-scale, transnational collaborations in science and joint ventures in space exploration, astronomy, marine science, and high-performance computing among the Muslim world, as these fields are no longer luxuries but necessities.
"These ambitious projects offer our nations the chance to develop cutting-edge technologies, improve economic security, and demonstrate the power of a united Ummah,” he explained.
Anwar also reminded the Muslim world of the traditional role played by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif as a centre for reform, a bastion of knowledge and creative thinking, and a defender of the Ummah against colonialism while preserving and asserting the Ummah’s Islamic identity.
He noted that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has made significant contributions to the Islamic world, with Muslims in the Malay Archipelago particularly benefiting from the university, as its graduates have always been formidable in defending the faith, knowledge, and instilling the spirit and essence of Islam in their communities. – Bernama
