KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian youth must master new frontiers of knowledge, including artificial intelligence, to help secure the nation’s future amid rapid global changes, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said young people must move away from outdated mindsets and adopt forward-looking thinking to help steer the nation’s digital future.
“We must control AI. If not, AI will control us. As such, we must give our young people the space to seriously master this knowledge,” he said during his address at the Youth Economic Forum (YEF) 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
Anwar said mastering high-tech fields such as AI, quantum computing and digitalisation was essential for Malaysia’s economic competitiveness.
He reminded young people that technology should serve humanity and that they should not compromise their values, stressing that technological advances must be balanced with moral grounding and cultural heritage.
“Reaching for the sky means mastering new frontiers of knowledge, science, research, digitalisation and AI.
“But while we reach for the sky, we cannot run away from our values, our heritage, our culture and our humanity. We must stay anchored on earth,” he said.
He noted that a renewed spirit among the youth could propel the nation forward in the coming decade.
Recalling his own experience in youth movements, Anwar said he rejected the conventional narrative that young people were merely passive recipients of advice or “leaders of tomorrow”.
“You are not only leaders for the future, but also leaders now, working together to help and lead the country,” he said, adding that true leadership required breaking away from tribalism and corrupt practices that had historically held the nation back.
Anwar and Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari also received six youth-led policy proposals reflecting the views and aspirations of the nation’s youth.
Developed by the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association, the recommendations were based on a nationwide survey of more than 2,000 respondents and focus group discussions involving 112 young participants and leaders.
The recommendations focus on six key areas: expanding access to artificial intelligence, fostering green entrepreneurship, maximising the benefits of foreign direct investment, improving public service delivery, widening economic opportunities and establishing a permanent platform for youth participation.
In his address, Dr Taufiq underscored the need for economic policies that address immediate bread-and-butter issues rather than abstract concepts.
“Every young person isn’t asking theoretical questions.
“The three main questions in their souls are: Can I afford the cost of living? Will my job today still exist in 10 years? And if I fall, who will help me?” he said.
He stressed that as the government drives digital transformation, social safety nets must remain strong to protect young workers transitioning into new economic landscapes.
