Anwar calls for ethical tech push

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for ethical and cultural considerations to guide the nation’s technological development during his keynote at the International Future Conference 2026. His emphasis on integrating morality and societal values highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring technological progress benefits communities and aligns with Malaysia’s cultural identity.

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of ethical considerations in the nation’s technological advancement during his keynote address at the International Future Conference (IFC) 2026.

Addressing the conference, which convened over two days to examine global developments in artificial intelligence, digital economy, space technology, climate change, energy transition, and socioeconomic governance, Anwar highlighted that Malaysia’s pursuit of innovation must remain closely aligned with societal values and cultural identity.

“The real battle for Malaysia in pursuing technological advancement is ensuring it is guided by ethics, culture and societal values so progress is meaningful and sustainable,” Anwar said. He cautioned against allowing technology development to become disconnected from the communities it aims to benefit, urging a balance between capability and ethical judgment.

Rather than focusing solely on technical metrics such as algorithms or economic outcomes, the prime minister called for a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates philosophy, history, and moral deliberation. “The advancement of technology must be in lockstep with the humanities, morality and theology to read the signal that should be in the future,” he remarked.

Anwar also referenced Islamic intellectual traditions as a model for integrating science, ethics, and philosophy, advocating for a more holistic perspective on future studies. He observed that Malaysia is among the few Muslim-majority countries attracting significant investment in emerging technologies, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence data centers.

Given this position, the prime minister stressed the need for Malaysia’s transformation into a technology-driven economy to be inclusive and centered around human welfare. His remarks underscore the government’s intent to ensure innovation progresses with a strong ethical foundation that reflects Malaysia’s cultural and societal fabric.

The International Future Conference 2026 brought together experts and policymakers to discuss how emerging technologies and global challenges can be navigated in a way that supports sustainable, equitable development across sectors.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.