PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet Nvidia president and chief executive officer Jensen Huang in Gyeongju to discuss Malaysia’s artificial intelligence (AI) development, alongside YTL Power International Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Yeoh Seok Hong.
The meeting forms part of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), which opened on Friday.
Huang and Yeoh are expected to update Anwar on the progress of the RM10 billion AI infrastructure project in Malaysia, signed earlier this July.
Earlier in the day, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung welcomed all APEC economic leaders, including Anwar, for a photo session and opening remarks.
During the APEC Economic Leaders’ Dialogue with Guests event, Anwar is scheduled to deliver Malaysia’s intervention, emphasising the importance of inclusiveness in strengthening supply chains, digital economic development, and regional cooperation for sustainable development.
Following the dialogue, the prime minister will meet the US APEC Business Coalition, as well as hold one-on-one meetings with Namhae Chemical Corp and JS Link. Namhae Chemical produces over 50 per cent of South Korea’s agricultural fertilisers, while JS Link focuses on genome-based biotechnology research and services both domestically and internationally.
Anwar will conclude his schedule by attending the APEC Economic Leaders’ dinner and a press conference.
The summit brings together leaders of the 21 APEC member economies, guest nations, and representatives of international organisations, with discussions centred on sustaining free trade and strengthening regional economic integration.
Yonghap News Agency cited that, in his opening address, President Lee said: “Cooperation and solidarity is the surest path for a better future. We all stand at a critical turning point as the international order undergoes rapid transformation.”
He also highlighted the dual challenges and opportunities presented by the technological revolution led by artificial intelligence.
Lee greeted visiting leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking their first meeting since Lee took office in June, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. U.S. President Donald Trump did not attend the summit, having departed after a business forum and talks with Lee and Xi.
South Korea, as host, aims to produce a consensus outcome in the proposed “Gyeongju Declaration” and spotlight initiatives such as AI and demographic change.
Over the summit, leaders are reviewing proposals to make the Asia-Pacific region more prosperous through enhanced supply chain cooperation and digital transition.
Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, who co-led the ministerial session, said broad agreement had been reached on supply chains, digital and environmental sectors, calling them “the core of today’s trade agenda and the pillar of the future economy.”
He added: “We will continue to uphold the multilateral regime based on the WTO, but as the WTO system is at stake, we are also in support of plurilateral cooperation.”
APEC, founded by 12 economies including Malaysia, now comprises 21 economies representing nearly three billion people and accounting for 62 per cent of global GDP and 48 per cent of world trade in 2021. October 31, 2025