PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the pursuit of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancement to be guided by moral integrity and environmental responsibility, even as Malaysia emerges as a key destination for major American investments.
Speaking during Malaysia’s intervention at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju on Saturday, Anwar stressed that progress must be aligned with sustainability and the duty to protect future generations.
“More than half a century ago, German philosopher Martin Heidegger reminded us that the essence of technology does not lie in the machines we build, but in how it reshapes the way we think, behave and understand our purpose in life. That reminder remains deeply relevant today,” he said.
He cautioned that societies risk becoming subservient to technology, regardless of whether they idolise or reject it. “I believe that to remain humane, this issue must be addressed — and APEC must lead the way,” he added.
“Of course, in Malaysia, we promote AI and semiconductor technologies aggressively because technology holds the power to advance civilisation,” Anwar said, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to use technology to enhance knowledge, drive innovation and improve wellbeing.
He also welcomed investment in data centres, digital capacity-building and high-skilled industries, while noting rising discontent among younger generations. “There is a loss of values and a lack of clarity on justice and humanity — this is evident even in developed countries,” he said.
Following the APEC Summit, Anwar confirmed that at least 15 major American corporations have expressed interest in expanding or facilitating investments in Malaysia.
He said this momentum follows US President Donald Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur during Malaysia’s chairmanship of the 47th ASEAN Summit. “We met with the US Business Coalition involving major American companies, many of whom expressed interest in expanding investment or proposing measures to facilitate further US investment in Malaysia,” he told Malaysian media at the end of his three-day working visit to South Korea.
Among the companies named were Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Philip Morris International and JP Morgan Chase, with interests spanning pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and financial services.
Anwar also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, reaffirming commitments between the US Treasury and Bank Negara Malaysia to strengthen bilateral financial stability and policy coordination.
“This includes a shared commitment to ensuring a resilient foreign exchange policy, financial market stability, and transparent governance,” he said in a statement after the meeting.
The Prime Minister reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to deepening strategic ties with the United States “based on principles of openness, fairness, and mutual respect to ensure regional stability, prosperity and peace.”
Anwar further revealed that Malaysia’s leadership of the 47th ASEAN Summit had drawn praise from global counterparts, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders from the United Arab Emirates and Mexico.
“President Xi extended his highest congratulations on ASEAN’s success. Nearly all leaders expressed similar sentiments — I was truly touched,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s diplomatic balance between the United States and China had earned international admiration.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said world leaders were visibly impressed by Malaysia’s leadership. “When the Prime Minister entered the Leaders’ Waiting Room at APEC, everyone gathered around him. Many approached us, expressing their respect for Malaysia’s calm, subtle and effective diplomacy,” he said.
At the APEC Korea 2025 CEO Summit, President Trump also commended Malaysia and Anwar personally for mediating the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, which brought Cambodia and Thailand to the negotiating table after years of border conflict.
Trump described Malaysia as “an effective mediator that successfully brokered peace where thousands had lost their lives.” - November 1, 2025
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