MALAYSIA’S education system must develop a new generation of teachers who can master advances in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), including artificial intelligence (AI), while preserving strong moral values and a sense of humanity, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar said the country’s education system must evolve beyond existing curricula and teaching approaches to remain responsive to rapid global changes and ensure Malaysia does not fall behind in adopting new technologies.
However, he stressed that technological capability alone would not be enough if it was not accompanied by the development of character, ethics and human values among educators and students.
“This is what I describe as ‘reaching for the sky while remaining rooted to the ground’ — mastering new technologies without neglecting religion, culture, morals and human values.
“If we want to enhance the country’s capabilities, our first focus must be education, and secondly, we must quickly capture the changes taking place in the world,” he said during the Temu Anwar session with students and staff of the Institute of Teacher Education Technical Education Campus (IPGKPT) in Bandar Enstek.
Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and IPGKPT director Dr Kartini Abdul Mutalib.
Anwar said education would not achieve its true purpose if teachers and students were exposed to sentiments of racial or religious hatred.
He said Malaysia’s diverse society must strengthen understanding among different communities, stressing that differences should not become a source of division.
“No country in the world, no matter how great it may be, will remain safe by planting seeds of racial or religious hatred. What must be elevated are human values.
“If we want to build this country, there must be tolerance, mutual respect and a commitment to human values. Only then can we raise the quality of education and build a truly advanced society,” he said.
Anwar also highlighted the importance of developing talent and strengthening AI readiness among professionals as Malaysia seeks to position itself as a regional hub for professional excellence.
Following a courtesy visit by a delegation from Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM), also known as the Malaysian Professional Centre, led by its president Prof Dr Juan Joon Ching, Anwar said professionals remained strategic partners in enhancing national competitiveness, driving innovation and advancing the Madani agenda.
He said closer cooperation between the Government and professional bodies was needed to nurture talent with integrity, competitiveness and the ability to lead Malaysia’s future growth.
Anwar also accepted an invitation to Hari Ikhtisas Malaysia, an event recognising the contribution of professionals towards national development - July 17, 2026
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