PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a direct warning to young Malaysians that they must urgently master artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure the nation does not become subordinate to rapidly evolving global technology.
Speaking at the Youth Economic Forum 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today, Anwar stressed that mastering emerging technologies is vital to keeping Malaysia competitive on the world stage.
"I mentioned in Shanghai recently alongside the Chinese Prime Minister that we must master AI. Otherwise, AI will master us," Anwar said.
"Provide space for our children to master that knowledge seriously, but at the same time, do not allow the technology to erode human values and core life principles," he added.
Anwar urged the younger generation to discard outdated mindsets and corrupt practices, calling for a unified, multi-ethnic youth movement to drive progress.
"The old mindset that viewed corruption as acceptable, theft as acceptable, oppression as acceptable, and letting the people be fooled as acceptable—no longer," Anwar stated.
"This is a new force, a new generation, where all races—Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan—are united. Imagine if this is our new spirit; I am confident we will see our country progress rapidly, and within 10 years, we will see a vibrant, progressive, and successful new Malaysia," he said.
In tandem with his technological charge, the Prime Minister gave a firm commitment that Budget 2027 will directly address financial hardship and student hunger within higher education institutions.
"There are university students who say, 'we want to learn, but we are hungry.' We are focusing on that matter. I will announce it during the upcoming Budget," Anwar assured.
"There are poor students who cannot afford it and are forced to bear debt. These are the matters we must listen to and address," he added. - October 3, 2026
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