APEC MUST ENSURE PROGRESS IN AI MUST NOT COME AT EXPENSE OF ENVIRONMENT, MORAL COMPASS -- PM ANWAR

From Baizura Basri

GYEONGJU (South Korea), Nov 1 (Bernama) -- With the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) aggressively promoting artificial intelligence (AI) and technological transformation to advance development, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned that the progress of AI must not come at the expense of the moral compass and the environment.

Speaking on the last day of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) here, the Prime Minister said Malaysia also promotes AI and semiconductors in an aggressive way because the technology has the power to elevate civilisation.

"More than half a century ago, the German philosopher Martin Heidegger reminded us that the essence of technology lies not in the machines we build, but in how technology reshapes our thinking, our behaviour and our sense of purpose. This is relevant today.

"He cautioned that whether we celebrate technology or reject it, we risk becoming unfree and bound by it. This insight is profoundly relevant today, and I believe, (for us) to remain human. The issue must be addressed and APEC must lead," he said during Malaysia's intervention here.

He also pointed out that APEC economies should take note of their accessibility and digital divide to ensure that there are no discriminatory practices in terms of the utilisation of new technology.

"We support harnessing AI to improve knowledge, accelerate innovation, expand opportunity and uplift society. We welcome data centre investment, digital capacity building and the promise of new jobs and new industries," Anwar added.

He said as APEC economies build the infrastructure for an AI-enabled economy, it must match that ambition with commitments to renewable energy, sustainability and responsible stewardship.  Data centre growth, for example, must move in tandem with the green agenda and the duty to protect the wellbeing of future generations.

"Mr Chairman, our goal is not a world where machines define our destiny. Our goal is a future where AI amplifies human creativity, strengthens communities and enriches the human spirit," said Anwar.

Earlier, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reiterated that despite current global headwinds, APEC remains a vital platform for dialogue, trust and collective progress.

“The path ahead is not simple, but I believe that within APEC’s history we can find the answers to overcome today’s difficulties,” said Lee, who is chairing the two-day meeting. He added that cooperation and solidarity are the surest way forward toward a better future.

The 2025 AELM was held under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper”, reflecting the forum’s commitment to realising the goals that align with Putrajaya Vision 2040 and ensuring that technological and demographic transitions translate into inclusive growth.

The two-day meeting continued through Saturday, with discussions expected to centre on trade and investment, AI and digital cooperation, demographic changes and strategies for building a future-ready Asia-Pacific.

-- BERNAMA