AI development must be anchored in human values, not just efficiency, Anwar says in Tokyo lecture

TOKYO, June 9 — The development of artificial intelligence must be grounded in human values, moral responsibility and integrity, rather than driven purely by technological efficiency or economic gain, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

He said technological progress should not come at the expense of humanity, but instead be used to strengthen human dignity, social justice and global well-being, according to a report by Berita Harian today.

Anwar noted that the world is now grappling with challenges far beyond technological advancement, as conflicts, wars, inequality and oppression continue despite rapid progress in artificial intelligence.

He said while Malaysia supports technological development, including AI, the growing integration of such systems into homes, schools, hospitals, workplaces, public institutions and even human imagination poses significant challenges.

“We support technological progress, including AI. But when it enters homes, schools, hospitals, offices, public institutions and even our imagination, the challenge becomes immense,” he said.

He said systems must be designed to serve humanity and reinforce human values rather than diminish them.

“We must build systems that serve people and enrich human values, not undermine them,” he said.

Anwar said institutions must remain accountable to the people, while societies must continue to uphold qualities that machines cannot replicate, including conscience, compassion, mercy, responsibility, integrity and care for others.

He was delivering a special lecture titled Human Values in the Civilisation of Man and Machine during a visit to the University of Tokyo.