Malaysia’s education system must prepare teachers who are capable of understanding emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) while maintaining strong ethical principles and human values, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the rapid pace of global transformation required the education sector to continuously evolve, adding that the country could not rely solely on existing curricula and teaching approaches if it wanted to remain competitive in adopting new technologies.
However, Anwar stressed that technological knowledge alone was not enough, as educators and students must also be equipped with strong character, morality and social responsibility.
“While we aim for greater technological advancement, we must not lose sight of our roots by neglecting religion, culture, ethics and human values,” he said during the Temu Anwar programme with students and staff of the Teacher Education Institute, Technical Education Campus (IPGKPT) in Bandar Enstek.
The programme was also attended by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and IPGKPT director Dr Kartini Abdul Mutalib.
Anwar said education would not achieve its intended goals if teachers and students were influenced by hatred or prejudice towards other races and religions.
He stressed that Malaysia’s multicultural society must continue strengthening understanding and cooperation among different communities, as diversity should be viewed as a strength rather than a source of conflict.
“No country, regardless of how advanced it is, can maintain stability by spreading racial or religious hatred. Human values must remain the foundation,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that tolerance, mutual respect and commitment to shared values were essential in developing a high-quality education system and building a progressive nation.
He said education remained the country’s top priority, followed by the ability to adapt quickly to changes taking place globally.
