Malaysia cannot remain dependent on technology developed by other countries and must instead develop the capability to create, own and master its own technologies, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said Malaysia is now at a crucial point in its development journey, with mastery of science and technology becoming increasingly important to the country’s future.
Anwar stressed that science education should go beyond memorising formulas and achieving good examination results, saying it must encourage critical thinking, openness to new ideas, courage to experiment and honesty.
“Food security, energy supply, public health, water security, climate change and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) require strong knowledge and the courage to make evidence-based decisions.
“Yet every challenge is also an opportunity to create something better. Every major solution begins with a small question,” he said.
Anwar was speaking at the final of the 2026 National Science Challenge (NSC), for the YAB Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy, held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) here on Monday. His speech was delivered by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang.
He said Malaysia also needed creativity, confidence and compassion to ensure progress in science and technology remains aligned with human values.
“Science without compassion can become cold; innovation without integrity can be dangerous; and knowledge without courage will remain only in reports,” he said.
Anwar also called for greater student participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), noting that participation in pure sciences remains at only around 15.8 per cent.
“This shows there is still a gap between interest in STEM and the readiness to pursue it in greater depth.
“In this effort, teachers play a very important role, not merely as transmitters of knowledge, but as catalysts for curiosity and builders of confidence among the younger generation,” he said.
Education Ministry data showed student participation in STEM increased from 40.95 per cent in 2021 to 50.83 per cent in 2024.
Anwar said Malaysia needs more STEM talent to build a more advanced, competitive and resilient future.
He said the country must continue strengthening an ecosystem that gives young people more opportunities to develop through universities, research, industry and start-ups.
“We want ideas born in schools today to grow into research, technology, innovation and enterprises capable of solving real problems faced by the people and strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness on the world stage,” he said.
