Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged economic growth to be firmly rooted in ethics, culture, and humanity, even as the country embraces rapid technological advancement.
During a special address at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, Anwar stated that the region’s rapid development must eventually serve its people, not just materially, but also through education, technology, and deeply ingrained moral principles. “Humanity entails improved livelihood, education, healthcare, and technology. “But it must also be linked to values, ethics, and humanity,” he stated.
Anwar emphasised that, while Johor and Malaysia are making strides in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and the digital economy, there must also be a concerted effort to preserve the country’s cultural and civilisational roots.
He drew on his recent visit to Japan, citing the work of renowned Japanese philosopher Toshihiko Izutsu, who studied Islam extensively, to demonstrate how ethical and philosophical understanding can strengthen bilateral relations.
“We must encourage the younger generation to focus not only on new disciplines but also on values, culture, and civilisation,” the Prime Minister stated.
Anwar stated that the country’s development, particularly in rapidly growing states like Johor, must prioritise human factors such as quality of life, education, health, and technological access.
“Development in Malaysia and Johor is for the people, meaning the human dimensions must be taken into consideration. The current generation needs to concentrate on new disciplines.
“Yes, we will fall behind if we do not adopt technology and Al, but it must be done in a way that respects our moral values, local cultures, and languages,” he stated.
Anwar commented on the global economic landscape, stating that Johor continues to perform well despite mounting global uncertainties, such as unilateral tariff policies implemented by US President Donald Trump and ongoing conflicts in certain regions.
He commended the state’s positive growth trajectory to the strategic efforts undertaken by government-linked agencies such as Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB), particularly in driving high-impact developments and securing quality investments.
The two-day Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, co-organised by IIB and Japan’s Nikkei Inc., was hosted by the Johor state government, with support from the Johor Economic Planning Division, Invest Johor, and the Iskandar Puteri City Council.
