KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Muslim scholars to spearhead an ‘Intellectual Diplomacy’ agenda that actively translates consensus into concrete policy and real-world solutions for the ummah.

He said such diplomacy must bridge the gap between academic theory and practical governance amid a global landscape marked by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and a profound crisis of values, where wisdom is increasingly being sidelined by emotion.

“If this Intellectual Diplomacy agenda can be realised, I believe Southeast Asia can offer a model of Islam that is knowledgeable, civilised and relevant to the challenges of our time.

“A model that is not extreme. A model that is not detached from reality. A model that embraces progress while preserving human values,” he said at the opening of the 4th Southeast Asian Scholars Conference 2026, co-organised by the Muslim World League and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said Southeast Asia, with its moderate Islamic tradition and diverse societies, is uniquely positioned to offer an Ethical Technology Model that embraces progress without eroding identity.

Pointing to Malaysia’s success in producing professional huffaz who excel in modern fields such as medicine, engineering and finance, Ahmad Zahid said national development must prioritise human capital over purely physical growth.

He said the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) agenda would continue to be strengthened as a strategic pathway to provide young Muslims and huffaz with opportunities in high-demand economic sectors.

On regional cooperation, Ahmad Zahid called on Southeast Asian scholars to build a united front against cross-border threats such as digital extremism and misinformation, while continuing to advocate humanitarian causes, including the plight of the Palestinian people.

He also highlighted the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), describing it as a double-edged sword that requires strong ethical guidance.

“My greatest concern is that technology without values can become a tool of manipulation. Data without ethics can violate human dignity. Algorithms without wisdom can silently shape the minds of society,” he said.

Therefore, he said Maqasid Syariah should serve as an ethical compass for evaluating innovations based on their ability to protect religion, life, intellect, lineage and property. — Bernama