KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — Malaysia must pursue advances in science, technology and artificial intelligence without losing sight of its values, culture and humanity, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

Speaking at the launch of the National Innovation and Commercialisation Expo (Nice 2026) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, Anwar said Malaysia’s pursuit of new technologies should remain grounded in the needs and interests of the people.

“Do not forget about the problems and interests of the people. If we are a Madani country, I often emphasise science and technology. It may seem as though this is about reaching for the skies — new knowledge, science, modern technology and AI, as though these are all new things.

“So, we are reaching for the skies, but do not forget that we are Malaysians, we are human beings, and we live by values.

“Therefore, while we reach for the skies, we must remain rooted to the ground,” he said.

He also called for greater efforts in research and innovation, saying the country should move beyond simply producing goods domestically towards developing Malaysian innovations that could be commercialised and exported.

“As emphasised by the Ministry and in the Malaysia Plan, we say that it should not only be ‘Made in Malaysia’, but also ‘Made by Malaysia’,” he said.

Anwar said Malaysia must work to ensure its products could be produced more effectively while building cooperation networks with countries in both the East and West.

He said this would help Malaysia maintain its position as a trading nation with a strong industrial focus, while strengthening its ability not only to produce but also to export.

Nice 2026 brings together researchers, innovators, industry players and other stakeholders to showcase research, technologies and innovations with commercial potential.