Digital Transformation, AI At Helm Of APEC Meet; Malaysia Highlights Moral, Environmental Risks Of Greater Adoption
From Nor Baizura Basri
GYEONGJU (South Korea), Nov 1 (Bernama) -- Digital transformation and the acceleration of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption are at the helm of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), as leaders deliberate on both the challenges and opportunities, with Malaysia cautioning member economies about the risks moving forward.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that while APEC economies, including Malaysia, are aggressively pursuing the development powered by digital transformation and AI, they must remain grounded, without losing sight of moral values and environmental responsibility, especially for future generation.
"Our goal is not a world where machines define our destiny. Our goal is a future where AI amplifies human creativity, strengthens communities and enriches the human spirit," said the Prime Minister in his address during one of the sessions at the AELM in the scenic city of Gyeongju.
Despite the early winter chill in autumn, discussions among APEC leaders were heated, making all the arguments important and valid as economies not only focused on advancing development but also on adapting to the rapid demographic changes taking place around the world.
Malaysia's effort in boosting AI adoption
Recognising the importance of technology and AI, Anwar said Malaysia is also actively promoting AI and the semiconductor sector, as the country believes technology has the power to elevate civilisation.
The Prime Minister even cited a reminder from a German philosopher Martin Heidegger more than half a century ago, saying that the essence of technology lies not in the machines built, but in how technology reshapes people's thinking, behaviour and sense of purpose — a reflection he described as still relevant today.
"He cautioned that whether we celebrate technology or reject it, we risk becoming unfree and bound by it. This insight is profoundly relevant today. And I believe that to remain human, this issue must be addressed —and APEC must lead," he stressed during one of Malaysia's interventions.
While APEC economies building the infrastructure for an AI-enabled economy, Anwar emphasised that this ambition must be matched with commitments to renewable energy, sustainability and responsible stewardship.
In a separate session, Prime Minister also called on economies to expand APEC’s engagement beyond its current platform, encouraging greater participation from Latin American and African economies, to ensure that the non binding forum’s agenda become substantially transformative, inclusive and truly impactful.
"APEC should serve as a bridge not only for the Asia-Pacific economies but also in expanding engagement with the Latin American and African regions towards a more just and balanced global economic order between developed and developing nations — the Global North and Global South.
"This could also set the trajectory towards a more equitable economic architecture that narrows the gap between the Global North and the Global South," said Anwar.
Nvidia Corp’s founder and chief executive officer Jensen Huang — dubbed the world’s first US$5 trillion man — also flew into Gyeongju to meet Anwar and discuss how the company could assist Malaysia in realising its AI aspirations.
Malaysia portrays soft diplomacy at its best
Building on the momentum from the successful 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia again captured global attention at APEC, with several world leaders praising the country’s diplomatic efforts — particularly following the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Thailand and Cambodia, which officially paved the way for the end of their conflict.
This was acknowledged by the US President Donald Trump, who spoke at one of the APEC sessions, underscoring Malaysia's growing credibility on the international stage.
"Malaysia was fantastic — they helped make it happen. Prime Minister (Anwar) was a great, great guy. I had just met him, and within two days, we signed the deal. The two parties (Thailand and Cambodia) came in, they were like best friends. It was a beautiful thing to see —we probably saved millions of lives," he said in his speech at the APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 on Wednesday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also attended the AELM, greeted Anwar during one of the sessions and praised Malaysia for facilitating the peace accord.
As a result, Malaysia’s image received a significant boost, while ASEAN's spirit also shone brighter at this year's forum.
Gyeongju Declaration serves as APEC leaders’ commitment
Following the conclusion of the 2025 AELM, chaired by the South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, the 21 member economies committed to preparing the region for the digital and AI transformation as they work towards building the world’s most dynamic and interconnected regional economy — while ensuring shared and inclusive growth.
The leaders also issued the Gyeongju Declaration, reaffirming their long-standing commitment to strengthened cooperation and concrete actions to enable economic growth that benefits all, while recognising the rapid advancement of AI and demographic shifts reshaping labour markets with profound long-term implications for APEC economies.
The non-binding forum also acknowledged that the region stands at a pivotal juncture, with the global trading system continuing to face significant challenges.
Leaders further endorsed the APEC AI Initiative to advance successful AI transformation and build AI capacities across all levels, along with the APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes to maximise economic growth and prosperity for all in the region.
The leaders will meet again in 2026, with China as the host. Earlier, President Lee shook hands with President Xi Jinping at the end of AELM, symbolising the handover of the chairmanship.
They also looked forward to upcoming APEC host years — Viet Nam (2027), Mexico (2028), Singapore (2030), Japan (2031), Chile (2032), Papua New Guinea (2033) and Peru (2034).
As Gyeongju concluded its tenure as APEC host, the long-lasting and dazzling K-pop served as a reminder of South Korea’s soft power and diplomacy, which commanded the world's attention best when it "danced". Kamsahamnida Gyeongju.
-- BERNAMA