KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the development of smart cities in Malaysia must be spearheaded by local expertise and powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that in an increasingly complex world, cities face mounting challenges arising from rapid population growth, diverse demographics, environmental concerns, and the demand for more sophisticated infrastructure.
“This is where digital technologies such as AI offer us the tools to respond proactively.
“From leveraging AI capabilities in energy, water, and waste management, to strengthening our national resilience through technology-driven disaster response, smart cities help reduce costs, minimise our environmental footprint, and enhance our preparedness for future threats,” he said in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur today.
Anwar also highlighted that AI-enabled government services could improve accessibility and ensure consistency in service delivery, thereby reinforcing the government’s commitment to justice, stability and national security.
He said that to drive technological advancement, smart cities must be people-centric, serve their intended purpose, and be championed by local enterprises.
“We must be proud to have solutions that reflect our unique needs and values. By fostering innovation and supporting homegrown talent, we can reduce dependence on external technologies and ensure data sovereignty,” he said.
To this end, the prime minister announced that Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), in collaboration with Ericsson, will launch a 21st-century technologies education programme aimed at equipping personnel with skills in AI, data science and digital governance.
“This initiative is targeted to upskill over 40,000 public sector personnel across all levels and municipalities,” he added.
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