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Technology · Malaysia Bureau

Malaysia must shift from tech consumer to innovator, says PM Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for a fundamental overhaul of science education, urging the country to move beyond rote learning and memorisation to develop a generation of technological innovators rather than mere users.

LSN Malaysia · 7 September 2026

Malaysia must shift from tech consumer to innovator, says PM Anwar

Anwar stressed that Malaysian science education must evolve beyond traditional approaches focused on memorising formulas and achieving high examination grades, emphasising the need to cultivate critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills among students.

The Prime Minister outlined his vision for Malaysia to transition from a nation of technology consumers to one capable of creating and mastering technological advancement independently. This shift, he indicated, requires a fundamental reimagining of how science subjects are taught in schools and universities across the country.

Anwar's remarks reflect growing concern among policymakers that Malaysia risks falling behind regional competitors in technological innovation and research development if education systems continue to prioritise examination performance over hands-on learning and creativity.

The call for educational reform aligns with Malaysia's broader economic ambitions to diversify beyond traditional sectors and establish itself as a regional hub for research, development, and technological innovation in the coming decades.