KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 26): Malaysia is now more selective in choosing foreign direct investment, with a focus on projects that would greatly benefit the country, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and data technology, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the opening of a data centre that used to depend on cheap energy and water to move and cool the operating system is now no longer sufficient.

"Now, if you want to [establish] a data centre, you must have AI,” he said, referring to projects like Nvidia's in Johor.

"This is an example of how technology needs to be improved to remain relevant," he said at the Ilmuan Malaysia Madani Forum here on Wednesday organised by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA).

Anwar said universities in this country should also be empowered to produce a skilled workforce in the field of AI and engineering in order to meet the needs of high-tech investors.

"If the investment is big...we are now more selective in choosing the ones that can benefit the country more," he explained.

Meanwhile, touching on Budget 2025 to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 18, Anwar outlined education and health as the main priorities, with the highest allocation given to the education sector, followed by health.

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