This article first appeared in Forum, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on September 15, 2025 - September 21, 2025

The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) reflects a bold step in positioning artificial intelligence (AI) as a key driver of development. With the aspiration of becoming an AI-driven nation by 2030, Malaysia must not only focus on the technical and economic dimensions, but also on how this technology can deliver broad social impact and shape a pro-social ecosystem that is fair and inclusive.

While discussions on AI increasingly dominate the global discourse — from household kitchens to corporate boardrooms — the critical question for us remains: how do we ensure this technology truly benefits both people and planet?

We cannot rely on AI alone without embedding human intelligence in every decision we make. This is where the idea of hybrid intelligence (HI) becomes essential — a combination of human strengths with AI capabilities. AI excels in processing data at scale, while humans bring moral wisdom, empathy and values. Together, this creates a more balanced approach: technology supporting humanity, not replacing it. HI keeps humans as the central agents in the digital era — not passive users, but active shapers of the future.

A pro-social orientation in HI would prioritise collective benefit. Beyond profit optimisation, it would reinforce values of humanity, solidarity and sustainability. Pro-social AI can help create a cleaner business environment — by enhancing data transparency to curb corruption, improving procurement tracking and strengthening integrity in supply chain management. In governance, it can sharpen public policy effectiveness through citizen sentiment analysis, early detection of social risks, and ensuring that every ringgit of public spending is transparent and accountable.

But let me stress this: AI is not a silver bullet. The real danger lies in an over-dependence on technology without authentic leadership. Left unchecked, AI risks creating societies that are value-deficient, isolated and directionless. Algorithms alone cannot weigh moral or human considerations. Authentic leadership — grounded in integrity, honesty and the courage to make difficult decisions for the greater good — is vital.

Without such leadership, we risk what I call a “blind surrender of power” to technology. The implications are grave: biased algorithms discriminating in recruitment, exploitation of personal data by marketeers, or policy decisions driven by numbers without understanding the people behind them. AI can generate information, but it is humans — particularly leaders — who must interpret, balance and make choices grounded in values.

In short, we cannot hand over our future wholesale to machines. AI can strengthen governance, but authentic leaders must set the direction, ethics and boundaries. AI can detect patterns of corruption, but only leaders with political will can act on them. AI can propose policies, but leaders must ensure those policies serve the people’s welfare.

This is why I argue that technology must be aligned with a human mission. HI reminds us that human strengths are not to be replaced, but to be empowered.

Pro-social AI calls for the building of a digital ecosystem that nurtures cooperation, empathy, responsibility and integrity.

Ultimately, our greatest challenge is not the technology itself, but how we choose to use it. With authentic leadership, AI can elevate the dignity of our people and strengthen planetary sustainability. Without it, AI risks deepening inequality, weakening institutions and eroding public trust.

This is why 13MP must emphasise human-centric digitalisation in the public sector. True transformation only makes sense if it reduces bureaucratic gaps, simplifies citizen–government interaction, and builds confidence that technology delivers good — not new complications.

A pro-social approach also means developing human capital that is not only productive but also responsible — using AI fairly, transparently and ethically. For instance, AI in public healthcare can accelerate diagnoses, but its true value lies in ensuring equitable healthcare access between urban and rural communities. That is the outcome we must strive for.

The question now is this: are we ready to embrace authentic leadership — one that sees AI not as a replacement, but as a complement to human wisdom?

Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff is the executive director of the International Institute of Public Policy and Management, Universiti Malaya. He is a former president and CEO of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity.

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