KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 24): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the country's industrial sector to be more dynamic and creative in responding to rapid changes in the global economy, particularly through the mastery of new technologies, research and development (R&D), and innovation.

He said industrial dynamism required the government and industry players to be prepared to implement changes swiftly, while ensuring that economic policies were effectively implemented.

“The industry is dynamic, and this dynamism requires us to be ready to bring about rapid changes. That is why, when drafting the budget recently, I reminded my colleagues at the Treasury and the Finance Ministry not to start with our own framework.

“We must begin with the frameworks of all sectors at the grassroots level, and only then consider how they can be harmonised across different races, religions, sentiments and regions,” he said in his keynote address at the 2026 Industry Excellence Awards (AKI) ceremony here on Friday night.

Also present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and his deputy Sim Tze Tzin.

The prime minister said economic growth and increased exports must also be balanced with efforts to ensure that the benefits of development reach all segments of society without widening the inequality gap.

“We cannot talk about driving growth, high exports and impressive figures while inequality continues to widen.

“We cannot allow the poor to be marginalised, whether in Hulu Kelantan or Kapit, Sarawak. Our country must adopt an approach that focuses on the necessary measures to elevate the economy and reach for the skies, while remaining anchored on our values,” he said.

He also said Malaysia could no longer rely on outdated economic approaches but must instead strengthen its industrial capabilities to remain competitive.

He said mastering emerging fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), was crucial, as failure to do so could leave Malaysia lagging despite its available talent pool and industrial advantages.

Anwar added that close cooperation between the government and industry players was essential to ensure the effective implementation of policies.

At the ceremony, Anwar also presented the Prime Minister's Award, the highest recognition under AKI, to UMW Aerospace Sdn Bhd in recognition of its overall excellence in management, high-impact product quality, sustainability practices and integration of advanced technologies.

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