KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA October 21, 2025 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called for the nation’s economic transformation not to be merely an initial initiative, but to be actively sustained amid rapid technological challenges and escalating global geopolitical uncertainties.
He delivered this message while chairing the PNB Knowledge Forum 2025, themed “Transformation,” held this morning and attended by prominent economic figures and corporate leaders. The forum aims to discuss the impact of global phenomena on the world’s economic landscape.
“In truth, comprehensive transformation must not only be initiated but invigorated and accelerated as the world now faces such rapid technological advancements and increasingly acute geopolitical uncertainties that affect global well-being,” Anwar stated in his opening address.
Anwar highlighted the role of institutions such as Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and GLIC (Government-Linked Investment Companies) in driving the transformation agenda. He praised initiatives like the GEAR-uP Program, Sekolah Angkat MADANI, and Kampung Angkat MADANI, which not only accelerate high-value economic growth but also improve the standard of living for people across the country.
However, he stressed that these transformation aspirations would be meaningless without bold and firm governance reforms. “No matter how grand these transformation aspirations are, they will not be meaningful if not accompanied by bold governance reforms,” he added.
Anwar assured the commitment of the MADANI Government to uphold justice and ensure reforms become concrete actions, not mere rhetoric. “Insya-Allah, as long as the MADANI Government is entrusted to lead, we will continue to uphold justice, strengthen governance, and ensure reforms are not just rhetoric but real actions, for the benefit of the people and global prosperity,” he said.
The PNB 2025 Forum is being held amid the government’s efforts to boost economic growth post-pandemic recovery, with a focus on digital innovation and socio-economic integration. The event is expected to run for two days and include panel discussions on global trends such as artificial intelligence and disrupted supply chains.
