'Blooming flowers' in Hangzhou: Anwar invokes Chinese proverb for shared prosperity

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has invoked an evocative Chinese proverb to make the case that technological and economic progress cannot be meaningful if its fruits remain concentrated in the hands of a privileged few.

Speaking during his official visit to China, Anwar used the imagery of flowers blooming together to underscore his call for a more inclusive global economy in which nations, businesses and people alike can share in the dividends of digital transformation.

“I cited this Chinese proverb to urge awareness that progress is meaningless if its benefits are enjoyed only by a handful of nations, corporations, or elites.

“A strong and sustainable digital economy is one that enables all nations to participate, allows businesses to compete fairly, and empowers all people to achieve shared prosperity,” he said in a Facebook post regarding his keynote address at the launch of the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) in Hangzhou.

The Chinese proverb - "花独放不是春，百花齐放春满园” - usually rendered in English as “a single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full blossom bring spring to the garden” - was also cited by Chinese President Xi Jinping as early as 2013, in his keynote speech at the Boao Forum for Asia, and again in a 2014 speech at Unesco, where he invoked the metaphor in discussing diversity and exchanges among civilisations.

More recently, Chinese state media has described the proverb as one Xi (above) has used to express his vision of common development, diversity and inclusiveness.

Concerns over AI

Meanwhile, Anwar also highlighted the imbalances arising from the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), which he said was increasingly widening the gap between wealthy and developing nations.

“In the enthusiasm to navigate modernisation and technological progress, the world must not allow socioeconomic inequality to continue shackling humanity.

“This is neither a fabricated assumption nor an exaggerated concern. In reality, inequality and unfair trade practices stemming from the digital divide and unequal AI access are real and pressing issues,” he added.

Anwar said the global trading system must remain open while preserving countries’ authority to safeguard their national interests.

“The mainstreaming of AI and digital trade is unfolding amid the turmoil of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and a growing trend to weaponise technology as an instrument of national security.

“Therefore, I support President Xi’s stance that any technological innovation and progress must ultimately yield genuine benefits for all of humanity,” he added.

Without taking sides in the rivalry between major powers, Anwar said smaller nations must possess the moral fortitude, courage, and resoluteness to raise the voice of reason, advocating for what is true, fair, equitable, and grounded in ethics.

“Malaysia remains committed to driving the mainstreaming of AI and empowering this framework across various sectors, from manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics, to education.

“However, our ultimate goal is crystal clear: all of this progress must be anchored in human values, where ethics and governance remain the primary pillars,” he added.

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