GEORGE TOWN: Bahasa Melayu has a bright future if its use is expanded through digital technology, creative content and economic opportunities, says Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.
She said the national language must evolve alongside other world languages while retaining its role as a cornerstone of Malaysia's identity, cultural heritage and unity.
"I believe Bahasa Melayu has a bright future if we dare to change our approach and expand the spaces in which it is used," she said when launching the 2026 National Language Month at Padang Kota Lama.
Her speech was read out by Education Malaysia deputy director-general (Professionalism Development Sector) Datuk Amzan Abd Malek.
Fadhlina said language was closely linked to identity, enabling generations to inherit and transmit knowledge, history, values and culture, while reflecting the courtesy and maturity of society.
She said upholding Bahasa Melayu was not merely about preserving heritage, but also ensuring that the national language continued to function as a language of knowledge, communication and national identity.
"In this era of globalisation and a borderless digital world, Bahasa Melayu must continue to advance alongside other world languages to enhance the economic value of our national language," she said.
She said Bahasa Melayu should not be viewed solely as a symbol of national identity, but also as a language capable of contributing to innovation, knowledge creation and economic development.
Fadhlina said the challenge was to ensure the language remained relevant to younger generations, particularly Generation Alpha, who grew up in a digital environment shaped by smart technology, social media, audiovisual content and artificial intelligence (AI).
She said young people were exposed to language not only through textbooks and classrooms, but also through videos, digital games, animation, music, streaming content and online interactions.
"We cannot simply ask the younger generation to love Bahasa Melayu. We must make it a language they want to use, a language they are proud of and a language that enables them to achieve their aspirations," she added.
She said the national language needed a stronger presence in the digital landscape through quality content, creative animation, educational games, informative short-form videos, electronic publications and applications based on the latest technologies.
Such initiatives, she said, would help attract younger audiences while creating opportunities to expand the use of Bahasa Melayu in education, creative industries, technological innovation and the digital economy.
Fadhlina stressed the importance of equipping young people with the ability to use Bahasa Melayu accurately, effectively and responsibly, particularly when communicating online.
She said the Education Ministry would continue strengthening the position of Bahasa Melayu through policies, curriculum development and educational programmes, adding that efforts to uphold the national language could not depend on campaigns and public appeals alone.
She said the government had also emphasised digital technology and AI development under the 2027 Budget, including a commitment to mobilise ministries, agencies and educational institutions to contribute authentic, annotated digital-language data to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
She said the initiative would help build the digital resources needed to expand the use of Bahasa Melayu in AI applications and other emerging technologies, ensuring the language could keep pace with developments in science, knowledge and economic activity.
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