MADANI PLANNING IN THE ERA OF AI: STRATEGIES FOR BALANCING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

Authors

  • Abdul Hanis Embong Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU, 21300 KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU
  • Wan Mohd Khairul Firdaus Wan Khairuldin Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, Research Institute of Islamic Product and Malay Civilization (INSPIRE), UNIVERSITI SULTAN ZAINAL ABIDIN
  • Shahir Akram Hassan Centre for Islamic Development Management Studies (ISDEV), UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
  • Asyraf Hj Ab. Rahman Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU, 21300 KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU
  • Najihah Abdul Mutalib Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU, 21300 KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU
  • Ismar Liza Mahani Ismail Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA TERENGGANU, 21300 KUALA NERUS, TERENGGANU

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v24i41.1987

Keywords:

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Malaysia Madani Values, Sustainable Urban Planning, Digital Governance, Policy Frameworks

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and Malaysia Madani, a governance framework that prioritizes sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion. The study employs a qualitative, exploratory design using inductive thematic document analysis of recent Malaysia Madani policy frameworks, official government reports, and comparative academic literature. Three core strategies are identified for balancing technological innovation with community well-being: the development of multidimensional well-being indicators, the adoption of community-based approaches in AI governance, and the design of ethical interventions that safeguard dignity and social cohesion. Definitions of Malaysia Madani planning, well-being, and AI are outlined, followed by an assessment of threats and opportunities posed by AI to social equity, cultural diversity, and democratic trust, with specific attention to marginalized communities in Malaysia. The findings suggest that embedding Malaysia Madani values into AI governance offers a unique model for aligning innovation with normative commitments to justice, inclusivity, and resilience. The paper concludes by calling for interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and systems-based approaches to ensure that AI becomes a tool for collective flourishing rather than a source of fragmentation.

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2026-04-13

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Embong, A. H., Wan Khairuldin, W. M. K. F., Hassan, S. A., Hj Ab. Rahman, A., Abdul Mutalib, N., & Ismail, I. L. M. (2026). MADANI PLANNING IN THE ERA OF AI: STRATEGIES FOR BALANCING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY WELL-BEING. PLANNING MALAYSIA, 24(41). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v24i41.1987

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Vol. 24 (2026): PLANNING MALAYSIA JOURNAL : Volume 24, Issue 2, 2026

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