Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is expected to attract more strategic investments in cybersecurity through the hosting of the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2025, a regional platform that not only showcases the latest innovations but also reinforces Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN cybersecurity initiatives. National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) chief executive Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin stated that CYDES 2025, scheduled from July 1-3 during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, places the country in a strategic position to drive regional cooperation in combating cyber threats.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Megat Zuhairy emphasized that this edition of CYDES differs from previous ones as it serves as a catalyst for regional and global security agendas in line with Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair and leader of the ASEAN Network Security Action Council (ANSAC). CYDES 2025 will be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. It is organized by the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Department) and NACSA in collaboration with Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd (AIS).
Among the key highlights will be a ministerial session on the third day titled ‘Ensuring a Safer Digital Malaysia: Strengthening Online Safety Policies and Public Awareness’, featuring Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The session is expected to discuss the government’s holistic approach to enhancing digital security policy and public awareness.
In addition to discussions, a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony is slated between NACSA and six public and private universities to bolster research collaboration and talent development in cybersecurity. The universities involved include Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, and the Management and Science University, among others.
The China Pavilion Sub-Forum on July 2 is also a major attraction, featuring technical presentations from tech giants such as Qi An Xin and NexCore, alongside roundtable sessions between government and industry representatives. This forum is crucial in strengthening regional cybersecurity cooperation, aligning with Malaysia’s strategic interests.
CYDES 2025 is expected to bring together 70 international delegations from 20 countries and five international organizations, reflecting global recognition of Malaysia’s role in fostering a safer, collaborative cybersecurity landscape.
Investment and Commercialisation Opportunities
CYDES 2025 has registered strong responses, with participation from over 200 companies across 25 countries, including major players like China, Canada, and the USA, compared to fewer than 100 companies in 2023. Notably, 57.1 percent of the companies are international, while 42.9 percent are local, with 92.9 percent being first-time participants, showcasing CYDES’s appeal as a premier platform in the regional cybersecurity ecosystem.
Participating companies include AAT, BlackBerry, and Google Cloud Security, further boosting the event’s profile. The 2025 edition is anticipated to attract over 8,000 trade and professional visitors, including government officials, military personnel, academics, and cybersecurity experts.
Visitors and delegates are also expected from ASEANAPOL, ITU, and INTERPOL, as well as countries like China, Japan, and Australia. Dr. Megat Zuhairy highlighted the importance of showcasing local companies and facilitating connections with government agencies, investors, and industry partners.
According to Bank Negara Malaysia, cyberattacks on the financial sector nearly doubled between 2020 and 2022, underscoring the urgency of digital security as an economic necessity. Dr. Megat Zuhairy noted Malaysia’s global recognition in cybersecurity talent, emphasizing the potential for global commercialisation of security algorithms developed locally.
Cybersecurity a Collective Responsibility
In alignment with the ASEAN Digital Community 2045 aspirations, Malaysia is spearheading the development of the ASEAN Cyber Cooperation Strategy 2026-2030, expected to be finalized by the 47th ASEAN Summit this October. Dr. Megat Zuhairy stated that this strategy will serve as the main framework for ASEAN’s collective regional responsibility in cybersecurity.
According to a study by Google, Temasek, and Bain and Company, Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to reach US$295 billion this year, marking cybersecurity as a key pillar for sustainable digital growth. CYDES 2025 will also witness the launch of the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2025-2030 by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, emphasizing shared responsibility among government, industry, and community.
Dr. Megat Zuhairy stressed that cybersecurity is not solely the government’s responsibility, highlighting the role of businesses and communities in a comprehensive approach. On foreign investment, he noted the focus on investments that develop local industries through technology transfer and sustainable business models.
Building Investor Confidence, Public Awareness
CYDES 2025 will be a vital platform for building investor confidence in Malaysia’s digital security ecosystem, aligning with the aspiration for the digital economy to contribute 25.5 percent to the nation’s GDP this year. Dr. Megat Zuhairy highlighted that Malaysia’s infrastructure, talent, and transparent policies make it a strategic location for investors, particularly within the ASEAN market.
A special activity at CYDES 2025 is the ASEAN My Cyber Hero competition, involving 13,590 students across Malaysia, reflecting the growing interest in cybersecurity among the younger generation. This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to cultivate awareness and digital literacy from an early age.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are projected to reach US$10.5 trillion by 2025, accentuating the importance of prevention and international cooperation in tackling cyber threats. Dr. Megat Zuhairy emphasized that cyber threats know no borders, and CYDES 2025 is a platform for countries to build collective resilience.
The public can register as participants or visitors through the official website, www.cydes.my.