Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is spearheading the development of the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy for 2026-2030, a strategic framework aimed at enhancing the region’s collective cyber resilience. This initiative is expected to be officially introduced at the forthcoming ASEAN Summit.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that Malaysia, as the current chair of ASEAN, has prioritized cybersecurity on the regional agenda. The nation is not only expanding its global cybersecurity engagement but also solidifying its leadership role within Southeast Asia.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy in fostering real-time collaboration among member states. Key focus areas include incident response, digital forensics, secure data sharing, and policy harmonisation. He highlighted the need for these collaborative efforts to be grounded in principles of confidentiality, sovereignty, and mutual trust to effectively manage sensitive and cross-border cybersecurity threats.
Speaking at the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2025, Ahmad Zahid underscored Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities amidst an ever-evolving threat landscape. Themed ‘Advancing Cyber Resilience’, CYDES 2025 is organized by the National Security Council and the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), in partnership with Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd. The event gathers 70 international delegations from 20 countries and five global organizations, highlighting international confidence in Malaysia’s cybersecurity initiatives.
In his address, Ahmad Zahid referenced the Cisco 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, which reported that 93 per cent of organizations faced AI-driven cyberattacks in the past year, yet only 51 per cent of employees are adequately informed about these threats. He noted the crucial role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in preparing industry-ready talent and enhancing social mobility in the cybersecurity sector.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, called for Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem to evolve into a globally recognized talent pipeline with significant economic impact. He advocated for a targeted upskilling initiative led by NACSA to drive this transformation.