Kuala lumpur: Discussions on quantum technology at next week's International Regulatory Conference (IRC) 2026 will examine its potential applications in Malaysia's communications sector and the cybersecurity challenges posed by its ability to bypass current encryption methods. Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) deputy managing director (Development) Eneng Faridah Iskandar said the conference would explore the future of quantum technology in Malaysia and its specific use cases.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Eneng Faridah noted that quantum technology remained relatively new in Malaysia and was currently concentrated among a small number of academicians, although other countries had already harnessed its capabilities to drive industrial innovation through advanced computing integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). The conversation next week will largely centre on the future of quantum technology in Malaysia and what benefits and use cases it can be used for, particularly in communications.
Eneng Faridah added that the quantum technology session would feature a local public university vice-chancellor, alongside academics and representatives from IBM, to discuss the technology's potential for the country. The discussion would also address security risks associated with quantum technology, including its potential to decrypt existing encryption methods, as well as measures to ensure communications services are "quantum-ready."
On the broader scope of IRC 2026, Eneng Faridah said industry players and civil society groups could expect greater clarity on the direction of emerging technologies, including deployment timeframes and the concept of "safety by design." Civil society might want to have the sort of first dips into what it is and whether the technology at the point of introduction already takes into account their concerns.
She said early engagement would enable civil society organisations, including those focusing on child rights, diversity and inclusivity, to contribute their views before technologies are deployed to the public. Eneng Faridah noted that while MCMC is required by law to review its legislation at least once every three years, the pace of reviews has increased in response to emerging technological challenges.
According to her, international conferences such as IRC help regulators anticipate emerging risks, gather early feedback and formulate appropriate policy responses before new technologies become mainstream. She cited discussions on online safety during the inaugural IRC, noting that they had begun well before Malaysia introduced the Online Safety Act (ONSA), which came into force on Jan 1 this year.
IRC 2026, organised by the MCMC, will be held in the capital on July 21 and 22 under the theme, "Shaping the Next Digital Era: Regulation, Resilience and Trust." It will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry players and academics to discuss the future direction of the digital ecosystem, including online safety, artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of policies that benefit the public.