Malaysia: Malaysia needs to strengthen its key agencies to better address emerging digital threats, particularly as technologies such as quantum computing evolve rapidly, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said. He stated that agencies at the forefront of cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, including MYNIC and the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), must be reinforced to ensure that industry recommendations and technological safeguards are effectively implemented.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gobind emphasized the necessity of strengthening these agencies, especially those that will be pivotal in confronting new threats. He addressed reporters after attending MYNIC's 'Preparing for Tomorrow's Threat: The Impact of Quantum Computing on Internet Security' programme. Gobind noted the frequent discussions on technological risks, highlighting the challenge of translating ideas and proposals into actionable policies, including legislation, governance measures, and enforcement mechanisms.
Gobind further mentioned that as Malaysia advances with its AI Nation Vision, aiming for the digital economy to contribute 30 percent to the gross domestic product by 2030, building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem is critical. He stressed that if technology adoption is encouraged, ecosystems must also be established to ensure safety. Input from industry players, academia, and government agencies would be consolidated and elevated to the Cabinet level for further action.
Gobind acknowledged that efforts to address cybersecurity challenges would be ongoing as technology continues to evolve. He stated that the establishment of the Digital Ministry reflects the government's commitment to coordinating agencies and ensuring that policy discussions translate into sustainable outcomes, supported by expertise and long-term planning.
Today's programme, organised by MYNIC Bhd, an agency under the Ministry of Digital and the registry for the .MY domain name, brought together about 300 participants, including Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) training alumni, industry players, and university students. The programme underscored the importance of early preparedness for quantum computing, expected to significantly impact digital security in cryptography and data protection.
In this context, implementing technologies such as DNSSEC and approaches like Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is seen as crucial to ensuring the integrity, authenticity, and security of the country's internet systems while protecting users from threats like fraud and data manipulation.
MYNIC chief executive officer Datuk Hasnul Fadhly Hasan stated that the agency's role extends beyond managing domain name registrations, encompassing the responsibility of ensuring the security, stability, and reliability of the overall .MY domain name ecosystem. He highlighted the successful implementation of DNSSEC training and awareness programs through strategic collaboration with NACSA, reflecting an ongoing commitment to strengthening technical capabilities, governance, and strategic cooperation in addressing increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges.
Hasnul added that initiatives like this not only bolster the country's preparedness in facing future technological threats but also serve as a catalyst for developing talent and digital leadership among the next generation.