Kuala lumpur: Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPHM) is poised to produce a new wave of graduates equipped with specialised expertise to fulfill the manpower requirements of the anticipated Cyber Force, envisaged as a new domain in national defense.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UPHM's Vice-Chancellor, Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad, emphasized the institution's commitment to aligning with the evolving landscape of modern warfare. This shift in focus acknowledges that threats are increasingly driven by cyberattacks and artificial intelligence (AI), rather than traditional physical combat.

Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi highlighted the necessity of preparing for cyber warfare, a burgeoning threat to national security, by developing dedicated teams and protective measures. His remarks were made during the inauguration of the 18th International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences (ICHISS 2026).

To effectively address the challenges posed by this fourth domain, Malaysia must adopt the 'Triple Helix' strategic approach, which integrates the expertise of academic institutions, defense industry stakeholders, and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). This synergy is seen as crucial in fortifying Malaysia's defense capabilities against future uncertainties.

Arman Rumaizi further stated that UPHM is committed to producing graduates who not only possess academic qualifications in cyber skills but also demonstrate high character and resilience, crucial traits for addressing modern threats.

Previously, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin indicated that efforts are underway within his ministry to establish a Cyber Team as the fourth service within the MAF. This initiative reflects the shifting nature of warfare, which now prioritizes dominance in cyberspace and public perception alongside traditional combat methods.