Malaysia-led Asean cybersecurity strategy to be finalised by year-end

New Straits Times

23-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Cybersecurity Collaboration Strategy 2026–2030, led by Malaysia, is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.
The initiative is part of a regional effort to strengthen digital defence and resilience.
National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) chief executive officer Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the draft strategy would be deliberated during a series of forums and workshops in July, held in conjunction with the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (Cydes) 2025.
He said the discussions, involving representatives from all 10 Asean member states, would focus on a five-year action plan centred around three core pillars: information sharing, joint technology development, and human capital growth.
"All 10 Asean countries have pledged their support for the development of the Asean Cybersecurity Collaboration Strategy 2026–2030, which represents a joint effort among the member states. We have received strong backing from across the region.
"The strategy will focus not only on information sharing but also on technology development, talent cultivation, and the exchange of expertise to address emerging cybersecurity threats.
"One of the biggest challenges is the growing threat of ransomware and the transition to post-quantum cryptography. These are not just national issues - they are global in scope, and Asean must be ready," he told reporters at the closing ceremony of Cyber Games 2025 here today.
Megat Zuhairy said the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy 2025–2030 would also be launched during the upcoming Cydes in July.
He added that the strategy complements Malaysia's active participation in international cybersecurity frameworks, including its endorsement of the Budapest Convention.
"Over the past two years, we have made significant strides in strengthening our cyber defence capabilities.
"It began with the Cyber Security Act 2024, followed by the formulation of the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy, which is set to be launched this July.
"This includes various talent development initiatives and Malaysia's alignment with international frameworks such as the Budapest Convention," he said.
He said this reflects Malaysia's leadership in driving regional cybersecurity initiatives and underscores its ambition to become a regional cybersecurity hub.
"All of this demonstrates the government's strong commitment to ensuring national cybersecurity readiness, as well as our leadership in expertise, technological advancement, innovation and overall cyber resilience."
He also highlighted Malaysia's pivotal role as lead coordinator of the Asean Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert), which serves as a platform for intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to cyber incidents among Asean nations.
"We are also collaborating with regional partners to develop homegrown cybersecurity products and solutions that leverage Asean's talent pool. It's not just about Malaysia, it's about building regional capabilities," he said.
On talent development, he commended Malaysian participants in the Cydes-hosted Asean Cyber Games, where three Malaysians were part of the teams that secured first, second, and third places in the regional competition.
"We believe cybersecurity is no longer a domain dominated solely by Western or more developed nations. Malaysia, too, has high-level expertise in this field.
"This ensures that we are capable of defending ourselves, with cybersecurity driven by our own local talent and the people of Malaysia," he added.