Latest news with #FivePowerDefenceArrangements
The Star
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Former chief of Malaysian defence force conferred Singapore's highest military award
SINGAPORE: Malaysia's former Chief of Defence Force, Gen Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman (pic), has been conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Distinguished Service Order (Military), for his significant contributions towards strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam presented the award during an investiture ceremony at the Defence Ministry (Mindef) on Thursday (July 31). Mindef said under his leadership, the armed forces of Singapore and Malaysia continued to enhance long-standing defence ties through professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, and various flagship bilateral exercises such as Exercise Malapura, Exercise Semangat Bersatu and Exercise Sarex Malsing. "These interactions have helped to forge closer rapport and trust between both armed forces,' Mindef said in a statement. The ministry added that Mohammad's strong commitment to regional defence cooperation has also seen both armed forces work closely together on platforms such as the Malacca Straits Patrol, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus. "He also consistently supported multilateral security initiatives, such as the Information Fusion Centre and the Counter Terrorism Information Facility, enhancing regional security and stability,' it said. Guests at the investiture included Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, as well as other senior government officials and military officers from Singapore and Malaysia. Mohammad, who will be here until Aug 3, called on Chan earlier Thursday at Mindef, during which both sides reaffirmed the long-standing bilateral defence ties and expressed commitment to deepen the bilateral defence relationship. Mohammad served as the 22nd Chief of Defence Force from Sept 6, 2023, to Jan 31, 2025, before retiring after nearly four decades of distinguished service. - Bernama
Japan Today
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Today
New Zealand introduces new laws to govern space infrastructure
New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins speaks at the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Ministers' Joint Press Conference Meeting (FDMM) on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore May 31, 2024. REUTERS/Caroline Chia/File Photo By Lucy Craymer The New Zealand government passed legislation on Wednesday to regulate the use of ground-based space infrastructure following concerns about foreign actors using it to harm national security. Space Minister Judith Collins said in a statement that the Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill would take effect on July 29 and from then ground-based space infrastructure such as satellite tracking stations and telemetry systems would be subject to oversight and safeguards. The law "supports New Zealand's interest in the safe, secure and responsible use of space and stop any attempts by foreign entities that do not share our values or interests," Collins said. 'Ground-based space infrastructure in New Zealand plays a vital role in supporting global satellite operations and space activities, but without regulation, it can also pose risks to national security, and other national interests." Under the new law, anyone operating ground-based space infrastructure will need to confirm with the government that they have appropriate security arrangements in place and due diligence systems to assess any partners. The South Pacific nation's location and clear skies make it a good place to launch and monitor satellites from, with the European Space Agency among those keeping an eye on space from New Zealand. The new regulations, which were flagged at the end of 2024, come after New Zealand's intelligence service raised concerns last September that some foreign entities had tried to establish space infrastructure, which would have 'assisted foreign military activity that could have harmed New Zealand interests." "They have deliberately disguised their affiliations to foreign militaries and misrepresented their intentions," Collins told parliament on Tuesday. While neither the minister nor the report mentioned China specifically in relation to the incidents, the broader report noted that China remained a complex intelligence concern in New Zealand but there were other states undertaking malicious activity as well. New Zealand is a member of the "Five Eyes" intelligence grouping, along with the U.S., Australia, Canada and Britain. © (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2025.
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
UK strengthens ASEAN ties via FPDA, security cooperation in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The United Kingdom has reinforced its dedication to regional security and economic stability by deepening ties with ASEAN, particularly under Malaysia's leadership, through established defence agreements and international legal frameworks. UK High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma highlighted the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) as a cornerstone of this cooperation. The FPDA, involving Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, was established in 1971 to ensure regional defence post-Britain's military withdrawal. Today, it addresses modern challenges like maritime security and counter-terrorism through joint exercises. Sharma emphasised the UK's adherence to global norms such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which supports maritime stability. 'Through agreements like UNCLOS and collaboration with Malaysia and regional partners, we aim to resolve differences diplomatically,' he said during an interview on Bernama TV's *The Diplomatic Dispatch*. ASEAN's role in fostering inclusive dialogue was also praised. 'ASEAN's centrality allows the UK to engage on critical issues, ensuring peaceful resolutions through strong international institutions,' Sharma noted. With Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year, the UK seeks to expand its partnership, focusing on ASEAN-led initiatives. 'Asia is the future, and we want to be part of it. Strengthening ties with ASEAN, especially under Malaysia's leadership, is a priority,' he added. The UK became ASEAN's Dialogue Partner in 2021, its first new partner in 25 years. The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related sessions will take place in Kuala Lumpur from July 8 to 11, offering further opportunities for collaboration.
Barnama
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
UK Reaffirms ASEAN Commitment Through FPDA, Security Cooperation
By Nur Atiq Maisarah Suhaimi KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- The United Kingdom (UK) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and stability by strengthening cooperation with ASEAN member states under Malaysia's chairmanship, through international legal frameworks and long-standing defence arrangements. UK High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma said this includes the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), a security partnership involving Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as adherence to global norms such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which underpins maritime stability in the region. bootstrap slideshow 'As part of our relationship with Malaysia, we are working bilaterally, regionally and internationally to promote stability and create the conditions for economic growth. 'Through agreements such as the law of the sea, and cooperation with Malaysia and other countries in the region, we aim to ensure that international agreements are respected and that any differences are resolved diplomatically and through dialogue,' Sharma told Bernama after appearing on the Bernama TV programme The Diplomatic Dispatch on Thursday. Established in 1971, the FPDA is a multilateral security arrangement formed in the context of Britain's military withdrawal from the 'East of Suez', to support the defence and stability of Malaysia and Singapore following their respective independence and separation. Since its establishment over 50 years ago, the FPDA has evolved to cover a broader range of security tasks, including air defence, maritime security, and counter-terrorism, as demonstrated in major annual exercises. Sharma noted that ASEAN plays an essential role in fostering inclusive dialogue and multilateral cooperation on regional and global challenges. 'ASEAN is great because it brings together, with ASEAN centrality and inclusivity at its heart, a group of countries that we in the UK can engage with on a range of important issues.
Focus Malaysia
24-06-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
SDR 2025 and Malaysia's Defence Response
THE Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 highlights the United Kingdom's position as a central pillar of NATO while also reinforcing its commitment to key alliances such as AUKUS and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), the latter of which includes Malaysia as a founding member. As global security dynamics shift, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, the UK and its allies are increasingly turning to mini-lateral and technology-focused defence pacts to counter emerging threats. Malaysia, while traditionally adopting a non-aligned and hedging posture in international affairs, can no longer afford to remain on the sidelines of these evolving security frameworks. The growing prominence of mini-lateral arrangements means that countries not actively engaged risk being excluded from future regional security architectures especially those involving the sharing of high-end defence technologies. To stay relevant and enhance its strategic value, Malaysia should take proactive steps to strengthen the FPDA. This includes advocating for deeper technological collaboration among member states through initiatives such as joint drone exercises, AI-driven wargaming, and interoperability trials. These steps would modernise the FPDA's operational focus and align it more closely with the demands of 21st-century warfare. Additionally, Malaysia should leverage its existing strategic partnerships with countries like the UK, Japan, Australia, and South Korea to build capacity in critical areas such as cyber defence, logistics resilience, and defence industry co-development. These partnerships can serve as platforms for technology transfer, joint training and capability development. Also, Malaysia should consider initiating a Defence Tech Dialogue with AUKUS partners. While not a member of AUKUS, Malaysia can benefit from structured engagement that ensures it remains part of conversations around defence innovation and regional security planning. Defence industrial base and economic security The UK's SDR draws a clear link between national security and economic security, emphasising the need for a resilient and sovereign defence industrial base. This includes not only the capacity to export but also the ability to rapidly scale production during times of crisis. In contrast, Malaysia's defence industry remains fragmented, heavily dependent on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suffers from a lack of consistent research and development investment. To build a more self-reliant and future-proof defence sector, Malaysia should begin by launching a Defence Industrial Masterplan 2030. This strategic blueprint should outline clear targets for developing indigenous capabilities in critical technologies such as drones, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. Establishing such goals would provide long-term direction and attract both public and private investment into key technology areas. Reorganising and scaling up existing institutions like DEFTECH and the Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) is also essential. These organisations should be supported through direct state funding and venture-capital-style investment mechanisms, taking inspiration from innovation-driven models used in Denmark. Such support would enable them to incubate advanced technologies, commercialise innovations, and compete globally. Additionally, Malaysia should implement a 'Buy Malaysian First' policy for defence procurement. Prioritising local suppliers during the early phases of technology adoption would help cultivate a robust domestic ecosystem, encourage knowledge transfer, and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. Over time, this approach would contribute to building a more sovereign and agile Malaysian defence industry capable of supporting both national security and economic resilience. Strategic communication and national resilience The SDR places strong emphasis on resilience as a broad concept encompassing not just military strength, but also the robustness of infrastructure, the integrity of information, and the cohesion of society. In today's strategic environment, cyber warfare, disinformation, and psychological operations have become standard tools of geopolitical competition, often targeting a nation's vulnerabilities without the need for conventional force. Malaysia's capacity in cyber defence remains limited and lacks an integrated framework that bridges the military and civilian spheres. To address this gap, Mindef has announced the formation of the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division (DCED), which will align the Malaysian Armed Forces with international standards and advance the goals outlined in the Defence White Paper. This command would be responsible for overseeing military cyber operations and would work closely with the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) to ensure seamless coordination between defence and civilian cybersecurity efforts. Such a structure would allow for more effective responses to cyber incidents and enhance national cyber resilience. In parallel, Malaysia must strengthen its information warfare capabilities. This involves training and equipping specialised psychological operations (PsyOps) units capable of detecting, countering, and pre-empting foreign disinformation campaigns. These units would play a vital role in safeguarding public perception, preserving national unity, and ensuring that the information space is not dominated by hostile narratives. Lastly, national resilience must extend to the civilian population. Increasing public awareness through civil defence drills, strategic communication campaigns, and the inclusion of national security education in school curricula would help prepare society to face non-traditional threats. Building societal resilience ensures that Malaysians are not only protected by the state but also active participants in the nation's defence against hybrid and information warfare. The time to act is now. Waiting until the next conflict or crisis emerges will be too late. Proactive adaptation is not just a strategic choice but it is a national imperative. ‒ June 24, 2025 R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters. The views expressed are solely of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Unsplash
