By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 — Asean nations must strengthen cyber security by unifying policies, enhancing infrastructure, and setting up crisis response teams to counter rising cyber threats, said Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.
Speaking at the soft launch of Cyber Digital Services, Defence and Security Asia (CyberDSA) 2025, Wilson said regional cooperation in Asean is needed to counter cyber threats, including state-sponsored cyber warfare, data breaches, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven phishing attacks.
“The challenge lies in the different data protection laws across Asean nations. We must establish harmonised policies, conduct regular risk assessments, and build a robust infrastructure to address this.
“Strengthening cyber security alongside these regional efforts will create a secure, resilient digital environment, empowering businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises, to capitalise on cross-border opportunities with trust and compliance,” he said at the event at M Resort Hotel here today.
Wilson also touched on the increasing complexity of cyber threats, including crypto jacking and AI-powered deepfake scams, and demanded governments and industries stay ahead of the curve.
He then called for stronger cyber crisis response teams, regular joint simulations, and cross-border exercises to ensure the region is prepared for large-scale cyber incidents.
[caption id="attachment_391374" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong speaks at the soft launch of Cyber Digital Services, Defence and Security Asia 2025 at M Resort Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, on February 26, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Beyond security infrastructure, he said a major challenge in Malaysia’s cyber security sector is the shortage of skilled professionals.
Wilson stated that through CyberSecurity Malaysia, the government will establish the Malaysia Cyber Security Academy to address the critical shortfall of 26,000 cyber security professionals.
“The academy will play a strategic role in training and certifying cyber security experts while also evaluating standards, coordinating research, and continuously enhancing national cyber security capabilities,” he said.
Wilson added that the academy will offer various technical and vocational education and training courses, including accredited certification programmes under the Global ACE Certification Scheme and technical training through CyberGURU.
CyberDSA 2025, Malaysia’s leading cyber security event, will be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre from September 30 to October 2.
The event is a major platform for discussing digital resilience, AI-driven security, and global cybersecurity challenges and will host over 150 exhibitors from 30 countries, 80 VIP delegations from 20 nations, and 100 speakers.
More than 8,000 trade visitors are expected to attend.
