Cyber Security, Data Protection Remain Government's Core Priorities - Fahmi

SHAH ALAM, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- Cyber security and data protection remain central to the government’s agenda as Malaysia positions itself as a regional leader in the field, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.

Fahmi, who is also MADANI Government spokesperson, said the focus is essential given that the digital economy now contributes 25.5 per cent to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“Cyber security is a critical issue not only for Malaysian companies but globally, because data is one of the most important assets, especially in the digital economy,” he told reporters after launching Leonardo Regional Cyber Center here today.

Present were Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Raffaele Langella, as well as Leonardo Malaysia managing director Lorenzo Pariani, Leonardo Cyber & Security Solutions Division managing director Andrea Campora.

Fahmi said Leonardo’s investment not only strengthens Malaysia-Italy bilateral ties but also opens new opportunities for Malaysia to offer cyber security services on a regional scale.

He said that Malaysia is also keen on studying Italy’s sovereign cloud model developed by Leonardo, especially in relation to data security and sovereignty.

“We will look at what they have achieved in Italy and identify aspects we can learn from, especially the challenges they faced, as guidance for establishing a sovereign cloud for Malaysia,” he said.

Fahmi also expressed confidence that the centre, currently employing 40 staff, will expand rapidly and create more high-skilled jobs for Malaysians.

Meanwhile, Campora said Malaysia was chosen as a regional hub due to its political stability, strong digital vision, robust cyber security framework and commitment to protecting national critical infrastructure.

“We believe we can bring a number of competencies of experiences that we had in terms of a cyber security platform; we share all the platform in terms of capability, experience, and so on. I have to say that the regulations here in Malaysia on cyber security are very dynamic.

“I’ve read about your Cyber Security Act and found it very much advanced…with data protection regulation, and also MyDigital ID. All of those indicate a trajectory of the country, which gives you much importance,” he said, adding that operating costs in Malaysia are also lower than in Europe.

According to Campora, the centre currently serves clients in Australia and is expected to expand further, with a focus on strengthening the local cyber security ecosystem.

It is part of Leonardo’s Global CyberSec Centre network based in Chieti, Italy, and supported by regional hubs in Brussels, Bristol and Riyadh, which provide mission assurance in cyber security for strategic clients, including defence and critical infrastructure sectors, through advanced technology, threat intelligence sharing and standardised operating procedures.

Leonardo has been present in Malaysia for over four decades, contributing to the country’s defence and aerospace sectors through military and commercial helicopters, fighter aircraft, integrated defence systems, radar, maritime capabilities, electronic warfare solutions and critical infrastructure security.

-- BERNAMA