KUALA LUMPUR: A top don called for the development of strategies and initiatives to combat the serious threats from cyber warfare.
Malaysian National Defence University vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Hasagaya Abdullah said this was necessary to further prepare and strengthen the entire cyber security machinery of the country, both governmental and non-governmental, to face these challenges.
"Cyber warfare is indeed a serious problem today and its frequency and intensity will only grow in the course of 2022 and beyond, with no country being spared of its menace in the economic, defence, military as well as security domains.
"At the same time, there must be greater international collaboration.
"Towards this end, Asean nations should continue to work together to strengthen partnerships in the area of cyber security and cyber warfare," he said at a round table talk, themed 'Cyber warfare - What Does it Look Like and What to Expect in 2022 and Beyond?' at the 'Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022 and National Security Conference Asia (NATSEC) 2022' at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Dutamas.
In this regard, Hasagaya hoped that the highlights and salient points of the round table would be compiled and documented, so they could be shared with others, be they policy makers, practitioners or academics.
"I am sure there are a lot of takeaways for all of you from today's proceedings.
"The round table has served as an ideal platform, to discuss and develop the issues of cyber warfare, and the threats it poses to the economy, as well as defence and security of nations around the globe, South East Asia and Malaysia, being no exception.
"The panel members thoughts and views have not only added on to the body of knowledge on the subject of cyber warfare and what to expect in 2022 and beyond, but also stimulated delegates to offer their viewpoints, as well as raise very pertinent questions on the subject at hand," said Hasagaya.
He congratulated the team of the Cyber Security and Digital Industrial Revolution Centre, the Malaysian National Defence University and DSA Sdn. Bhd for organising and conducting the round table in a very professional manner.
"We will continue to organise more such forums on cyber security and cyber warfare, as well as continue to work with organisations such as the National Cyber Security Agency, the Home Ministry, Defence Ministry, the Malaysian Armed Forces as well as Cybersecurity Malaysia (CSM), to further strengthen the nation's capability in this area," Hasagaya added.