Malaysia Only ASEAN Nation Rated Tier 1 For PQC Readiness

PUTRAJAYA, Sept  15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has emerged as the only ASEAN country ranked at the highest level, Tier 1, for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) migration readiness, according to the ASEAN Post-Quantum Cryptography Readiness 2026: An Empirical Assessment of the ASEAN-10 report published on Sept 1.

The National Security Council (NSC) said the achievement reflects Malaysia's successful development and active implementation of PQC migration programmes.

"This assessment is based on verifiable national-level actions and implementation, rather than merely relying on statements of intent or a country's technological advancement," it said in a statement.

The report was published by SITG-Consulting, a United Kingdom-based advisory firm specialising in cyber risk, cryptography governance, organisational resilience and PQC readiness.

It placed Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam in Tier 2; the Philippines in Tier 3; Laos in Tier 4; and Myanmar in Tier 5.

NSC said PQC readiness is a strategic initiative under the MADANI Government to ensure that data, systems and National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII) remain secure and resilient against threats posed by quantum computing.

"This early preparation enables a planned transition to strengthen the security of government data and information, financial transactions, digital identities, communications, and the continuity of critical national services," it said.

The council said the initiative is supported by several national programmes and policies, including the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy 2025–2030, National Cryptography Policy, MyCryptography Action Plan 2026–2030, National Cyber Security Agency Chief Executive Directive No. 9 and National PQC Migration Plan.

It added that the government is also implementing the PQC Proof-of-Concept Programme through the National PQC Migration Plan Sandbox Initiative, as well as a PQC migration awareness programme for NCII entities.

To address future technological challenges, NSC said the government remains committed to strengthening implementation of the National PQC Migration Plan to ensure that NCII remains secure, resilient and sovereign.

"This measure requires continuous collaboration with NCII sector leads, NCII entities and industry players through the preparation of cryptographic asset inventories, risk assessments, capacity building, technology testing and phased migration implementation as planned," it said.

-- BERNAMA