CYDES 2025 To Drive Strategic Investments, Boost Malaysia's Regional Cybersecurity Leadership
By Nurul Hanis Izmir
PUTRAJAYA, June 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is expected to attract more strategic investments in cybersecurity through the hosting of the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2025, a regional platform that not only showcases the latest innovations but also reinforces Malaysia’s leadership in ASEAN cybersecurity initiatives.
National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) chief executive Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said that CYDES 2025, which will take place from July 1-3 during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, places the country in a strategic position to drive regional cooperation in combating cyber threats.
“This edition of CYDES is very different from previous ones because it is no longer just a local event. It serves as a catalyst for regional and global security agendas in line with Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair and leader of the ASEAN Network Security Action Council (ANSAC),” he told Bernama.
CYDES 2025, to be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, is organised by the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Department) and NACSA in collaboration with Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd (AIS).
Among the key highlights is the ministerial session on the third day titled “Ensuring a Safer Digital Malaysia: Strengthening Online Safety Policies and Public Awareness”, which will feature Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The session is expected to discuss the government's holistic approach to strengthening the digital security policy and public awareness.
In addition, a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony is scheduled to take place between NACSA and six public and private universities to enhance research collaboration and talent development in the field of cybersecurity.
The universities involved are Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, the Management and Science University, and University College TATI.
The China Pavilion Sub-Forum on July 2 will also be a major attraction, featuring six technical presentations from tech giants such as Qi An Xin and NexCore, in addition to roundtable sessions between government and industry representatives.
This forum is seen as critical in strengthening regional cybersecurity cooperation, which is aligned with Malaysia’s strategic interests.
CYDES 2025 will bring together 70 international delegations from 20 countries as well as five international organisations, reflecting global recognition of Malaysia’s role in shaping a safer, collaborative, and agile cybersecurity landscape.
Investment and Commercialisation Opportunities
CYDES 2025 has registered encouraging response, with participation from more than 200 companies across 25 countries -- including China, Canada, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States (US) -- compared to fewer than 100 companies in 2023.
Of these, 57.1 per cent are international companies while 42.9 per cent are local; while 92.9 per cent are first-time participants -- a reflection of CYDES’s appeal as a premier platform in the regional cybersecurity ecosystem.
Notable companies confirmed to participate include AAT, BlackBerry, CelcomDigi, China Silk Road, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Google Cloud Security, KPMG, Palo Alto Networks, TM One, U Mobile, and Velum Labs, which further boost the event's profile this year.
The 2025 edition is targeted to attract more than 8,000 trade and professional visitors compared to 5,000 in 2023, including government officials, corporate professionals, military personnel, police and other law enforcement personnel, academics and intellectuals, cybersecurity experts, and professionals from the National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII) sectors.
Visitors and delegates are also expected from ASEANAPOL, ITU, Swiss Cyber Institute, UNODOC, INTERPOL, as well as countries like China, the US, Japan, Russia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Australia, Brazil, Pakistan, and ASEAN nations.
“We also want to showcase more local companies. Many have excellent products but face funding challenges, so CYDES will be a platform to match them with government agencies, investors, and industry partners,” said Megat Zuhairy.
He cited cryptography as an example of a high-impact field, noting that the Cryptology Technology and Management Centre under NACSA has attracted international interest in Malaysia’s expertise in post-quantum cryptography.
According to Bank Negara Malaysia, cyberattacks on the financial sector nearly doubled between 2020 and 2022, making digital security an urgent economic necessity.
“Our talent is recognised at the global level. The security algorithms they developed have the potential for global commercialisation,” he added.
Cybersecurity a Collective Responsibility
In line with the ASEAN Digital Community 2045 aspirations, Malaysia is currently spearheading the development of the ASEAN Cyber Cooperation Strategy 2026-2030, which is expected to be finalised by the 47th ASEAN Summit this October.
“This strategy will serve as the main framework for how ASEAN views cybersecurity as a collective regional responsibility. Malaysia, through NACSA, is leading this effort, further reinforcing our position as a leader in regional cooperation,” he said.
According to a study by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to reach US$295 billion (US$1=RM4.23) this year, which marks cybersecurity as a key pillar for maintaining sustainable and competitive digital growth in the region.
CYDES 2025 will also witness the launch of the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2025-2030 by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Unlike previous strategies, MCSS 2025-2030 emphasises shared responsibility among the government, industry, and community.
“Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of the government. The business sector and community must also play important roles. This approach is more comprehensive and inclusive,” Megat Zuhairy said.
Commenting on foreign investment potential, he noted the focus is not just on securing foreign direct investment (FDI) per se but on investments that can develop local industries through technology transfer, talent development, and sustainable business models.
“We are providing an ecosystem, from scholarships and upskilling courses to research and development collaborations with universities. This also involves women who wish to return to work in the tech sector,” he added.
Building Investor Confidence, Public Awareness
CYDES 2025 will also be a vital platform for building investor confidence in Malaysia’s digital security ecosystem, in line with the aspiration to have the digital economy contribute 25.5 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product this year.
“When investors see that Malaysia has the infrastructure, talent, and transparent government policies, it becomes a strategic location for them to grow, especially within the ASEAN market,” he said.
One special activity at CYDES 2025 is the ASEAN My Cyber Hero competition, which saw the participation of 13,590 students across Malaysia, including 4,530 teams from primary and secondary schools.
This programme reflects the young generation’s growing interest in cybersecurity, in line with the government’s efforts to cultivate awareness and digital literacy from an early age.
“We want to build awareness from the grassroots level. From primary school to the business sector, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,” Megat Zuhairy said.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are projected to reach US$10.5 trillion by 2025, making prevention and international cooperation increasingly critical in tackling cross-border cyber threats.
“Cyber threats know no borders. CYDES 2025 is a platform for countries to build collective resilience,” Megat Zuhairy said.
The public can register as participants or visitors via the official website, www.cydes.my.
-- BERNAMA