The second day of the Cyber Defence & Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2025 further cemented Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in cyber security through the hosting of the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MSCC) 2025 Forum, held just a day after the official launch of the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy 2025–2030 by the Deputy Prime Minister.
The forum began with a keynote address by the Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy bin Megat Tajuddin, titled “Advancing Malaysia’s Cyber Resilience: The Vision of MCSS 2025–2030.” In his speech, he emphasised the importance of viewing the MCSS 2025–2030 not merely as a policy
document, but as a comprehensive national strategy to build a nation that is resilient, adaptive progressive in the digital age.
“MCSS 2025–2030 marks a paradigm shift from a reactive protection approach to proactive resilience. This strategy elevates the collaboration of three (3) key stakeholders (government, industry the community) as equal partners in defending the nation’s cyber space,” he stated.
He also highlighted that, with the motto “Together we build, together we stay safe,” the MCSS will be implemented through 16 strategic goals and 7 objectives over a six (6) year period called on all stakeholders to play an active role in realizing this vision.
CHINA PAVILION HIGHLIGHTS ASEAN CYBER COLLABORATION
At the same time, the China Pavilion drew attention with a special session titled “Empowering ASEAN’s Cyber Resilience: Insights from China’s Autonomous Cybersecurity Journey.” Six (6) speakers from various Chinese agencies and tech institutions shared their experiences and national approaches in building cyber resilience, while emphasizing the importance of inclusive and mutually reinforcing regional cooperation.
The session underscored significant opportunities for technology exchange, best practices cyber diplomacy between Malaysia, ASEAN major digital powers like China. INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION: 304 EXHIBITORS FROM 27 COUNTRIES CYDES 2025 has received an outstanding response with the participation of 304 exhibitors from 27 countries, making it one of the largest cyber security exhibitions in the region.
Key highlights include:
• The ASEAN Pavilion
• The China Pavilion
• NACSA Booth
• Hundreds of industry booths serve as a platform to showcase the latest technologies and cybersecurity solutions : including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud security, and the protection of defence supply
chains for critical information infrastructure.
TECHNICAL EVENTS: ICS CTF & CYBER PODIUM
CYDES 2025 also hosted the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Capture The Flag (CTF) competition, sponsored by industry partners. This competition tested participants’ skills in protecting industrial control systems and critical national infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Cyber Podium ran throughout the day featuring various live presentations, technology demonstrations sharing sessions by both local and international experts.
HIGH-LEVEL ENGAGEMENTS STRENGTHEN CYBER DIPLOMACY
As a platform for diplomacy and policy dialogue, CYDES 2025 also held several closed-door high-profile engagements, including:
• ASEAN–Australia Cyber Dialogue
• Malaysia–Russia Working Luncheon
These sessions provided opportunities for strategic discussions on cyber security policy, capacity building, information sharing the development of stronger regional cooperation.