A key highlight of CYDES 2025 is its dual-conference programme, featuring the third series of The ASEAN Cyber Security Forum 2025 and Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy Forum 2025. These conferences will bring together distinguished speakers and thought leaders to discuss pressing issues such as Cyber Security Capacity Building, Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) Cooperation, AI Governance, Cyber Security Act 2024 [Act 854], Quantum-Resistant Cryptography, Cyber Security Resilience and Crisis Management, Cyber Security Diplomacy and Advancing Norms, Operational Technology (OT) Security and Cybercrime Act.
ASEAN Cyber Security Forum (ACSF)
Objective:
Focuses on regional collaboration and advancing cyber security within ASEAN, providing a platform for discussing interstate cooperation, policies, and frameworks to address shared cyber threats.
Scope:
- Regional: Examines ASEAN-wide cyber security challenges, global frameworks like the UN’s responsible state behaviour mechanism, and regional collaboration strategies.
- Strategic: Long-term initiatives for building regional capacity and collective resilience.
Stakeholders:
- Governments of ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners: National cyber security agencies, ministries in charge of cyber security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- ASEAN Secretariat: Ensures alignment with broader ASEAN strategies.
- International Organisations: Entities like the United Nations and ITU supporting global cyber norms.
- Regional CERTs: Collaborating on threat intelligence and incident response.
- Private Sector: Regional tech firms, telecoms, and multinational cyber security providers.
- Academia and Think Tanks: Institutions focusing on regional cyber governance and policy.
- Civil Society Groups: Advocates for digital rights, transparency, and security.
Audience:
- Policy-makers and diplomats from ASEAN countries.
- Technology providers and solution architects.
- Regional cyber security researchers and thought leaders.
Key Themes:
- Advancing frameworks for responsible state behaviour.
- ASEAN Cyber Security Cooperation Strategy.
- Strengthening regional capacity through cross-border initiatives
Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy Forum (MCSSF)
Objective:
Strengthen Malaysia’s national cyber security ecosystem by addressing domestic challenges, enhancing capacity building, and ensuring strategic alignment with the new Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2025–2030.
Scope:
- National: Addresses Malaysia-specific issues, from cyber hygiene education to strengthening the regulatory landscape post-Cyber Security Act (2024).
- Tactical: Immediate and operational measures for enhancing Malaysia’s cyber resilience.
Stakeholders:
- Governments of Agencies: NACSA, Ministry of Digital, and other key ministries (MINDEF, MOHA, MOFA, MOE, MOHE, etc)
- Critical Infrastructure Sector Leads and Operators: 11 CII sectors under the Cyber Security Act 2024.
- Industry Partners: Local and global cyber security providers, Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), and compliance specialists.
- Educational Institutions: Universities, vocational schools, and research centres.
- National CERT (NC4) and other CERT operators: Key player in threat analysis, situational awareness, and incident response.
- LEAs and Regulatory Bodies: Agencies enforcing and implementing the Cyber Security Act (2024).
- Civil Society and NGOs: Advocates for public awareness and consumer protection.
- Media: Journalists covering cyber security trends and digital safety.
Audience:
- Malaysian government officials and agencies.
- Domestic industries and cyber security service providers.
- Educational leaders and community advocates.
Key Themes:
- Securing emerging technologies and critical infrastructure.
- Strengthening regulatory frameworks post-Cyber Security Act (2024).
- Workforce development and education.
- Addressing national threats like ransomware and online fraud.
- Cyber hygiene and public awareness