Kuala lumpur: Cyber security and data protection remain central to the government's agenda as Malaysia positions itself as a regional leader in the field, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said. Fahmi, who is also MADANI Government spokesperson, emphasized the significance of these areas given that the digital economy now contributes 25.5 per cent to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi highlighted the global importance of cyber security, noting that data is a critical asset, especially in the digital economy. He made these remarks to reporters after launching the Leonardo Regional Cyber Center, where Italian Ambassador to Malaysia Raffaele Langella, Leonardo Malaysia managing director Lorenzo Pariani, and Leonardo Cyber and Security Solutions Division managing director Andrea Campora were present.
Fahmi remarked that Leonardo's investment not only strengthens Malaysia-Italy bilateral ties but also opens up new opportunities for Malaysia to provide cyber security services regionally. He expressed interest in Italy's sovereign cloud model developed by Leonardo, particularly regarding data security and sovereignty, and noted that Malaysia aims to learn from Italy's experiences and challenges in this area.
Additionally, Fahmi expressed confidence in the rapid expansion of the centre, currently employing 40 staff, and its potential to create more high-skilled jobs for Malaysians. Meanwhile, Campora explained that Malaysia was chosen as a regional hub due to its political stability, strong digital vision, robust cyber security framework, and commitment to protecting national critical infrastructure.
Campora also praised Malaysia's advanced Cyber Security Act, data protection regulation, and MyDigital ID, noting these as indicators of the country's forward trajectory in cyber security. He added that operating costs in Malaysia are lower than in Europe, making it an attractive location for such initiatives.
According to Campora, the centre currently serves clients in Australia and is expected to expand further, focusing on strengthening the local cyber security ecosystem. It is part of Leonardo's Global CyberSec Centre network based in Chieti, Italy, supported by regional hubs in Brussels, Bristol, and Riyadh, providing mission assurance in cyber security for strategic clients, including those in defence and critical infrastructure sectors.
Leonardo has been present in Malaysia for over 40 years, contributing to the country's defence and aerospace sectors through military and commercial helicopters, fighter aircraft, integrated defence systems, radar, maritime capabilities, electronic warfare solutions, and critical infrastructure security.