Salutations
1. Yang Berbahagia Tuan Fabian Bigar
Secretary General, Ministry of Digital
2. Yang Berusaha Tuan Ma Sivanesan
Deputy Secretary General (Digital Development), Ministry of Digital
3. Yang Berusaha Tuan Shakib Ahmad Shakir bin Jamaluddin
Deputy Secretary General (Strategic & Management), Ministry of Digital
4. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Azman Ismail
CEO of Digital Nasional Berhad
5. Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab
CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia
6. Distinguished guests, esteemed speakers, members of the media
7. Delegates, partners, and friends.
Salam Perpaduan, salam Malaysia MADANI and a very good morning.
1. Thank you all for being here as we zoom into a topic that is absolutely critical today - cybersecurity.
2. We live in an increasingly interconnected world. Our lives are interwoven with digital threads. From how we communicate, to the way we shop, and access public services – the digital realm is ubiquitous.
3. But for this digital transformation to truly flourish, there's one fundamental element we cannot afford to overlook - trust.
4. Digital trust is the unwavering confidence we place in our digital systems, technologies, and transactions. We believe that they are secured, private, and reliable. It is the invisible yet powerful force that underpins our digital interactions.
5. However, you must admit that many out there have taken our systems, technologies and transactions for granted. We expect our transactions be completed without any financial losses. We expect the information that we share online will remain protected.
6. This is because we are heavily reliant on such digital services. And this has resulted in our thriving digital economy.
7. Malaysians today seamlessly conduct their daily transactions using e-wallets like Touch 'n Go or interbank transfer systems like DuitNow. By just using our mobile phones, we can pay for our nasi lemak, ride on a public transport, and even send money to loved ones.
8. Even government services are easily accessible and efficient, thanks to digital advancements. Malaysians now renew their driving licenses, pay their taxes, and check even their EPF statements online.
9. Our willingness to use these digital channels stems from our trust in the government's commitment to secure our personal data, ensure the integrity of our submissions, and provide reliable service.
Cyberattacks – a massive threat worldwide
Ladies and gentlemen
10. Our dependency on carrying out various transactions online has motivated bad actors to take advantage of our digital presence. We are witnessing an alarming surge in cyberattacks. These horrifying attacks affect every layer of society—from individuals to organisations, across all sectors and sizes. The elderly are being robbed of their savings. The young are being penalised for their lack of awareness.
11. We read and hear about Malaysians falling victims to online scams, fake investment schemes, and phishing attacks. According to CyberSecurity Malaysia, there were more than 6,000 reported cyber incidents in 2024, mainly comprising fraud, intrusions and malicious codes.
12. Malaysia incurred over RM1.22 billion in financial losses due to cybercrime over the past year.
13. But such episodes are not exclusive to Malaysia alone. The world is facing this massive threat too, resulting in trillion of dollars in losses annually.
14. The consequences of cyberattacks go far beyond financial losses. They damage reputations, compromise privacy, destroy property, eliminate opportunities, and in some cases, even endanger lives.
15. Attacks on operational technology (OT) — which powers automation in factories, manages patient care in hospitals, and runs critical infrastructure like energy grids and water treatment facilities — are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated threat actors.
5GOT – Accelerating, harmonising, and unifying our fight against cybercrimes
Ladies and gentlemen
16. We must address gaps in policy, tools, talent, and cross-border enforcement holistically to build resilience, and manage the varying levels of cybersecurity maturity among different organisations and even nations.
17. Malaysia has taken decisive steps to strengthen its cybersecurity landscape. The Cyber Security Act 2024, which came into force on August 26 last year empowers the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) to oversee compliance, coordinate across sectors, and protect our National Critical Information Infrastructures (NCIIs). A new Cybercrime Bill, to be tabled in Parliament this October, aims to replace outdated legislation and equip authorities with the tools needed to combat modern cyber threats effectively.
18. Malaysia is also expanding its global footprint. On April 9, 2025, the Cabinet approved accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The country is also preparing to sign the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi this October.
19. These actions reflect Malaysia’s commitment to international norms and collaborative efforts in addressing cybercrime.
20. As such, platforms such as 5GOT must be leveraged to accelerate progress through expert engagement, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and exposure to emerging technologies.
Digital Trust – The foundation of a digital society Ladies and gentlemen,
21. Digital trust is the cornerstone of a modern digital society. As we digitally transform our government, economy, and communities, we must ensure that trust in our digital systems remains strong. This requires a comprehensive approach encompassing three key pillars:
Framework
Infrastructure; and
Education.
This is the mission of 5GOT.
22. Over the next three days, we aim to define actionable approaches to implement digital trust across the region’s digital services. We seek to establish shared frameworks and guidelines for 5G and OT security within Southeast Asia.
23. We also aim to build a regional cyber ecosystem through publicprivate partnerships that foster innovation and talent development. Most importantly, we hope to raise awareness and a sense of urgency among key stakeholders in securing our digital future.
24. Let this summit be the catalyst for innovative solutions, meaningful collaborations, and strengthened regional resilience. I am told that we have 32 experts from 14 countries with us today. I encourage all of you to engage with them, seek their insights, and learn from their experiences in building and sustaining digital trust.
25. With that, I officially declare the 5G Operational Technology Security Summit 2025 open.
Thank you.
ENDS
