Announcements | Ministry of Digital

His Excellency Katsuhiko Takahashi

Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia

Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab CEO, Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM)

Mr Fong Choong Fook

Executive Chairman, LGMS Berhad

YB Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh

Chairman, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

Mr Gopi Ganesalingam

Head of Digital Exports, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

Mr. Hiromitsu Narukama

Managing Director, Mitsui & Co. (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Mr. Kazuhide Nakajo

Chief Operating Officer (Consumer Centric Business Development Unit) Mitsui & Co. (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.

Mr Masaaki Morimoto

Deputy CEO, Tokio Marine Insurans (Malaysia) Berhad

Mr JH Soong

CEO, VSTECS Berhad

Mr Yong Meng Hong

CEO, Applied Security Intelligence Sdn Bhd

Distinguished guests

Members of the media

Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI, and a very good morning to all of you.

1. First, I wish to thank you for inviting me to this auspicious event, the official launch of your ‘Made in Malaysia’ StarSentry cybersecurity solution for SMEs.

2. Cybersecurity has become a crucial element of our nation’s digital infrastructure and national security. It is an essential tool in our ‘arsenal’ today – to protect our country, our economy, and those living and conducting business in Malaysia.

3. In the globalised and interconnected world that we live in today, we are seeing more and more cyber attacks being carried out all over the globe. As we are all aware, cyber threats knows no borders nor bounds.

4. The importance of cybersecurity is evident, given the robust growth of the nation’s digital economy, which is expected to contribute 25.5% to Malaysia's GDP next year.

5. As our economy continues to transition to new digital paradigms, the Malaysian government’s commitment to securing our digital landscape is further heightened.

6. In this context, cybersecurity has evolved from a specialised concern to a fundamental necessity. Our cybersecurity efforts must be robust.

Above and beyond protecting economic interests, adopting strong cybersecurity measures will safeguard personal data, and ensure the reliability of public services that are dependent on digital technologies.

Ladies and gentlemen,

7. In March, I tabled the National Cyber Security Bill which was passed by the Dewan Rakyat and subsequently, by the Dewan Negara in April. This landmark legislation aims to enhance the resilience and security of our national digital infrastructure.

8. This Bill is a significant step forward in our nation’s approach to cybersecurity, establishing a comprehensive framework to protect our National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII). It mandates compliance with stringent standards and measures and introduces robust processes for handling cybersecurity incidents.

9. The Bill will also facilitate greater industry consultation and collaboration. As we develop and refine the Codes of Practice, it is essential to engage all stakeholders — from large enterprises to small and medium-sized businesses — to ensure these guidelines are practical and effective.

10. This collaborative approach is crucial for fostering a secure and resilient digital ecosystem, which will, in turn, enhance trust and facilitate the continued growth of our Digital Economy.

11. Additionally, the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709) is being amended to ensure that we protect and prevent any form of abuse against the storage or processing of personal data in commercial transactions. I will be tabling this in Parliament in one months’ time, come July.

12. Concurrently, a national data-sharing bill is being drafted by the Jabatan Digital Negara (our National Digital Department).

13. As such, today’s launch of the StarSentry cybersecurity solution for SMEs is indeed timely.

14. The relationships between LGMS Berhad, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), National Cyber Security Agency Malaysia (NACSA), and Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM), along with international partners like Dell Technologies and WithSecure Corporation of Finland, exemplify the close collaborations between experts, industry, and stakeholders in the digital economy. This is

instrumental in creating a conducive cybersecurity ecosystem for both the public and private sectors.

15. StarSentry is the result of this spirit of innovation and cooperation, empowering LGMS Berhad to create a solution that not only meets the high standards outlined by the National Cyber Security Bill but also embodies Malaysia’s approach to cybersecurity.

16. I am informed that StarSentry was specifically developed to cater to the needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are essential to our economy but often find themselves vulnerable to cyber threats.

This solution represents a significant advancement in making state of-the-art cybersecurity solutions accessible to all sectors, enabling our businesses to thrive without the burden of cyber risks.

17. I am pleased that this innovative ‘plug and play’ system allows SMEs to effortlessly integrate advanced cybersecurity measures into their daily operations.

With features like advanced vulnerability scanning and proactive threat detection, StarSentry empowers SMEs to not only comply with regulatory requirements but also to proactively advance their cybersecurity posture.

18. Additionally, LGMS Berhad’s collaboration with Tokio Marine Insurance Malaysia and official distributor channels, through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding today, reinforces our commitment to comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. These partnerships will expand the reach and impact of StarSentry, providing cyber insurance packages and ensuring wide distribution, making robust cybersecurity solutions more accessible than ever before.

19. Since 2018, LGMS has been involved in the Malaysia Digital (MD) GAIN programme initiated by MDEC. Through interventions in Gateway, Amplification, Investment, and Nurture (GAIN), LGMS has effectively enhanced its strategic positioning and extended its reach across ASEAN. MDEC remains committed to nurturing global tech champions through initiatives like the Digital Export Office, which currently operates in 25 countries worldwide.

Ladies and gentlemen,

20. As we move forward, let us remember that the security of our digital spaces is integral to the success of our digital economy. The collective effort in developing and deploying solutions like StarSentry clearly indicates our commitment to protecting our digital assets and setting a global standard in cybersecurity.

21. I am confident that with continued support and collaboration between the Malaysian government, industry, and stakeholders, Malaysia will not only successfully navigate the challenges of the digital age but will also emerge as a leader in digital innovation and security on the world stage.

22. Thank you for your commitment to this cause, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of our collective efforts in securing a resilient and thriving digital future for Malaysia.