Malaysia’s defence ministry is intensifying its focus on developing high-quality human capital and cyber capabilities to prepare for future asymmetric warfare threats.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Defence is intensifying its strategic shift towards modern warfare readiness.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said a core pillar is cultivating high-quality human capital through Professional Military Education.
He emphasised this during a keynote address at the National Defence University of Malaysia Forum. The forum was held in conjunction with the Defence Services Asia and National Security 2026 exhibition.
A key development is the focus on the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command. Mohamed Khaled said its establishment aligns with the Malaysian Defence Intelligence Organisation.
“This will ensure information superiority and dominance, which is advantageous in asymmetric warfare,” he stated. The initiative aims to create a real-time, data-driven intelligence ecosystem.
The PSEP development is critical for transforming the Malaysian Armed Forces into a Future Force. This goal is outlined in the national Defence White Paper.
“The ministry aims for full integration of concepts, systems and operations by 2030,” Mohamed Khaled said. The objective is for every military component to operate as a single, unified force.
To strengthen national cyber capabilities, he offered UPNM the chance to establish a Defence Ministry Centre of Excellence. The proposed centre would focus on Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity.
He stressed this was not a simple offer and depended on a viable implementation plan. The ministry is also evaluating other universities for centres specialising in rockets, missiles, drones and UAVs.
Beyond formal structures, the government is establishing a new specialist regiment. The Cyber Security and Geospatial Specialist Regiment will be formed within the Askar Wataniah.
This initiative aims to encourage skilled youth and private sector professionals to contribute. Their expertise would aid the nation’s digital fortification efforts.
Mohamed Khaled concluded that cyber readiness must be a proactive, shared effort. He said responsibility extends across government, industry and academia, not just the Armed Forces.
