ARAU: Members of the Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) have been urged to explore new knowledge and generate innovative ideas to help strengthen Malaysia’s defence capabilities.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) needed young talents who were knowledgeable, intelligent and equipped with expertise across various fields.
He said today’s defence landscape was becoming increasingly complex and could no longer rely solely on conventional military capabilities.
“Defence today requires new competencies and capabilities, not only in military fields but also across various disciplines.
“These include artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, data science and engineering, cybersecurity, software engineering, autonomy and robotics, drone technology and unmanned systems.
“Other areas include electronic and electromagnetic warfare, signals intelligence, cryptography and encryption, aerospace technology and engineering, as well as biotechnology and defence medicine,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled said this in his keynote address at the Executive Lecture by the Defence Minister with PALAPES Cadet Officers from public universities at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) here today.
Also present was Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Malek Razak Sulaiman.
During the programme, Mohamed Khaled also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Malaysian Army (TDM) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE).
The memorandum was signed by Army Chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman and Higher Education Director-General Captain (Honorary) Datuk Professor Dr Azlinda Azman.
Mohamed Khaled said expertise in these emerging fields was increasingly important in developing modern defence capabilities and would form part of the foundation for the development of the Future Armed Forces.
He said academic disciplines traditionally viewed as having little direct connection with defence should also begin incorporating defence elements into their respective fields of study.
“Do not view the knowledge gained at universities as something separate from national defence.
“Every development in a field of knowledge can serve as a foundation and catalyst for exploring new defence strategies.
“This is no longer merely a trend, but a strategic necessity to safeguard the country’s peace and sovereignty,” he said.
