CYBERJAYA : – Malaysia faces a critical shortfall of over 16,000 cybersecurity professionals, a gaping vulnerability in our nation’s digital defenses.
This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about the very real and escalating threats to every Malaysian’s online safety and the integrity of our critical infrastructure.
Recognizing this urgent crisis, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and its partners are intensifying efforts to not only bridge this critical talent gap but also to forge a more inclusive and robust cyber ecosystem.
At a recent panel discussion, “The Future of Cybersecurity: Preparing Our People for the Next Generation,” held to mark the first anniversary of the Malaysia Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCOE), MCMC Commissioner Derek Fernandez underscored the immediate need for action across the ASEAN region.
“All ASEAN nations recognize the importance of upgrading and adapting training programmes at every level of society,” stated Fernandez, who also chairs MCMC’s Online Harms and Information Security Committee.
He emphasized that everyone, from individuals safeguarding their personal savings to agencies protecting national critical infrastructure, requires the essential tools and knowledge to combat cyber threats.
The panel, which included BlackBerry Vice-President and Chief Information Security Officer Christine Gadsby and EC-Council Cybersecurity Executive Director Dr. Meisam Eslahi, delved into how public-private partnerships are crucial in equipping Malaysians to face the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
One year ago, MCMC launched the CCOE in collaboration with BlackBerry, backed by both the Malaysian and Canadian governments.
This pivotal partnership has since expanded to include cybersecurity certification body EC-Council, which will help broaden the program offerings.
Fernandez highlighted that the CCOE now convenes “serious practitioners and educators” and has even provided scholarships to ASEAN regulators for training, a strategic blend designed to address current cybersecurity demands.
Significantly, all government-sector participants can receive free training and certification through the CCOE’s partnership with BlackBerry, covering a course that typically costs around RM16,000.
Fernandez urged those with genuine interest to seize this invaluable opportunity.
He also revealed plans to propose that CCOE certifications be formally recognized for career progression, including promotions and salary increments, within the public sector, with the hope that the private sector will follow suit.
Beyond specialized technical skills, Fernandez stressed the paramount importance of enhancing public education and policies to protect everyday Malaysians, particularly against pervasive scams.
“It’s our duty to defend all citizens, whether fast or slow, from foreign and local threats,” he asserted, reiterating his long-standing advocacy for a 48-hour cooling-off period to significantly curb financial fraud.
“I’ve been fighting for that for three years. Some countries have adopted it, but here we’re still stuck at 12 hours. We need that buffer so banks can freeze suspicious transactions before your money disappears.”
As the CCOE commemorates its first year, stakeholders are unified in their call for the center to scale its efforts rapidly.
This is not merely about addressing the immediate talent shortage; it is about ensuring that no ordinary user is left vulnerable in an increasingly intricate and dangerous digital world.
