KUALA LUMPUR: Keeping up with the current and emerging threats involving new technologies that were unheard of even a decade ago, are our region's biggest defence and national security challenges.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said that at the same time, today's national security landscape was changing at a faster pace than ever before.
"As such, keeping up with these changes is one of our region's biggest defence and national security challenges.
"There remains a plethora of possibilities to be learned and incorporated, in this regard, from conversations around creating specialised equipment and machinery to creating private-public partnerships to drive innovation.
"Not too long ago, buzzwords such as blockchain, robotics, cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) were confined mostly to specialised groups or communities.
"Today, they are part and parcel of our day-to-day vocabulary. And while they can present themselves in the form of threats to national security, they can also be utilised as a force for good.
"This is why we have to master them," he said at a welcome reception for the 2022 Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Conference (NATSEC) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here last night.
Hamzah added that more organisations today – both in governments and in the private sector – were using them to optimise operations, while improving processes.
Defence and national security stakeholders, he said, stood to greatly benefit from these technologies.
He added that he was truly honoured to be part of the esteemed and renowned exhibition, surrounded by defense and security experts, professionals, technology providers, as well as official delegations from countries around the globe.
"I would like to assure all participants and delegates that the Malaysian government, from the highest levels, remain committed to ensure the safety and security of all delegates and participants of DSA and NATSEC over the next four days," he said.
On another note, Hamzah said that as the Covid-19 outbreak in the country had demonstrated, maintaining and upholding the defence and national security of the country was not just the responsibility of the government, its armed forces or military institutions alone.
"In today's evolving global landscape, defence, security and peacekeeping encompass a more holistic approach and is the responsibility of numerous agencies, institutions, businesses and organisations.
"Therefore, in order to achieve a more coherent and unified approach for a sustainable, effective and long-term approach to defence and national security, the need for better coordination and greater integration between these entities is far greater today than it has ever been in history," Hamzah said.
He commended the organisers of the DSA and NATSEC series for recognising this need for greater collaboration and a multifaceted and holistic approach towards bringing about heightened defence and security capabilities to this region.
"I certainly believe this to be one of the factors that has earned this show the prestige of being one of the leading defence and security services show not only within the region, but in the world.
"The sheer level of expertise and volume of knowledge that will be made available at this platform is important in supporting our efforts on home soil and beyond.
"It is also a crucial platform to build greater trust and enhance cooperation between the various entities involved in national defence and security including matters relating to transnational crimes.
"Hence, this event is a timely opportunity since the Home Affairs ministry is currently preparing a comprehensive master plan to strengthen the country's border security.
"This to ensure our national security will continue to be given priority in ensuring a conducive environment for social and economic activities as well as maintaining a peaceful and stable Malaysia," said Hamzah.
Today, Hamzah added that DSA and NATSEC continued to play a crucial role in addressing the various areas of defence and security concerns.
"Current complexities in the areas of defence and national security require that all stakeholders be ready to meet the dynamic challenges of today and the emerging threats of tomorrow.
"We have to do this amid rapid advancement in science and technology, which makes the readiness and integration of new technologies important priorities for the national security agenda.
"Preparedness in the national security environment also requires the right people, equipment, and capabilities to counter known threats while proactively responding to contingencies and complications that may arise, both now and in the future," said Hamzah.