The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) together with its technology partners, Elytron (Asia Pacific) Sdn Bhd, Trinity Business Solution and Astiostech Sdn Bhd held the forum, “Cybersecurity in Smart Manufacturing” at the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) headquarters recently.
The forum which was officiated by Y. Bhg. Dato’ Lokman Hakim Ali, Secretary General of MITI, focused on the the importance of cybersecurity and smart manufacturing in the adoption of Industry 4.0.
Cybersecurity addresses the practices in protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, networks and data from cyber-attacks, unauthorised access and breaches.
“The Industry4WRD policy was launched last October to drive digital transformation of the manufacturing and related services sectors in Malaysia”, Dato’ Lokman said during his keynote speech.
“As we progress, the developed infrastructure, regulations, technology, skills and talent must look at cybersecurity holistically, so that risks can be mitigated and progress can be achieved unhindered”, he added.
As the industry continues to progress towards digitalisation, new sources of value creation and potential growth are expected to arise – with new types of risks and vulnerabilities arising as a side-effect. Without clear cybersecurity management strategies among businesses, the industry will always be prone to cyber-threats.
In order to mitigate these risks, the forum was structured to prepare companies to take their first steps towards embracing Industry 4.0, with cybersecurity as a foundation towards protecting a growing connected ecosystem.
In relation to this, experts in the field of cybersecurity discussed key challenges in the development and sustainability of a connected eco-system in the digital era.
“It is important for businesses to emphasis cybersecurity in their business plans as the world is moving towards digitalisation. Furthermore, the sector creates new job and business opportunities – the localisation of cybersecurity services will provide the necessary quick response to any security crises, and more importantly, prevent them before they happen”, said Dato’ Madani Sahari, MARii CEO while speaking to the press.
The forum acts as a platform for businesses to understand the importance of cybersecurity in future business models, and form plans in protecting valuable assets from modern threats, making it less about the process and more about the practice of securing data and their infrastructures.
Among the speakers at the forum include:
1. Dato’ Ts. Madani Sahari, CEO, MARii
2. Joao Lucas Melo Brasio, Executive Director, Elytron Asia Pacific
3. Matthew Edward Couri, Executive Director, Trinity Business Solutions
4. Iderlon Azevedo, Honorary Consul-General to Brazil
