LGMS Berhad (LGMS) today signed a partnership agreement with Finland’s WithSecure Corporation (WithSecure) (formerly known as F-Secure Business) to develop innovative and user-friendly cybersecurity solutions specifically for the local small and medium enterprise (SME) community.
The partnership was signed by LGMS Executive Chairman Fong Choong Fook and WithSecure Corporation CEO Juhani Hintikka, who had specifically flown in from Finland to emphasise its importance while demonstrating support for Malaysia’s continued Digital Economy progress.
It was witnessed by Deputy Communications and Digital Minister (KKD) Teo Nie Ching, together with His Excellency Sami Leino, Ambassador of Finland to Malaysia and Brunei.
[Above pic – Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching (centre left) and Ambassador of Finland to Malaysia and Brunei Sami Leino (centre right) witnessing the exchange of documents between LGMS Executive Chairman Fong Choong Fook (far left) and WithSecure Corporation CEO Juhani Hintikka.]
The Deputy Minister said that the partnership was ‘timely’, and represents a ‘significant leap’ towards a secured Digital Economy, and more so ahead of the National Cybersecurity Bill the Unity Government is set to unveil in early-2024.
“This partnership is also aligned with the government’s ‘Ekonomi Madani’ vision of attracting significant foreign direct investments and generating avenues for technological advancements and innovations,” she said.
“It serves to demonstrate how collaborative efforts can facilitate a robust, secure and prosperous digital ecosystem, thereby solidifying Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for global tech investments,” added Teo.
WithSecure is today a leading international cybersecurity group which had also invested significantly in Malaysia and in nurturing local talent. Besides its headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, WithSecure houses its intelligence, customer support, business operations and shared services in Kuala Lumpur for its Asia-Pacific operations.
LGMS Berhad, meanwhile, has been recognised as Cybersecurity Malaysia’s ‘Company of the Year’ with Fong himself being acknowledged as ‘Cybersecurity Professional of the Year’.
Fong said that, within today’s Digital Economy, cyberthreats and ransomware attacks have become more sophisticated and rampant and potential damages to SMEs, who often lack the necessary IT expertise and resources, can be catastrophic.
“Most SMEs today are just one cyber attack away from a devastating setback or even closure. Recognising that most SMEs might not possess advanced IT know-how, our collaboration with WithSecure aims to deliver cybersecurity solutions that are not only robust but also intuitive and user-friendly,” he said.
“The purpose is to empower our SME community to navigate the digital landscape confidently and securely.”
Juhani also expressed his ‘deepest appreciation’ to the Deputy Minister for endorsing this partnership, stating: “Your presence significantly amplifies the resonance of this initiative, showcasing a unified front in our endeavour to foster a secure and prosperous Digital Economy for Malaysia and also the region.”
“This localised cybersecurity approach underscores WithSecure’s understanding of the region’s unique digital ecosystem and our commitment to crafting solutions that align with local business needs. It embodies WithSecure’s ethos of merging global cybersecurity expertise with local insights to foster a safer digital realm,” added Juhani.
An innovative solution currently in the partnership pipeline is the ‘Made in Malaysia’ StarSentry solution, a plug-and-play model that is more than just a ‘shield’ for SMEs but offers a proactive approach to threat prevention.
This solution is also aligned with broader sustainability goal and embraces the ESG framework of safeguarding critical infrastructures, nurturing a secure digital community and reinforcing stringent governance standards, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to responsible, transparent business operations.
Pre-orders for the solution can already be made.
In her concluding remarks, Teo said: “The partnership agreement today between LGMS and WithSecure embodies a philosophy of attracting significant foreign direct investments and generating avenues for technological advancements and innovations.”
“It serves to demonstrate how collaborative efforts can facilitate a robust, secure and prosperous digital ecosystem, thereby solidifying Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for global tech investments,” she added.
