Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was ‘spot on’ in calling for greater ASEAN-Japan collaboration to elevate cybersecurity standards in Malaysia and throughout the Southeast Asian region.
LGMS Berhad Executive Chairman Fong Choong Fook said that the Prime Minister had ‘hit the nail on the head’ as heightened collaboration between ASEAN and Japan in cybersecurity is crucial to further strengthening collective defences and staying ahead of emerging cyber threats in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The Prime Minister had stressed on the need to prioritise the protection of citizens from cyber exploitation related to terrorism and various cyber and transnational crimes. He was speaking at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit themed Review of ASEAN-Japan relations.
Fong concurred, and explained that cyberthreats had been evolving at a fast pace and today encompass dangers such as advanced malware attacks, sophisticated phishing schemes, data breaches, ransomware and state-sponsored cyber espionage.
“It is imperative for regional cooperation and knowledge sharing to effectively safeguard our digital infrastructure and sensitive information,” Fong told Business Today.
At its end, LGMS has also been working closely with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (‘Mitsui’) of Japan on various cybersecurity initiatives, creating a productive partnership to leverage the strengths and expertise of both organisations to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions while sharing information sharing between ASEAN and Japan in order to combat the ever-evolving cyber threats effectively.
Mitsui had completed the acquisition of a strategic 25 per cent equity in LGMS earlier this year.
Mitsui also has a wholly-owned cybersecurity subsidiary – Mitsui Bussan Secure Directions, Inc. (MBSD) established in 2001 – which today provides Japanese top quality penetration testing, consulting, and managed services for Japanese blue-chip clients.
This strategic partnership between Mitsui and LGMS is aimed at providing world-class levels of professional cybersecurity services throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It leverages the expertise of LGMS’ highly skilled cybersecurity professionals and Mitsui’s extensive global network and experience in the cybersecurity industry.
[Pic – Mitsui General Manager (Digital Solution Business Division) John Kenichi Kogiku (centre right) shaking hands with Fong (centre left). (from left to right): Mitsui General Manager (Human Resources & Administration Division) Kazuyuki Otaku, LGMS Executive Director Goh Soon Sei, Mitsui & Co. (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Managing Director Hiromitsu Narukama and Mitsui General Manager (AI and Cybersecurity Department) Takashi Masuda.]
Being one of the Japan’s most diversified conglomerates, the Mitsui Group today has a global footprint of 127 offices in 63 countries spanning 6 continents. In the Asia-Pacific region, Mitsui is represented through its 26 offices located in 15 countries.
LGMS’ clientele, meanwhile, include local and international clients, first tier banks, payment gateways, and telecommunications companies. On the international front, LGMS’ customers include various Fortune 500 companies.
Regarding the Cabinet reshuffle, which resulted in the previous Ministry of Communications and Digital being split into two distinct ministries – the (1) Digital Ministry and (2) Communications Ministry – Fong described it as ‘a strategic reorganisation aimed at prioritising the digital economy, with also emphasis on enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect critical digital infrastructure and facilitate the growth of the digital sector’.
Fong has high regards for new Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo (left in main pic) whom he described as ‘a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the digital landscape and a strong commitment to driving innovation and digital transformation throughout Malaysia.’
“With a proven track record as a productive, efficient and down-to-earth minister, Gobind brings to the table a wealth of experience in harnessing technology to empower the nation’s development,” said Fong.
“Gobind’s experience and dedication to fostering a thriving digital ecosystem and his ability to connect with diverse stakeholders make him an ideal choice to lead the Digital Ministry in its mission to propel Malaysia even further forward in the digital age.”
