Malaysia Urges Stronger Cyber Defence Cooperation at ADMM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31:  Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has called for greater regional focus on cybersecurity, warning that “invisible” digital threats are now as dangerous as traditional maritime and territorial challenges.

Speaking at the opening of the 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Kuala Lumpur, Khaled said Southeast Asian nations must treat the cyber domain as a critical front for regional stability and defense cooperation.

“We see the challenges in the South China Sea, but we must also recognise that our digital realm is equally at risk,” he said. “The threats that target our networks and systems may be invisible, but they are just as dangerous as those threatening our maritime zones.”

Khaled warned that non-state actors increasingly have access to technologies capable of disrupting entire societies and governments.

“These are not hypothetical risks. They can topple governments, cripple critical infrastructure, and destabilise nations,” he added.

He urged ASEAN to move beyond traditional military frameworks and expand regional defense collaboration to include cybersecurity, information security, and digital infrastructure protection.

“Peace in our seas, in the digital sphere, and in cyberspace is not just ASEAN’s concern  it is a global responsibility,” Khaled said. “Within our region, ASEAN and the ADMM must remain at the centre to lead, safeguard, and secure this region.”

Khaled also expressed gratitude to Thailand and Cambodia for entrusting Malaysia with facilitating their ongoing border dispute resolution, calling it a testament to ASEAN’s credibility in peaceful conflict management.

“I urge all ASEAN nations to not only support this peaceful initiative but also to expedite the formation of the ASEAN Observer Team,” he said, adding that the move reflects the bloc’s unity and confidence in resolving disputes without external interference.

Touching on Myanmar’s ongoing crisis, the minister reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting ASEAN-led efforts to restore peace and reintegrate Myanmar into the regional framework.

“Our hope is that peace and trust will continue to grow among all member states. ASEAN’s ability to resolve conflicts peacefully is central to its strength and reputation,” he concluded.

The 19th ADMM, hosted in Kuala Lumpur, brings together defense leaders from ASEAN member states to discuss regional stability, security cooperation, and evolving challenges in both traditional and non-traditional domains.