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Crafting a Malaysian Position in Cyber 30
challenges and opportunities arising from
cyber a airs. This would include trainings Farlina Said is a Senior Analyst in the
and exercises aimed at building awareness Foreign Policy and Security Studies
on strategic cyber issues. Diplomats must programme, Institute of Strategic and
also engage in cyber-related and cyber International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia.
diplomacy fora to ensure they are consist-
ently updated on development in this Dr Moonyati Yatid was a Senior
domain. Analyst at the Institute of Strategic and
International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia. She
Last is to develop a skills pipeline that is currently a Senior Manager of Corporate
would ensure expertise and human capital Strategy and Research at Malaysia
are available in Malaysia. According Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC)
to Malaysia cyber security strategy and a Policy Analyst at the Global
22
2020-2024, one of the main challenges in Foundation for Cyber Studies and
having a robust cybersecurity ecosystem is Research (GFCyber).
workforce shortage, as well as talent gaps
in a variety of fields. Shortage of skilled
cyber security professionals is not just a
challenge for Malaysia but globally.
However due to the critical nature of these
skills, it is key for Malaysia to ramp up its
e orts – with cyber security content and
skills taught in schools, colleges, and
universities, as well as for experts and
non-experts in both the public and private
sectors.

Technology and cyber-related issues will
determine the way states and countries
engage with each other. It will also be
the basis of future development, where
developing countries are able to carve
niches and spaces for economic
engagements that will trickle into social
development. Maintaining spaces for
autonomy can be a challenge, especially if
sovereignty must be interpreted and
exercised to the best of its capacity to
protect national interests. The role of the
Foreign Ministry is vital, as data, people
and technology flow between borders.