As ASEAN nations continue to embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity has become a pressing concern.
With more people and businesses online, the risks of cyber threats like hacking and online fraud are growing in both frequency and complexity. These threats often transcend borders, making it harder to address them individually.
In recent years, cyberattacks have targeted critical sectors such as infrastructure, financial institutions and individuals, posing significant challenges to governments, businesses and citizens alike. This underscores the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures across the region.
Recognising these risks, ASEAN countries are intensifying efforts to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks and foster greater regional cooperation. By strengthening collective defences, ASEAN aims to safeguard both national and regional security in an increasingly digital world.
BORDERLESS CYBERSPACE THREATS
Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN in Jakarta, Indonesia, Datin Sarah Al Bakri Devadason said the borderless nature of cyberspace and the digital economy has given rise to numerous cybersecurity threats, posing a significant challenge for ASEAN nations.
“These threats manifest in various forms, including job scams and online fraud. While these may seem minor in comparison, more severe risks include cyberattacks targeting government institutions.
“For example, critical sectors like air travel security are particularly vulnerable in today’s technologically advanced world. Recognising and understanding these cyber threats is essential to strengthening our cybersecurity capabilities and addressing vulnerabilities.
"When it comes to financial institutions, we frequently hear about cases of funds being siphoned off and breaches in banking security systems," she told Bernama in an exclusive interview at the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) Regional Conference on Cybersecurity and the Role of Information Technology in Fostering a Culture of Peace in ASEAN, in Bangkok, Thailand recently.
The three-day conference, held from Feb 24, was organised by ASEAN-IPR with support from the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF). It provided a platform to address cybersecurity challenges comprehensively, exploring both its potential to trigger conflicts and its role in conflict resolution.
Sarah said as ASEAN advances toward greater political stability and social integration, the importance of cybersecurity cooperation cannot be overlooked.
“ASEAN is working towards a more cohesive and interconnected community. However, this increased connectivity also makes us more vulnerable to cyber threats. Many ASEAN nations recognise the need to prioritise cybersecurity collaboration.
“Cyber cooperation efforts have been ongoing, but with the rapid advancement of technology, the need to strengthen cybersecurity measures has become even more critical," she said, adding that the recently adopted United Nations Convention against Cybercrime marks a significant global milestone in addressing cyber threats worldwide.
ENHANCING ASEAN COOPERATION
ASEAN is making concerted efforts through initiatives like the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which focuses on key pillars: political, security, economic, social and cultural.
“We also have the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan, which aligns with these efforts, as cybersecurity impacts all aspects of connectivity. Across every pillar, there are elements linked to cybersecurity, making it a crucial factor in all our work,” she explained.
ASEAN maintains partnerships with 11 dialogue partners, as well as sectoral and development partners. “Within these relationships, we follow a structured plan of action for our cooperation,” Sarah said.
“There is a strong emphasis on collaboration between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, as well as bilateral cooperation among ASEAN member states. In areas related to digital information and Information Technology (IT), a more coordinated response to cyber threats is essential,” she explained.
She emphasised that information sharing is key to strengthening ASEAN’s cybersecurity framework. “By exchanging knowledge and best practices, ASEAN can develop a more robust approach to addressing global cyber challenges.”
Beyond government collaboration, ASEAN also engages with the private sector, including ongoing partnerships with companies like Google on digital literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy.
“The more we educate and empower our people, the more resilient we become in tackling cyber challenges. Our partnerships, such as those with Google, are part of these efforts to strengthen digital resilience.
She highlighted that ASEAN’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation contributes to its overall resilience. “Our collaborative efforts are often shared with other organisations. For example, we have a dialogue partnership with the European Union (EU), where we exchange knowledge and experiences. Additionally, we engage with think tanks through seminars and workshops in countries like the Republic of Korea.”
ASEAN is also developing the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which aims to enhance coordination on digital transformation. “Once adopted, this framework will enable ASEAN to share its expertise and contribute to global efforts in shaping the digital economy,” she added.
FOSTERING DIVERSE DISCUSSIONS
Commenting on ASEAN’s first-ever cybersecurity conference—which brought together government officials, academics, practitioners, and policymakers—she highlighted that while advancements in IT create new opportunities, they also increase the risks of malicious cyber activities.
She said the conference provides a valuable platform for experts in the field to exchange insights from diverse perspectives, ensuring that their discussions contribute meaningfully to the work of policymakers and officials in building a more secure cyber landscape.
“The realm of international security needs to increasingly address cybersecurity from multiple angles. The way cyberspace is used by the general public, communities, women, and children is particularly crucial. If we fail to ensure their safety online, it could have long-term consequences—even in areas like gaming," she emphasised.
While promoting digital literacy is important, we must also ensure that the digital space remains safe for everyone. There are many areas that need to be addressed. This conference serves as a follow-up to the focus group discussion held in July.
“A report on the outcomes is already available, but this forum provides a platform for analysing evidence-based information. It allows us to assess where ASEAN stands in terms of cybersecurity and how it is tackling cyber threats.
"Our focus goes beyond cybersecurity and dealing with cyber threats within our region—we are also emphasising cross-border cooperation. These efforts have a broad impact, particularly at the intersection of cybersecurity and peacebuilding," Sarah said.
She added that the conference also explores ways to ensure that youth are well-equipped to navigate the challenges posed by rapid advancements in IT.
MALAYSIA IS ON TRACK
Acknowledging that Malaysia is making significant progress in its cybersecurity efforts and digital literacy initiatives, Sarah highlighted the Communications Ministry's proactive role in strengthening online safety.
She noted that digital awareness is not a new concept for the public but has gained greater urgency with the rise of cyber threats.
Malaysia’s digital literacy is relatively advanced, she said, citing the gaming industry as an example. "We see this in the gaming world, where many Malaysian gamers and students, including local universities are excelling at an international level.
She also emphasised the growing interest in digital skills among the younger generation.
"Many young Malaysians are actively training in this field, and in many families, we even see grandparents learning from the younger generation. However, while fostering digital growth, we must also ensure a safe online environment for our people. The Malaysian government is actively collaborating with various organisations to achieve this," she said.
Sarah pointed out that cybersecurity measures extend beyond individual users to include government IT infrastructure.
"There are ongoing collaborations to enhance the security of government IT systems. Additionally, continuous efforts are being made to educate the public on online scams and cyber risks. Legislative improvements are also underway to ensure Malaysia has strong, up-to-date cybersecurity laws."
She noted that cross-ministry cooperation and public-private partnerships are key to strengthening cybersecurity. "For instance, the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between BlackBerry and the Malaysian government, is a major step forward. Malaysia is progressing well, but we must maintain and sustain this momentum.”
Sarah also stressed the importance of cyber awareness among students, ensuring they understand both opportunities and risks in the digital space. "It is crucial that students learn to safeguard their data and privacy, as cyberspace is filled with vast amounts of information—and individuals with malicious intent."
She emphasised Malaysia’s resilience in adapting to the digital world.
"Resilience is key, not just in nation-building but also in navigating the digital landscape. Technology has become a fundamental tool, integrated into learning from an early age. Digital learning and online education have made the world more connected, but this also means we are vulnerable. We must recognise the opportunities in the digital age while ensuring we remain resilient in overcoming cyber threats," she added.
GLOBAL ISSUE
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN in Jakarta, Lee Jang Keun emphasised that cybersecurity is not just a concern for ASEAN but a global issue. As the world becomes increasingly digital, ensuring the peaceful and secure use of cyberspace is more critical than ever.
"ASEAN is a highly active player in cyberspace today. Digital transactions within ASEAN’s digital market have already reached US$300 billion and are expected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030. This makes ASEAN a focal point for digital activities and transactions," he noted.
The rapid growth of digital activities also means that ensuring cybersecurity, especially in rural areas, is becoming more important. "ASEAN is increasingly being targeted by cyberattacks," he warned.
REGIONAL CYBER COOPERATION
As South Korea continues to collaborate with ASEAN on various cybersecurity issues, Lee emphasised that this conference is part of an ongoing series of partnerships between AKCF and ASEAN-IPR.
He also highlighted that while ASEAN countries are making significant progress in developing an internal regional cybersecurity cooperation strategy, they are also prioritising collaboration with other nations. South Korea is committed to supporting ASEAN’s efforts in securing cyberspace and addressing emerging challenges together.
"ASEAN already has a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy in place, built on five key pillars. Governance is one of them, and capacity building is another critical pillar.
"South Korea is ready and willing to collaborate with ASEAN across all these pillars. Capacity building, in particular, is crucial. Even with the right legal and structural frameworks in place, it is essential to ensure that people have the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle cybersecurity challenges," he said.
Lee underscored that cybersecurity is a borderless issue, offering both opportunities and risks.
"The positive side is the enormous potential for collaboration. However, the downside is that in this borderless digital landscape, the absence of strict legal enforcement can allow malicious actors to operate unchecked. There are no prosecutors to hold them accountable under conventional norms and regulations. This presents risks for maintaining a safe, peaceful, and orderly cyberspace. Addressing these challenges is something no single country can do alone," he said.
Addressing the cybersecurity challenges associated with the rise of AI in ASEAN countries, Lee noted that the rapid advancement of technology requires proactive preparation for the AI era.
"ASEAN is playing a pioneering role in setting principles and platforms for AI cooperation. South Korea is also actively engaged in AI development, particularly in ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies," he said, adding that each ASEAN country has unique cybersecurity needs.
To further strengthen cyber defence capabilities, Lee highlighted the ASEAN Cyber Shield (ACS) hacking contest, an annual event initiated in 2023 under the AKCF.
"Hacking can be defended by hacking, what we call ‘white hacking’. Young participants from all 10 ASEAN countries take part in the competition, with some assuming the role of attackers while others act as defenders. This hands-on experience helps them sharpen their cybersecurity skills in a controlled environment," he said.
The event rotates among ASEAN countries, with the most recent competition held in Vietnam, and the previous one in Indonesia.
"Many Malaysian students and cybersecurity experts have actively participated in these competitions," he added.
Edited by Salbiah Said
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
