CyberDSA 2026: Malaysia frames security as a prerequisite for AI adoption

CyberDSA 2026 opened in Kuala Lumpur with a warning that sustainable AI adoption depends on secure data and infrastructure. Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Digital, Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, argued that participation in the digital economy ultimately relies on public and business trust.

Connecting AI plans with governance

Malaysia aims to become an “AI Nation” by 2030, with the Malaysia Digital Action Plan 2030 providing national direction. AI Malaysia Berhad, the Digital Ministry's lead AI agency, places governance, trust, assurance, and national capability alongside adoption.

The programme highlights data sovereignty when cloud infrastructure and AI models operate across jurisdictions. Data location, access rights, and rules governing information use are presented as issues that governments and businesses need to examine across the full lifecycle of an AI service.

Security tools and training

Organisers say the exhibition includes 167 companies and organisations from 21 countries. Areas represented include AI infrastructure, encryption and cryptography, network and cloud security, endpoint protection, threat intelligence, SIEM platforms, security operations centres, and managed security services.

Cyber ranges add a training component, although their presence does not by itself demonstrate that government teams are operationally ready to protect AI systems. The programme also includes talks and memorandum signings, but the report noted that details of those agreements and their commitments had not been released in advance.