SHAH ALAM: Malaysia’s growing reputation as a cybersecurity leader gets a boost with the launch of Leonardo’s new regional cyber centre, reinforcing the global defence company’s position in advanced security technologies.
Leonardo, a leading international industrial group in the aerospace, defence and security (AD&S) sectors, employs about 60,000 people worldwide and supplies integrated solutions across helicopters, electronics, aeronautics, cyber and security, and space.
Leonardo managing director for cyber and security solutions division Andrea Campora said the strategic choice of Malaysia reflects the country’s leading role in cybersecurity.
He added that Malaysia stands out in the region for its advanced legislation in the sector and its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure.
The new centre, he said, will integrate Leonardo’s proprietary technologies and global expertise to help protect against emerging hybrid threats, while also strengthening digital autonomy and supporting Malaysia’s sustainable development and that of the wider region.
“The initiative is a long-term investment reflecting Leonardo’s major commitment to building a strong industrial and technological partnership with Malaysia while contributing to the development of high specialised local human capital.
“In a world where cyber self-reliance has become the new currency of stability, we enable National Strategic Organisations to assure security and continuity of their operations leveraging our Global CyberSec Platform.
“With this investment in Malaysia, our aim is to support the transformation of critical infrastructures, such as National Cloud and National Security Operation Centres, into Autonomous Strategic Assets,” he told the media at the launch here today.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties with Italy, particularly in cybersecurity and defence technology, following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to the country last year.
He said the enhanced cooperation opens greater opportunities for Malaysia to emerge as a cybersecurity leader in the Southeast Asian region.
He added that Leonardo is not only interested in developing physical infrastructure such as helicopters, but also focuses on cybersecurity, which is considered critical for modern defence.
“Leonardo’s intention is to see Malaysia not just as a trading partner but as a strategic regional cybersecurity hub. This aligns with our efforts to reinforce bilateral relations and elevate the nation’s digital capacity,” he said.
Fahmi noted that Malaysia’s strength in the digital economy, which now accounts for a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product, makes data security and cyber protection a top government priority.
He said the opening of the centre is timely and sends a strong signal to the market, especially as the country prepares to conclude its Asean chairmanship.
“Leonardo’s presence demonstrates international investors’ confidence in Malaysia and further strengthens the nation’s position as one of the most competitive technology and cybersecurity destinations in the region,” he said.
The new centre is part of Leonardo’s Global CyberSec Centre (GCC), a mission-critical cybersecurity provider headquartered in Chieti, Italy.
It joins the existing federated regional cyber centres in Brussels (European Union), Bristol (United Kingdom) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
The GCC’s global network supports strategic customers, including defence organisations and operators of critical national infrastructure, by pooling processes, threat intelligence and advanced technologies.
This federated model enables global-scale prevention, response and resilience while ensuring full control of strategic data and respecting national sovereignty.
The investment strengthens Leonardo’s role in global security and reinforces Malaysia’s position as a key cybersecurity hub for Southeast Asia and, potentially, the Far East.
Leonardo has operated in Malaysia for more than 40 years, supporting the country’s defence and aerospace sectors with a wide range of solutions.
These include helicopters for military and commercial use, military aircraft, radar systems, naval and electronic warfare capabilities, and security tools for critical infrastructure and mission-critical communications.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
