CYDES 2023

THE CATALYST FOR GLOBAL CYBERSECURITY UNITY

“There are so many domains in cybersecurity, hence, the more subject matter experts that we have, the better we will be in terms of cultivating a resilient and safe cyber environment. That is what CYDES brings to the table.”

**– Shariffah Rashidah Syed Othman,**
*Acting Chief Executive, National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA)*

A Showcase of Industry Leaders

Congregating at this year’s CYDES are 200 international and local cybersecurity and cyber defence players. For many of these exhibitors, CYDES provides an exceptional platform to showcase their brand, ideas and story to those who matter in the industry. With 5,000 trade visitors expected to attend the event, exhibitors can seize the chance to connect with the who’s who of the industry. This bustling gathering of cybersecurity enthusiasts, professionals and key decision makers ensures that their innovations and offerings will receive the attention they deserve, making CYDES an ideal avenue for highlighting your company’s expertise in the field. Not only that, it is also a chance to foster meaningful connections with fellow exhibitors and perhaps even find means to collaborate in the future.

This is compounded by the Acting Chief Executive of National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), Shariffah Rashidah Syed Othman, who stated; “CYDES 2023 will provide attendees with meaningful engagement. Not only is it attended by national security agencies like NACSA, it is also attended by a multitude of Malaysian ministries. Cybersecurity is all about collaborations and building trust. The more collaborations that we have between governments, industry players and each other, the better we would be in terms of cybersecurity, that we are able to better recognise what should be focused on.”

International Business Review also spoke with some of the exhibitors and they too share the sentiment. The Chief Operations Officer of Provintell Cyber Security, Melanie Yap, stated that “Our company has been operational for a decade and we have heard good things about CYDES. We want to make real connections and collaborate with others in the cybersecurity community. CYDES 2023 is the right platform for Provintell to do just that.”

Forums Galore

Besides the exhibition, CYDES 2023 will have four forums, which provide interactive platforms for thought-provoking discussions on critical cybersecurity issues. These are; the Malaysia Cyber Security Ecosystem Symposium, the 2nd ASEAN Cyber Security Forum 2023, the 2nd Malaysia Cybersecurity Strategy Forum 2023 and the 2^ndICT Security Officers Convention 2023.

These will serve as meeting points for leading experts from various backgrounds and areas of expertise to delve into topics such as artificial intelligence, risk mitigation, privacy protection, encryptions, and the impact of emerging technologies on cyber security landscapes. These would also include “fireside chats” – open dialogues that are more informal in nature, and “Tech Talks” – where industry players share practical and hands on knowledge on related cybersecurity topics. These engaging sessions offered promote collaboration and the exchange of ideas, creating an environment of collective learning and innovation.

Organised and hosted by the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) and the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and Alpine Integrated Solution (co-organisers), CYDES 2023 was launched by YAB Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2023.

Celebrating the Trailblazing Women in Cybersecurity

The Women in Cyber Luncheon stands out as another notable event. With 100 women in cybersecurity expected to attend, its purpose is to highlight the accomplishments of female leaders in the field. Leading this event as its speaker is Dr Yasmin Raja Abdul, the Director of Global Women Success Pty Ltd, with the focal point of this luncheon being the theme of her book, “She Inspires Leaders”. Besides that, this special programme also provides attendees with the extraordinary chance of connecting with extraordinary women in influential positions, acquire valuable perspectives on their journeys, and be motivated to forge their unique path towards success. Appearing as the hosts in this section of the luncheon are Shariffah Rashidah and Dato’ Beatrice Nirmala, the CEO of The IBR Asia Group. Also invited as the Guests of Honour are YB Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Haji Shukri, the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.

“We are a firm believer in public private partnerships. This is why we have been collaborating with NACSA the national agency entrusted with overseeing Malaysia’s cybersecurity efforts – on curating CYDES since 2019 in order to cultivate a robust and resilient cybersecurity environment for all.”

– **Tan Sri Mohd Khairul Adib Abdul Rahman,**
Chairman, Alpine Integrated Solution –
the co-organisers of CYDES 2023

Equipping the Youth

CYDES 2023 also features an exhilarating highlight: the CYDES Cyber Warzone: Capture the Flag, hacking competition. This thrilling event brings together tertiary students from local universities and test their mettle in a competitive environment. Participants showcase their expertise, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities as they navigate through a series of challenges designed to simulate real-world cyber threats. The winners of the competition will then be selected to represent Malaysia in competitions on the international stage. This event brings into focus the need for youth to carry on the fight and safeguard our digital landscape.

CYDES 2023 is a platform for collective action, knowledge transfer, and strategic
partnerships that brings together leading minds and cutting-edge solutions. This
will no doubt help strengthen cyber defence capabilities and shape a secure and
resilient digital future.