By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 — Artificial intelligence continues to reshape how nations operate, offering opportunities for innovation while also introducing new layers of complexity in national security and public trust. This balanced reality formed the core message delivered by Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), during his presentation at IDFR’s Distinguished Lecture Series, AI@Work: Innovating Diplomacy.
Organised by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR), the session convened diplomats, policymakers and cybersecurity experts to understand how AI is influencing Malaysia’s strategic environment. IDFR Director Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Rameez Yahaya emphasised that Malaysia must deepen its understanding of AI’s impact, calling for informed, thoughtful adaptation within the diplomatic community.
AI Brings Benefits — But Serious Challenges Remain
Dr. Megat framed AI as a powerful enabler for development, efficiency and governance. However, he cautioned that the same capabilities that make AI useful can also be misused, creating risks that Malaysia must be ready to manage.
Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA)
From NACSA’s data and observations SECURITY ISSUES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS
- Fraud cases involving digital impersonation have risen significantly.
- Deepfake-related incidents grew rapidly as generative tools became widely accessible.
- AI-driven automation has made certain cyberattacks easier to execute and harder to detect.
These trends highlight a dual reality: AI accelerates progress, but it can also amplify vulnerabilities if not safeguarded properly.
New Vulnerabilities in an AI-Driven Environment
Through his detailed slide presentation SECURITY ISSUES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS, Dr. Megat explained emerging risks such as:
- manipulated inputs that cause AI systems to behave unpredictably
- data poisoning that corrupts information pipelines
- sophisticated impersonation using cloned voices and synthetic faces
- model theft, enabling unauthorised replication of proprietary AI systems
He stressed that these risks are not meant to halt AI adoption, but to ensure that Malaysia builds systems capable of withstanding unintended consequences or malicious use.
Cybersecurity and Diplomacy Are Now Interconnected
Dr. Megat encouraged Malaysia’s diplomatic community to strengthen its digital literacy, as technological shifts increasingly influence foreign policy, regional cooperation and national reputation.
Diplomats, he noted, must understand AI governance, ethical considerations and cybersecurity fundamentals — not as specialists, but as informed practitioners operating in a technology-shaped world.
His briefing complemented IDFR’s broader aim of preparing Malaysian diplomats to operate confidently in a landscape where digital developments shape political, economic and security outcomes.
NACSA’s Strategy for Responsible, Secure AI Adoption
NACSA outlined three key national strategies to support safe AI integration while encouraging innovation: SECURITY ISSUES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS
1. AI Secure Development Framework
Guidelines ensuring AI systems are developed, deployed and retired safely, in alignment with the Cyber Security Act 2024.
2. Strengthening ASEAN Cooperation
Malaysia is helping build a regional foundation for AI and cybersecurity readiness, including ASEAN CERT, ANSAC leadership, and the ASEAN AI Safety Network.
3. Updating Legal Provisions
Proposed measures under the Cybercrime Bill will address identity misuse, AI-enabled impersonation and deepfake-driven harm, aiming to protect the public without disrupting innovation.
Balancing Innovation With Protection
Throughout his presentation, Dr. Megat underscored a central theme: AI development must continue, but it must be accompanied by strong safeguards. The focus, he explained, is not on limiting technological progress, but on ensuring that innovation is guided by responsibility, resilience and public trust.
NACSA’s approach emphasises:
- raising awareness of emerging risks
- strengthening protection of critical sectors
- equipping society with the knowledge to use AI safely
- enhancing Malaysia’s position in regional AI governance
IDFR Director Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Rameez bin Yahaya
Malaysia’s Forward Path
NACSA’s insights reinforced the need for Malaysia to adopt a measured, proactive approach in its AI readiness. Dr. Rameez echoed this perspective, noting that the country must build competence and confidence in navigating AI’s impact across diplomacy, security and society.
With IDFR fostering diplomatic understanding and NACSA providing national guidance, Malaysia is positioning itself to take advantage of AI’s benefits while managing the risks with clarity and preparedness.
- TNS NEWS