KUALA LUMPUR: Significant investment in new ideas, efforts, and resources is imperative to effectively address the challenges of non-traditional security threats, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the causal effect of non-traditional security threats accelerates the pace for holistic solutions.
"It comes with challenges characterised by rapidly evolving dynamics and it demands transformative and game-changing ideas and interagency collaboration and transnational networks.
"We must up the ante of our defence diplomacy by keeping tabs on the current predicament and leveraging the advantages offered by emerging technologies," he said in his keynote address before launching the Putrajaya Forum themed "Non-Traditional Threats and Emerging Technologies" on Monday (May 6).
The forum was held in conjunction with the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2024 at Mitec.
Mohamed Khaled said it is time to accelerate creative and effective defence solutions, embedded in responsible technological adoption.
"It is ultimately advancing shared security interests and strengthening defence capabilities," he said.
New technologies that offer practical solutions should be the epicentre of diplomatic ties and international partnership negotiations, Mohamed Khaled said.
"Technologies such as satellite and cyber security innovations have enabled enhanced real-time communication and information-sharing among military and defence personnel.
"Having effectively streamlined coordination and expedited decision-making, these technologies warrant our dedicated research and investment focus," he said.
Addressing non-traditional security risks requires prioritising resources for the much younger generation, he added.
"With their keen interest and familiarity with emerging technology, the younger generation can offer fresh insights and perspectives. Investing in the next generation will ensure that they are equipped to navigate future challenges," he said.
Mohamed Khaled said he believed non-traditional threats demand extraordinary solutions.
"The emerging technologies today have transitioned from novelty to necessity.
They stand as household names which continuously redefine the financial, healthcare, and education ecosystem around the world.
"We must be vigilant for Generative AI apps that accentuate their role in our daily lives, as these omnipotent apps might determine our digital destinies.
"To top this all, emerging robotics and drone industries that were once Hollywood's imagination, are now cheap to own, accessible to all and have revolutionised warfare," he said.
