SALUTATION
1. Yang Berbahagia Komisioner Polis (CP) Dato’ Haji Baharuddin Haji Ahmad
Deputy Director General of National Security (Strategic Security), National Security Council (MKN)
2. Yang Berusaha Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin
Chief Executive, National Cybersecurity Agency of Malaysia (NACSA)
3. Dr. Neal Jetton Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, INTERPOL
4. Mr. Alexander Seger Head of Cybercrime Division, Council of Europe
Distinguished Guests from the Council of Europe and INTERPOL,
Honoured Representatives of ASEAN Member States,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good Morning, Salam Sejahtera dan Salam Malaysia MADANI.
1. It is both a profound honour and a privilege to welcome you to Malaysia for the inaugural Cyber Games 2025. Today marks a significant milestone - not only for Malaysia but for the entire global cybersecurity community. We are deeply honoured to serve as the first host nation for this visionary and ground-breaking initiative. On behalf of Malaysia, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Council of Europe and INTERPOL for placing their trust in us and allowing us the opportunity to lead this important endeavour.
2. The decision to hold the very first edition of the Cyber Games here in Malaysia reflects the strong and growing partnership between Malaysia, the Council of Europe and INTERPOL. It also reaffirms our shared vision: to foster resilience, cooperation, and innovation in the fight against cybercrime.
3. This event represents far more than a competition - it is a global platform for engagement, capacity building, and meaningful collaboration. It sets the stage for a series of regional editions to follow in Europe and Africa, creating a lasting legacy of international unity in combating cyber threats.
4. Malaysia takes great pride in playing a pivotal role at this juncture. As the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, we have placed cybersecurity and cybercrime at the forefront of our regional agenda. We are committed to driving policies and initiatives that bolster the ASEAN cyber ecosystem and promote trust in digital environments across member states.
5. Hosting the Cyber Games further reinforces Malaysia’s leadership in this field. This strategic convergence of global cybercrime investigation teams and digital forensic experts is a timely and powerful demonstration of our dedication to regional and international security.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. Cyber threats today are increasingly sophisticated and borderless. Ransomware attacks, data breaches, and cyber-enabled frauds are escalating in frequency and complexity. According to data from CyberSecurity Malaysia, ransomware cases surged by 78% in Quarter 4 of 2024 compared to the previous quarter - a deeply concerning trend. This reality underscores the urgent need for coordinated, cross-border responses to cybercrime.
7. Indeed, this is the very essence of what the Cyber Games 2025 aims to achieve. This pioneering initiative unites law enforcement professionals, cybersecurity investigators, and digital forensic specialists in confronting simulated yet highly realistic cyberattack scenarios. The overarching goal is clear and vital: to strengthen our collective ability to detect, investigate, and respond effectively to cyber incidents - particularly those involving the increasingly prevalent threats of ransomware and crimes exploiting virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies.
8. Through immersive, scenario-based team challenges, participants will engage in real-time problem-solving exercises mirroring the conditions faced by cybercrime units around the world. These 4 exercises are carefully designed to test and develop practical skills in digital forensics, blockchain analysis, open-source intelligence (OSINT), malware analysis, and incident response.
9. The Council of Europe, INTERPOL, and our national cybersecurity agencies - including NACSA - have worked closely with professional communities to design these challenges. I am especially pleased to note that the 7th INTERPOL Digital Security Challenge is being held as an integral part of this inaugural Cyber Games.
10. Such initiatives do more than just test technical proficiency - they cultivate a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Participants will return to their respective nations not only with sharpened skills, but with deeper insights, new perspectives, and valuable networks that will enhance international cooperation in future operations.
11. The Cyber Games also align seamlessly with Malaysia’s strategic approach to combating cybercrime and strengthening cybersecurity policies. This includes our ongoing efforts to implement robust measures and legal frameworks to safeguard our digital infrastructure and enhance regional and international cooperation in tackling cyber threats. This includes our Cabinet’s recent approval for accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, as well as our commitment to signing the forthcoming United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. In parallel, we are currently drafting a new Cybercrime Bill that will further 5 modernise and fortify our legal frameworks, which we expect to table in Parliament by the end of this year.
12. By hosting this landmark event, we aim to advance both domestic and regional goals. We are particularly focused on:
a. strengthening ASEAN's cybersecurity posture;
b. enhancing cross-border investigative cooperation;
c. promoting interoperability of digital forensic tools; and
d. encouraging timely information sharing through mechanisms such as the 24/7 Network of Contact Points, data preservation protocols, and joint investigations.
13. The Cyber Games exemplify the proactive, forward-looking approach we must adopt to stay ahead of the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. In an age where cybercriminals exploit encrypted communication, anonymised currencies, and sophisticated toolkits, we must remain agile, adaptive, and collaborative.
14. As we officially launch this prestigious competition today, let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our collective and unwavering commitment to ensuring that cyberspace remains a secure, resilient, and trusted domain for all. The digital landscape is an integral part of our daily lives, driving innovation, connectivity, and progress. It is our shared responsibility to protect it from the ever-evolving threats that seek to undermine its integrity. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise, we can build a cyberspace where individuals, businesses, and governments can 6 operate with confidence, knowing that their digital interactions are safe and secure.
15. To our international guests and participants, I offer my heartfelt thanks for your presence here today. Thank you for travelling from near and far to be part of this journey. Your participation is a true testament to the spirit of global solidarity and cooperation that is essential in addressing the ever-growing challenges of cybercrime. Your presence today highlights the strength of our collective resolve to combat cyber threats across borders and protect the digital landscape for all. We are profoundly grateful for your partnership, and it is through collaboration with dedicated individuals like you that we will continue to make meaningful strides towards securing our digital future.
16. To our Malaysian participants, I extend my sincere gratitude for your dedication and commitment to this event. Your participation reflects the strength of Malaysia's cybersecurity talent and our growing role in the global digital landscape. I wish you all the best of luck in the competition. May this experience inspire you to reach new heights in your cybersecurity journey.
17. To our esteemed partners in organizing this ground-breaking event - the Council of Europe, INTERPOL, and NACSA - I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, dedication, and collaboration. This event would not have been possible without your invaluable contributions, tireless efforts, and shared commitment to enhancing global cybersecurity. Your expertise and 7 vision have been instrumental in bringing us together today to address one of the most critical challenges of our time.
18. On that note, it is my great pleasure to declare the Cyber Games 2025 officially open. I wish all participants the very best as you engage, learn, and lead in this collective pursuit of cybersecurity excellence.
Thank you, and may this inaugural Cyber Games be a resounding success.
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