By: Noor Eszereen
Photos by: Mohammad Izrul Abdul Jabar
PUTRAJAYA, 22 July – Higher Education Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir today visited the Malaysian Cryptology Technology and Management Centre (PTPKM) to assess its capabilities in advancing research, talent development and innovation in cryptology, cybersecurity and quantum technology in support of Malaysia’s digital sovereignty agenda.
The visit underscores the Ministry of Higher Education’s (MoHE) commitment to strengthen higher education institutions as strategic government partners in delivering high-impact research that addresses cybersecurity challenges while enhancing the nation’s technological competitiveness.
Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry said universities play a pivotal role as strategic partners in producing research and innovation that directly benefits the nation.
“Universities must work hand in hand with the government to develop research that is not only academically excellent but can also be translated into practical solutions for national needs, particularly in strategic fields such as cybersecurity and cryptology,” he said.
He also expressed hope that universities would strengthen collaboration among themselves, as well as with government agencies and industry, to build a more robust and high-impact research ecosystem.
“Through stronger synergy between academia, government and industry, research outcomes can be translated into practical solutions that benefit society and enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness,” he added.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Vice-Chancellor Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah FASc said the visit provided the Ministry with a closer look at PTPKM’s capabilities as a national centre of excellence in cryptology and cybersecurity.
“PTPKM demonstrates that universities are not only responsible for producing skilled graduates but also serve as drivers of the nation’s strategic technological development through research, innovation and high-skilled talent development,” he said.
He noted that close collaboration among universities, government and industry is essential to strengthen the nation’s preparedness against increasingly complex cyber threats.
“The development of strategic national technologies cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires an ecosystem of knowledge, innovation, governance and trust built collectively through the cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said.
During the visit, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry was briefed by PTPKM Director Datuk Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rezal Kamel Ariffin on the centre’s establishment, functions and strategic direction as Malaysia’s centre of excellence for cryptology research, training and technology development.
PTPKM plays a key role in strengthening the nation’s capabilities in cryptology, cybersecurity, quantum technology exploration and the development of local expertise.
The centre also collaborates strategically with government agencies, industry and academic institutions to enhance national cybersecurity capabilities while supporting Malaysia’s aspiration to build a secure, resilient digital ecosystem driven by home-grown technologies.
Also present were Chairman of the UPM Board of Directors Dato’ Sri Jailani Johari; members of the University Management Committee (JPU); Director-General of National Security at the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD), YM Raja Dato’ Nushirwan Zainal Abidin; Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin; MoHE Secretary-General Datuk Ts. Dr. Aminuddin Hassim; and Director-General of Higher Education, Department of Higher Education, MoHE, Datuk Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman.
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