03/10/2025

BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | OCT 3, 2025

FOLLOW

ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper

16

@thesundaily

Cyber force to be established under Defence Ministry

Malaysia re-elected to ICAO Council for 2025-2028

long-term value while positioning Camaroe as a driver of Malaysia’s aquaculture industry.” M & A Securities Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Bill Tan said: “Camaroe’s successful listing on the ACE Market is a reflection of its solid fundamentals and compelling growth story. The Group’s vertically integrated model, expanding international footprint, and commitment to biosecurity and sustainability positions it well to capitalise on the growing global demand for premium black tiger prawns. We are proud to support Camaroe in achieving this significant milestone.” AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “Travel remains central to connecting economies, trade and cultures worldwide – and Malaysia’s stronger mandate at the ICAO elections reflects the world’s growing confidence in our aviation leadership. For AirAsia, it reinforces the role we have played in pioneering low cost travel and positioning Kuala Lumpur as the world’s leading LCC Megahub. More importantly, it highlights Malaysia’s progress as a champion of affordable, sustainable and inclusive connectivity.” Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said: “Malaysia’s re-election to the ICAO Council is a moment of great pride and a clear affirmation of our nation’s leadership and credibility in global aviation.” KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s has been re elected to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council as a Part III member for the 2025–2028 term. The elections, held on Sept 30, 2025, during the 42nd Session of the ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada, saw Malaysia secure 154 votes, earning the seventh seat out of the 14 highly contested Part III positions. This marks Malaysia’s seventh consecutive term on the ICAO Council since 2007, reflecting the international community’s continued trust and confidence in Malaysia’s leadership, expertise, and commitment to advancing global civil aviation. Notably, Malaysia’s vote count increased from 136 votes in the 2022 ICAO Council elections, when it ranked 13th out of 14 contenders for the Part III seats, reflecting growing international confidence in its leadership. This also represents the highest number of votes Malaysia has received since 2013. The ICAO Council plays a vital role in shaping international aviation, including establishing safety standards, guiding policy frameworks, and setting strategic priorities for the 193 ICAO Member States. MAG Group managing director, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said: “Malaysia’s re-election to the ICAO Council for the new term reaffirms the nation’s standing as a credible and respected voice in shaping the global aviation agenda. This success reflects the confidence of the international community in Malaysia’s ability to play an active role in guiding policy and strengthening cooperation at the highest level of civil aviation. Malaysia Aviation Group is committed to supporting Malaysia in advancing this mandate, while continuing to contribute to international collaboration that enhances resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth in global aviation.”

o Unit to strengthen national resilience against digital threats

Ű BY HAYATUN RAZAK sunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is setting up a cyber force under the Defence Ministry to strengthen national resilience against digital threats, said Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari. He said the unit, which has so far operated at the division level, will be elevated to the headquarters level once the cyber base is finalised and presented to the Cabinet. “This year, we will raise it, and implementation may begin early next year. It will remain under the Defence Ministry as part of our base,” Adly told a press conference at the closing of Cyber Digital Services, Defence and Security Asia (CyberDSA) 2025 yesterday. He added that the cyber base will be structured under Malaysia’s military base model, placing cyberspace on par with other domains of warfare, such as land, sea, and air. “When properly mandated and armed, the cyber force will enhance our ability to detect, counter and neutralise threats before they escalate.” Adly said the Defence Ministry, through the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division, is

Adly says the cyber base will be structured under Malaysia’s military base model.

touch every layer of national security, economic stability and public trust. “Such episodes reminded us that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it is vital to how we defend our nation and safeguard our society.” Looking ahead, he noted that MINDEF will also focus on building the next generation of cyber talent, citing youth participation in Capture-the-Flag challenges, Cyber Siaga, and other competitions as an essential part of nurturing skills for national resilience. CyberDSA 2025 is jointly hosted by CyberSecurity Malaysia and the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division of the Malaysian Armed Forces, underscoring the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its digital and defence ecosystems.

committed to strengthening and expanding Malaysia’s capabilities in the cyber domain. “Several key steps towards establishing the cyber base have already been completed, with details to be announced at a higher level.” Adly said MINDEF will collaborate with agencies such as the National Cyber Security Agency, as guided by the Defence White Paper, to strengthen cybersecurity readiness. Adly also confirmed that Budget 2026 will allocate funding for both the cyber base and artificial intelligence (AI), which he described as a new requirement for the ministry in strengthening digital defence. “The recent incidents of ransomware demand, which targeted Malaysia’s Airport Holdings Bhd, are a stark reminder that when a critical system is compromised, the ripple effects

M’sia secures export sales worth RM376m at CAEXPO KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) marked a successful conclusion to its participation at the 22nd China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO), held from Sept 17 to 21 in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, by securing impressive sales results. The Pavilion showcased Malaysia’s diverse offerings, ranging from education, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and construction materials to high-value sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence. The KOL live streaming sessions were particularly impactful, attracting nearly 340,000 views and 506,000 likes, underscoring the strong resonance and growing appeal of Malaysian products among Chinese consumers. During the exhibition, over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Memoranda of As part of the programme, Matrade also arranged site visits to key facilities such as the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park (CMQIP) and the China-Asean Mercantile Exchange (CAMEX), enabling Malaysian businesses to gain a deeper understanding of the role these platforms play in facilitating entry into the Chinese market. This year, Malaysia was honoured with multiple recognitions for its role in the 22nd CAEXPO, securing three awards for Special Supporter for AI Cooperation, Best Organiser of Trade Visitors, and for the Best Organiser of Business Promotional Matching Activities. Camaroe makes commendable ACE Market debut, opens at 16 sen per share The Malaysia Pavilion, spearheaded by Matrade, comprises 70 exhibitors, including eight ministries and agencies across multiple sectors, recorded a total sales of RM376.14 million. “Malaysia’s achievements at the 22nd CAEXPO reaffirm the competitiveness of our products and services, and Matrade remains committed to opening more doors for Malaysian businesses to thrive in China and the wider Asean region,” said Matrade CEO Datuk Sri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz. He added that Matrade’s participation in this prominent event reflects their unwavering commitment to supporting Malaysian companies in strengthening their foothold in Malaysia’s largest trading partner, especially in the growing second and third-tier cities such as Nanning, despite the ongoing challenges in global trade. Malaysia’s signature products, namely durian, white coffee, biscuits and bird’s nest, also continued to enjoy strong demand from importers attending the event. The Malaysia Pavilion was officiated Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation. To optimise Malaysia’s 22nd participation at CAEXPO, Matrade collaborated with various reputable partners to organise a series of high impact B2B initiatives. These comprised four targeted business matching programmes, Product Selection Programmes, Product Pitching Sessions, Live Streaming Engagements with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), as well as media interviews with Chinese media, which added further visibility and engagement. Agreement (MoAs), Joint Ventures, and Letters of Intent were exchanged, many of which stemmed from the various B2B initiatives organised by Matrade throughout the event.

KUALA LUMPUR: Camaroe Bhd, an integrated aquaculture group specialising in the farming and processing of black tiger prawns, debuted yesterday on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities, with its share opening at 16 sen, compared to the initial public offering (IPO) price of 14 sen, marking a positive start to its journey as a publicly listed company. Founded in 2009, Camaroe has grown from four ponds to 138 ponds across five coastal prawn farms and a dedicated processing facility in Kapar, Selangor. The group processes live and frozen black

initiatives (RM0.39 million); establishment of a biotechnology department (RM1 million); working capital requirements (RMRM0.96 million) and listing expenses (RM3.90 million). Independent non-executive chairman Datuk Zainal Azman Abu Seman said: “Today’s listing is a milestone in Camaroe’s journey from a small farm in 2009 to a fully integrated aquaculture group specialising in black tiger prawns. “The IPO proceeds will enable us to build our new Bukit Raja processing facility and strengthen R&D through a dedicated biotechnology department. We remain committed to delivering

tiger prawns, both head-on shell-on and peeled to both domestic wholesalers and overseas importers in China, South Korea, and Taiwan as well as local wholesalers. Through the IPO, Camaroe raised RM13.86 million in gross proceeds from the issuance of 99.00 million new shares. The proceeds will be channelled towards RM6.89 million for the construction of a new processing facility in Bukit Raja, purchase of machinery and equipment to increase operational efficiency (RM0.73 million); installation of solar panels to support the group’s sustainability