27/04/2026

MONDAY | APR 27, 2026 3 ‘Breaking into sector takes more than technology’ KUALA LUMPUR: In Malaysia’s defence sector, breaking in is not just about building technology – it is about proving legitimacy in an industry still heavily shaped by foreign dominance, entrenched networks and credibility barriers that continue to shut out new local players. In this environment, Malaysian firms say capability alone is not enough to secure a foothold, with access and trust often proving just as critical as technical output. For Shah Maju Global Sdn Bhd director terms of my capabilities, experience and credibility. However, I chose not to fight perception with words but with results. “I focused on discipline, consistency and building a strong network. By ensuring every project was completed to a high standard, trust was built little by little,” she told theSun in a written response after DSA 2026. Her entry into the sector did not begin in defence. Anissa said her interest developed through exposure to high-impact operational environments, particularly logistics and field support, where she observed gaps between operational needs and available solutions. That experience eventually led to the establishment of Shah Maju Global in 2012, which has since grown from a small supplier into a company operating across the defence and security supply chain – spanning logistics, tactical equipment, operational support systems and drone-based technologies. “We started with a very specific product, but with a strong focus on quality, durability and the real needs of the user. “From there, we built relationships with agencies and understood their operational requirements more deeply. “The growth happened organically, from one product to multiple solutions. The key was always the ability to listen to the customer’s needs and respond quickly with practical solutions.” That evolution was on display at DSA and NATSEC Asia 2026, where Shah Maju Global unveiled “The Ghost”, a locally developed high speed interceptor drone designed to counter hostile small-drone threats. Anissa said “The Ghost” weighs about 650g and can reach speeds of up to 300kph, with the project valued at more than RM1 million. She said the system was developed by five young Malaysian engineers at Shah Maju Global’s research and development facility in Wangsa Maju, reflecting a growing push towards homegrown defence innovation. Anissa said the drone has an operating range of 10km to 15km, a ceiling of up to five kilometres above sea level, a flight endurance of up to 15 minutes and can carry an additional payload of up to 350g. She added that its compact 230mm wheelbase is designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency during interception missions. Despite the technical progress, Anissa said the bigger question for Malaysia is not capability but direction – whether local firms will remain dependent users of foreign systems or evolve into technology builders. “At the end of the day, the question is simple: do we want to remain users or become builders of our own technology?” – By Faiz Ruzman Syarifah Nur Anissa Syed Shabahar (pic) , that reality has defined her journey in an industry where credibility is closely guarded and rarely given without proof. “At the early stage, I was often questioned in

An exhibitor briefing visitors to the exhibition on the functions of a specialised drone. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Local defence firms fight uphill battle for recognition

He added that the initiative is among the government’s proactive measures in addressing the challenges of an ageing population, with the latest statistics showing that those aged 65 and above have reached eight per cent of the population in 2025. “Outreach programmes or approaches that extend services to rural areas are crucial to ensure no one is left behind, particularly among vulnerable or high-risk groups. “We want to ensure that healthcare services and care continue to be delivered comprehensively, with a focus on senior citizens, the infirm, persons with disabilities, as well as those living in remote areas,” he said. – Bernama country will work with us.” At the same time, he acknowledged that full independence from foreign defence technology is unlikely, with collaboration remaining part of the model. “I do not think 100% local is possible. But you must have the passion, the commitment and the belief to keep pushing. “Do not look at defence in a narrow way. Look at the sovereignty of the technology, its civilian applications, the quality jobs it can create and the wider value it can bring. “The real challenge is making people believe this will work – not just that it looks exciting or glamorous, but that it is serious, sustainable and worth long-term commitment from the government and the military.” On April 22, Nizra Industries unveiled its Arkon AI-driven C4ISR system at DSA 2026 – a Malaysia-developed command-and-control platform designed to integrate sensors, unmanned systems, personnel and command units into a unified, real-time operational network. Nik Iruwan said the system, while already tested, remains under development. “Arkon is only 5% of what it can be. There is so much potential. But even that five per cent is already a breakthrough. “The drone platform has already been tested. The wider system is still being developed and after DSA we hope to move into further testing with the military.”

o Companies face steep barriers in industry dominated by foreign giants, says Malaysian player

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“I have stressed that there is no health without oral health, as it reflects the crucial role of dental health in maintaining overall well being,” he said when met after launching the 6020 Campaign and the National-level Kembara Senyuman 2026 programme yesterday. Dzulkefly said to ensure the target is achieved, the ministry will roll out the Kembara Senyuman initiative nationwide, offering services such as denture provision directly to communities, care centres and rural areas. He said efforts to ensure no one is left behind in accessing oral healthcare will include the use of 3D digital technology to produce high-quality dentures quickly. automotive sector in 2016 and later entering the defence industry in 2019. He said the company had to move quickly after identifying an opportunity, investing in capabilities even before securing its first contract. “After we won that first one, I felt anything was possible and we kept going. But obviously it was not as easy as I thought. “We expanded into different capabilities – from military land mobility systems to weapons radar, unmanned systems and then integrated systems, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence. “All of that happened within five years, but there was a lot of work behind it, even on projects we did not win.” On competing with international players, he said local firms should not be measured as if they are already on equal footing with established global vendors. “We cannot compare ourselves directly with overseas players. I just want to be humble about that. But in defence, we need sovereign technology. If our country does not use it, who else is going to use it? That is why I believe local capability matters and I believe my

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s ambition to build sovereign defence capability is colliding with a hard reality – local firms say they are still being edged out of their own industry by entrenched foreign players, credibility barriers and a system that rewards established track records over new entrants. Nizra Industries CEO Nik Iruwan Nik Izani said the difficulty of entering the defence space was far greater than he had anticipated. “I did not know how difficult it was to get a defence contract. When I came in, a lot of people were against it and not many supported it. Then we saw who we were up against – the big boys. In this industry, it is not just about putting in a good proposal and doing the work. “Track record matters and relationships at the higher levels matter too,” he told theSun during the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (NATSEC) 2026 exhibition last week. Nik Iruwan began his career in motorsport in the early 2000s before moving into the

Ministry plan for dental health of seniors KUALA SELANGOR: The Health Ministry is targeting more than 50% of senior citizens to retain at least 20 natural teeth by 2030, in line with the National Oral Health Strategic Plan 2022-2030.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said based on the National Oral Health Survey of Adults (Nohsa) 2020, only 34.3% of senior citizens have at least 20 natural teeth, while 13.9% experience oral functional limitations that affect their quality of life. “Teeth are the gateway to the body. We want to ensure this gateway continues to function and protect against various risks, including infections and food-related issues, which are very important.