KUALA LUMPUR: Significant investment in new ideas, efforts and resources is highly necessary at this time to ensure non-traditional security risks and emerging trends can be addressed. 

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said all parties need to enhance defence diplomacy by keeping tabs on the current predicament and leveraging the advantages offered by emerging technologies.

He added that the direction that we are headed now is to accelerate creative and effective defence solutions, embedded in responsible technological adoption. 

"It is ultimately, advancing shared security interests and strengthening defence capabilities.

"New technologies that offer practical solutions should be the epicentre of diplomatic ties and international partnership negotiations," he said at the Putrajaya Forum 2024 in conjunction with the Asia Defence Services Exhibition and Asia National Security Exhibition 2024 here today.

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. 

By having effectively streamlined coordination and expedited decision-making, these technologies warrant a dedicated research and investment focus.

Based on that matter, the minister said all parties should come together to discuss various issues related to non-traditional security, such as how countries can collaboratively adopt new technologies at regional and global levels. 

He emphasised the need to facilitate the sharing of current information through big data initiatives with the cooperation of key stakeholders. 

"We also need to discuss how developing countries can cooperate with others to catch up with their more advanced peers."

Mohamed Khaled added that dealing with non-traditional security risks also requires the involvement of the younger generation. 

"With their deep interest and familiarity with emerging new technologies, the younger generation can offer fresh insights and perspectives. 

"Investing in the next generation will ensure that they are equipped with a range of skills to tackle future challenges," he noted. 

The Putrajaya Forum 2024, with the theme "Non-Traditional Threat and Emerging Technologies" is an international conference platform aimed at bringing together policy makers, think tanks, defense, and security agencies regionally and internationally. 

The conference translates its focus through session dialogues and constructive open discussions among participants, covering the ideology of knowledge sharing, identifying common priorities, exploring innovative solutions and strengthening partnerships for sustainable regional and international security and prosperity.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2024/05/1046865/defence-minister-how-address-non-traditional-security-risks