Putrajaya Forum Urges ASEAN to Strengthen Digital Readiness and Elevate Climate Security as Core Defence Priority
KUALA LUMPUR: As global security dynamics continue to evolve under the influence of rapid technological advancements, Southeast Asian nations are being urged to enhance their strategic readiness by prioritising information dominance and integrating climate security into their defence frameworks.
These themes were central to discussions at the Putrajaya Forum, held alongside Defence Services Asia 2026 and National Security Asia 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
The forum, themed “Asean Security at the Edge of Emerging Technologies”, brought together regional leaders, defence experts, and industry stakeholders to examine the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and digital integration.
In his keynote address, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah underscored the importance of governance and regulatory oversight in the deployment of such technologies.
He cautioned that while AI is expected to become exponentially more powerful in the coming decades, technological capability alone does not guarantee positive outcomes without strong ethical and value-based guidance.
“Power does not equate to wisdom. The values embedded within these systems will determine whether they serve humanity or pose a threat,” he said.
He further emphasised that questions surrounding the ethical use of technology are matters of governance and statecraft, requiring active involvement from policymakers and national leaders.
Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin echoed these views, highlighting that future security will depend on the ability to harness and act on information effectively.
He noted that modern warfare is undergoing a fundamental shift, where digital capabilities such as data processing, AI, and integrated command systems are becoming more critical than traditional military hardware.
“Information dominance will define strategic advantage. The ability to respond faster and more accurately based on data will determine success in future conflicts,” he said.
Drawing lessons from recent global conflicts, Khaled pointed out that cost-effective technologies, particularly drones, have proven to be highly impactful, often outperforming more expensive conventional systems in certain operational contexts.
Beyond military considerations, the forum also highlighted climate change as a growing security concern that must not be overlooked.
Sultan Nazrin described climate change as a critical threat that directly affects national stability through factors such as displacement, food insecurity, and resource pressures.
“Climate security is not a secondary issue. It must be treated as a central pillar of national and regional security planning,” he stressed.
-wilayah.com.my
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