by ASILA JALIL / pic credit: siemens-energy.com

SIEMENS Energy AG aims to attract an investment inflow of more than RM10 million in the next two years through its managed detection response (MDR) operational technology cyber security operations centre in Cyberjaya.

The centre positions Malaysia as a hub for cyber defence technology in the Asia Pacific region especially in a climate of increasing cyber security threats and ongoing digitalisation of energy infrastructure globally.

“The outcome of the energy transition will be determined in Asia Pacific. To effectively transform the energy landscape, it is critical we fortify the cyber defences of critical operating infrastructure throughout the energy value chain to be more secure and resilient,” said Siemens Asia Pacific senior VP Samuel Morillon during the ground breaking ceremony of the centre in Cyberjaya yesterday.

The MDR solutions would enable energy and industrial customers to identify vulnerabilities, monitor anomalies and pre-empt attacks before damage occurs.

The centre’s capabilities include security incident response management, threat intelligence management, risk-based vulnerability management and threat hunting.

Marking a major milestone in Malaysia’s cyber security ambitions, the centre aims to service customers globally in the future.

This investment will also support Malaysia to groom future cyber talent.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority deputy CEO Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja said the project by Siemens would create high value jobs for the locals as cyber security is still relatively new in Malaysia.

“This project also aligns with MyDigital aspirations where we want to provide 20,000 jobs in the cyber security space,” he said.

He said the project is vital in attracting high technology investments as advanced technology projects require services from companies like Siemens to manage cybersecurity threats.

This would highly benefit foreign companies that want to ensure their operations in Malaysia are secured and they are also able to take preventive measures by utilising the system.

“The services offered by Siemens are for new investors and existing companies because they are critical in the cyber security arena,” he added.