Defense Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said that the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) must go beyond traditional military cooperation in order to respond to new and non-traditional threats that cross borders and dimensions.
He pointed out that modern security challenges such as cyberattacks, disinformation, and digital manipulation now pose significant threats just like territorial disputes, which requires ASEAN to adopt technological foresight, cybersecurity cooperation, and shared innovation.
In his opening speech at the 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting today, he said: “Whether on land, at sea, or in cyberspace, we can no longer neglect any field of security. Powerful non-state actors use technology as a weapon, disrupting societies, toppling governments, and damaging critical infrastructure through cyberattacks, spreading disinformation, and digital manipulation.
“If we do not invest in responding to these threats, we will not be able to secure our future.”
In addition, Khaled Nordin said that ASEAN's increasingly strong convening power demonstrates the international community's trust and confidence in the neutral and inclusive approach that ASEAN adopts on regional security issues.
He said that ASEAN's two enduring strengths—internal unity and external openness—enable the regional bloc to continue to serve as a trusted, reliable, and neutral host in the regional security agenda.
Khaled Nordin also expressed gratitude to Thailand and Cambodia for entrusting Malaysia to help advance peaceful solutions to border disputes, and thanked other ASEAN member states and partners such as the United States for continuing to support these efforts.
“I call on all ASEAN countries to not only support this peace initiative but also to promote and accelerate the formation of the ASEAN observer group.
“We share the hope that peace and trust will continue to grow among us, because this is about more than just border issues; it reflects ASEAN's reputation, as well as its ability to earn trust and peacefully resolve conflicts.”
Khaled Nordin reiterated that ASEAN's centrality must continue to serve as the region's guiding principle, anchored by a collective commitment to always put ASEAN interests first.
He said that only through unity can ASEAN remain strong and cohesive, and continue to serve as the region's primary platform for dialogue and cooperation.
The 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting and the 12th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) will be held from today until November 2, with the participation of eight expanded dialogue partners: the United States, Russia, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
In his opening speech at the 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting today, he said: “Whether on land, at sea, or in cyberspace, we can no longer neglect any field of security. Powerful non-state actors use technology as a weapon, disrupting societies, toppling governments, and damaging critical infrastructure through cyberattacks, spreading disinformation, and digital manipulation.
“If we do not invest in responding to these threats, we will not be able to secure our future.”
In addition, Khaled Nordin said that ASEAN's increasingly strong convening power demonstrates the international community's trust and confidence in the neutral and inclusive approach that ASEAN adopts on regional security issues.
He said that ASEAN's two enduring strengths—internal unity and external openness—enable the regional bloc to continue to serve as a trusted, reliable, and neutral host in the regional security agenda.
Khaled Nordin also expressed gratitude to Thailand and Cambodia for entrusting Malaysia to help advance peaceful solutions to border disputes, and thanked other ASEAN member states and partners such as the United States for continuing to support these efforts.
“I call on all ASEAN countries to not only support this peace initiative but also to promote and accelerate the formation of the ASEAN observer group.
“We share the hope that peace and trust will continue to grow among us, because this is about more than just border issues; it reflects ASEAN's reputation, as well as its ability to earn trust and peacefully resolve conflicts.”
Khaled Nordin reiterated that ASEAN's centrality must continue to serve as the region's guiding principle, anchored by a collective commitment to always put ASEAN interests first.
He said that only through unity can ASEAN remain strong and cohesive, and continue to serve as the region's primary platform for dialogue and cooperation.
The 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting and the 12th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) will be held from today until November 2, with the participation of eight expanded dialogue partners: the United States, Russia, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.