KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry has outlined five issues that require attention and strategic consideration in its mid-term review of the Defence White Paper.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the five are the preparedness and readiness of the Force of the Future; adaptation of AI (artificial intelligence), big data and digitisation by the ministry and the Armed Forces; attention to the defence industry; empowerment of reserve forces and defence diplomacy.
"As we prepare this mid-term review of the Defence White Paper, it becomes imperative to conduct a comprehensive review.
"Numerous developments on local, regional, and global scales necessitate a recalibration of our defence strategies and priorities," he said in his speech at the kick-off and launch of Mid-term Review of the Defence White Paper at Wisma Perwira, here, today.
Present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.
In terms of preparedness and readiness of the Force of the Future, Khaled said it must understood in a broader context and not be limited to having more personnel or acquisitions of more assets.
"We must look at various other strategic needs, such as the need for a specific force to focus on non-traditional threats, such as cyber security, digital threats and electromagnetic defence.
"Many countries and major defence powers have now begun to give serious attention to this aspect more openly and innovatively."
He added Singapore had taken a step forward with the establishment of the Digital and Intelligence Services (DIS) under the Singapore Armed Forces in 2022.
"In terms of adaptation of AI, big data and digitisation, there are combined functions that can help the ministry and the Armed Forces.
"Summarised as 5T- threats monitoring, trends analysis, tracking performance, transformation driver and touch point platform."
As for attention to the defence industry, Khaled said it should be looked into more strategically and realistic.
"Aspects such as the empowerment of local talent, strategic collaboration with larger and more experienced players and the development of local content must be among
important focus."
On the empowerment of the reserve force, Khaled said the Defense White Paper has clearly outlined the roles and functions of the reserve force in the defence ecosystem.
"However, we are aware that one of the challenges is to attract the interest of the community to join the Armed Forces and serve together.
"As such, I proposed that we have a clear target to recruit, train and have an optimal number of reserve forces at one time.
"Last, the defence diplomacy; there are many latest developments that show how non-traditional approaches have a huge impact on the spectrum of world defence and security.
"Attention to the latest developments should give valuable lessons for us. Specifically, non-traditional elements or approaches in the defence aspect."
Khaled added as affirmed in the Defence White Paper, Malaysia stands not only as a a maritime nation deeply rooted in continental heritage.
"But we aspire to ensure continuous peace and prosperity in this country and region."
