KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 28): The information technology industry in Malaysia is already experiencing a shortage of cybersecurity talent and could use a government-led initiative to expedite the development of a talent pipeline.

In an email interview, DE-CIX Malaysia and Singapore management board member Wong Weng Yew told theedgemarkets.com that the time is nigh for the government to have an allocation to incentivise the development of a robust cyber talent pipeline.

DE-CIX is a carrier- and data-centre-neutral internet exchange point headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany.

"Initiatives such as the provision of grants to promote cybersecurity awareness campaigns to the public, cybersecurity R&D (research and development) and skills development at the schools and universities will align the industry towards the building of a long-term strong cybersecurity talent foundation," he said.

To a question if Malaysia is spending enough to safeguard the country and citizens against cyberthreats, Wong said the country has a great budget allocation for cybersecurity infrastructure establishment.

"Perhaps we could use more investments into enhancing the cybersecurity skills and R&D," he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on Budget 2023 tabled recently, Wong said it is clear that the government intends to maximise the potential of the digital economy, particularly its focus on enhancing the 5G ecosystem which objectively will benefit the industry and the nation as a whole.

He said the government's allocation of a total of RM73 million to strengthen cybersecurity in Malaysia will enhance the monitoring, detection, and reporting of cybersecurity threats at a time when fraud has become increasingly prevalent.

"As the cybersecurity issue touches all types of businesses, the demand for cybersecurity know-how and talents has been growing rapidly.

"I hope this Budget will include initiatives to strengthen and replenish our cybersecurity talent pool," he said.