Global aerospace and defense leader Leonardo has formally launched its Regional Cyber Center in Kuala Lumpur, a prominent investment that solidifies Malaysia’s standing as a strategic cybersecurity hub for Southeast Asia and the Far East. Inaugurated on December 3, 2025, the center integrates into Leonardo’s Global CyberSec Center (GCC) network, joining an elite group of federated hubs in Chieti, Bristol, Brussels, and Riyadh.
The center leverages Leonardo’s proprietary Global CyberSec Platform to provide end-to-end cyber resilience, with a specific focus on transforming critical national infrastructures, such as the National Cloud and National Security Operation Centers, into autonomous strategic assets. Andrea Campora, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Cyber & Security Solutions Division, emphasized that “cyber self-reliance is the new currency of stability.” The facility utilizes AI-driven orchestration to manage thousands of critical alerts, having recorded over 35,000 alerts in its first month of trial operations. Managed primarily by a local team of 40 specialists, the facility is designed to produce “immaterial goods”security, trust, and digital confidenceessential for national resilience. This technological infusion is paired with a commitment to local talent, as Leonardo aims to transfer methodologies and ethics vital for long-term digital autonomy.
The launch is a direct result of enhanced bilateral ties between Malaysia and Italy, following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s 2024 visit. With Malaysia’s digital economy now contributing 25.5% of the national GDP, the government has prioritized data sovereignty, expressing keen interest in studying Italy’s sovereign cloud model. As Malaysia concludes its ASEAN chairmanship, the presence of this AI-powered center sends a strong market signal, positioning the nation as one of the most competitive technology and cybersecurity destinations in the region.
(Sources: Leonardo S.p.A.; New Straits Times)
