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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to elevate its defence ties with South Korea into a strategic and practical industry partnership, reflecting both nations’ shared commitment to peace, security and technological advancement, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).
He said the Malaysia-South Korea partnership, which has steadily grown in strength and significance, has reached a milestone following the decision by both countries to deepen defence and security cooperation, including closer collaboration in the industry and tackling non-traditional threats such as cybercrime.
"Malaysia is ready to learn from South Korea’s expertise, embrace technology transfer, and pursue co-development and co-production,” he said in his keynote address at the Malaysia-Korea Third Defence Industry Cooperation Seminar here on Monday (Sept 22).
Also in attendance were the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia, Yeo Sung-Bae, and Vice Chairman of the Republic of Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kwon Dae Won.
Mohamed Khaled stressed that Malaysia regards South Korea as a trusted friend and capable partner, highlighting Seoul’s world-class defence industry, which spans aerospace, surveillance, cyber defence, and advanced manufacturing.
"Dialogue alone is not enough. This is the moment to act, from goodwill to outcome, from mere partnership to constructive progress. Malaysia believes that with Korea's guidance and friendship, our defence industry will change our aspiration into our achievement," he said.
He said Malaysia’s defence partnership with South Korea is timely, given the rapidly evolving global security landscape where threats have expanded beyond conventional domains into cyberspace, outer space, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
"When we succeed, our collaboration will not only enhance our national security but also contribute to peace and stability in the wider region," he said.
Mohamed Khaled added that Malaysia is expediting a government-to-government (G2G) procurement agreement with South Korea, expected to be tabled for Cabinet approval by October.
Once endorsed, South Korea will become the second country, after Turkiye, to formalise such an exclusive arrangement with Malaysia.
"However, collaboration on defence procurement is just not about buying from you. It is also about your willingness to share, transfer and help build our companies and our industry.
He added that Malaysia has much to learn from South Korea, but more importantly, both countries stand to gain even more from a pragmatic defence industry partnership.
Meanwhile, the seminar was attended by about 150 participants, including officials, academics and defence industry representatives from both countries.
It featured presentations on artificial intelligence (AI) policies as well as discussions on the application of AI in defence and potential areas for further collaboration.
More than 20 Malaysian defence companies, together with representatives from major South Korean defence firms, also participated, fostering meaningful exchanges between government and private sector stakeholders from both countries. - Bernama
