KUALA LUMPUR, 21 April 2026 – Malaysia must urgently prepare for the rise of quantum computing, as the emerging technology is set to reshape industries, cybersecurity, and global competitiveness, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Speaking on the country’s digital future, Gobind stressed that quantum computing is not a distant concept but a transformational force already taking shape, requiring early policy, infrastructure, and talent readiness.
A Technology That Could Redefine Everything
Quantum computing represents a major leap beyond classical computing, with the potential to:
- Solve complex problems exponentially faster
- Transform sectors such as finance, healthcare, logistics, and energy
- Break existing encryption systems, posing risks to data security
Experts warn that current encryption standards, widely used in banking, communications, and government systems could become vulnerable in the quantum era, making early preparation critical.
Gobind’s warning reflects growing global consensus:
➡️ Countries that prepare early will gain a strategic advantage
➡️ Those that lag risk technological and economic disruption
Cybersecurity at the Core of the Quantum Challenge
One of the most immediate risks lies in cybersecurity.
Quantum computers have the capability to:
- Break widely used encryption algorithms such as RSA
- Expose sensitive data stored today to future decryption (“harvest now, decrypt later” risks)
Malaysia has already begun exploring post-quantum cryptography (PQC,— new encryption standards designed to withstand quantum attacks as part of its digital defence strategy.
This highlights a critical shift:
➡️ Quantum readiness is not just about innovation, it is about national security
Malaysia’s Early Moves in Quantum Strategy
Malaysia is taking initial steps to position itself in the quantum landscape:
- Plans for a National Quantum Policy and Task Force to coordinate preparedness
- Establishment of a Quantum Intelligence Centre led by national research agency MIMOS
- Broader push to integrate quantum computing into its AI-driven digital economy roadmap
The government has also signalled ambitions to become a regional quantum hub by 2035, leveraging partnerships, talent development, and research infrastructure.
Race for Talent and Infrastructure
Despite early initiatives, Malaysia faces structural challenges in scaling its quantum ambitions:
- Limited local expertise in quantum hardware and advanced research
- Need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry
- High capital requirements compared to global leaders
Countries such as China and the European Union are already investing billions into quantum technology, intensifying the global race.
This creates urgency for Malaysia to:
- Develop specialised talent pipelines
- Attract global partnerships
- Build scalable infrastructure
The Ledger Asia Insights
1. Quantum Computing Is the Next Strategic Frontier
Beyond AI, quantum technology will define the next wave of digital transformation.
2. Cybersecurity Risks Are Immediate, Not Theoretical
Encryption vulnerabilities make early adoption of post-quantum solutions critical.
3. Malaysia Is Moving But Needs Acceleration
Existing initiatives lay the groundwork, but scaling execution will determine competitiveness.
4. Asia’s Quantum Race Is Intensifying
Regional economies are positioning early to capture technological and economic advantages.
Preparing for a Quantum Future
Gobind’s call reflects a broader shift in thinking, from reacting to technological change to anticipating disruption before it happens.
Quantum computing may still be evolving, but its implications are already shaping policy decisions, investment strategies, and national priorities.
The quantum era is approaching and preparedness today will determine competitiveness tomorrow.
