Fahmi pushes quantum-safe communications as cybersecurity enters a new era

Doha, November 9 — Malaysia is contemplating a faster transition to quantum-based communication systems to bolster national data protection in light of emerging quantum computing capabilities, according to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. The minister has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to engage in discussions with the National Security Council (MKN), the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa), and telecommunications providers to explore potential joint efforts in this area.

Fahmi highlighted that these endeavors would entail setting up a research and development (R&D) hub to streamline and enhance Malaysia's quantum migration.

During his exploration of various technological advancements at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha 2026, the minister expressed keen interest in quantum-safe communication. Quantum-safe communication is a rapidly growing field of technology essential for the future of data security. Fahmi emphasized that the advent of quantum computers in the market would pose significant challenges to current cryptographic and encryption methods used to secure data.

As such, quantum migration and quantum-safe communication are anticipated to become paramount challenges for many nations in the forthcoming years.

Beyond quantum technology, Fahmi's visit to the exhibition booths also afforded him the opportunity to investigate diverse innovations such as the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into smart city services and security frameworks. Quantum migration entails upgrading current digital security systems to utilize quantum-resistant encryption mechanisms designed to shield data from potential threats posed by upcoming quantum computers.