Malaysia faces skill gaps in cybersecurity and audit amid tech boom

Malaysia’s rapid expansion in digital infrastructure, particularly in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and data centres, is creating significant challenges for governance and cybersecurity.

A joint report by the Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia (IIAM) and Hays Malaysia indicates that while nearly 70% of audit teams use advanced analytics or AI, a critical skill gap remains. Approximately 81% of auditors report a need for deeper training in AI capabilities to keep pace with the country’s goal of becoming an AI Nation by 2030. Additionally, high talent turnover is being driven by salary disparities, with 63% of auditors actively seeking new opportunities.

Complementing these findings, cybersecurity experts from Positive Technologies suggest that Malaysia must prioritize cybersecurity investment in data centres and critical digital infrastructure over the next three to five years. The company emphasizes that security must be embedded into infrastructure from the outset rather than retrofitted. While Malaysia has a strong pipeline of graduates, there is a notable shortage of specialized professionals capable of protecting operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems within data centre campuses.