Meta partners Daily FT-CICRA 11th Annual Cyber Security CEO Forum and Summit 2025

Meta Director of Public Policy – South and Central Asia Sarim Aziz

In an era of rapid digital transformation, the need for robust cybersecurity has never been more critical. As Sri Lanka accelerates its digital adoption, the nation has seen remarkable growth in ICT skills and activism. However, the understanding and implementation of strong cybersecurity measures remain a pressing challenge, leaving key sectors like banking, finance, and telecommunications vulnerable to emerging threats.

The 11th Annual Cyber Security Summit 2025, set for 17 and 18 September and organised by the Daily FT and CICRA Campus, comes at a pivotal time as cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, particularly with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven attacks. This year’s Summit will uniquely focus on AI as a double-edged sword in cybersecurity, exploring both its risks and its potential as a powerful defence mechanism.

Co-Host CICRA Holdings Group Director/CEO Boshan Dayaratne said: “This year’s Summit stands apart from the past 10 editions, as we bring together global experts to tackle the most urgent issues in AI and cybersecurity. On one hand, AI-powered cyber attacks pose a massive global threat, complicating forensic investigations. On the other, AI can be harnessed to detect, prevent, and mitigate these attacks. This duality is the central theme of this year’s Summit. We are thrilled to have Meta partnering us to bring invaluable insights on the role of social media, AI, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) in both cyber threats and defence strategies.” 

The keynote of the session. “AI Governance Models and Frameworks: What is Best for Asia?” will be delivered by Meta Director of Public Policy – South and Central Asia Sarim Aziz.

Aziz leads the company’s strategic engagement on technology policy, regulation, and platform governance across the region. A recognised expert in digital technologies, sociopolitical dynamics, and digital economy growth, he is focused on navigating the complex policy landscape surrounding AI, privacy, security, and inclusive digital transformation.

With a career dedicated to the intersection of innovation, policy, and market expansion, Aziz has been a key figure at Meta since 2016. His tenure includes spearheading major platform integrations and global product partnerships. Prior to Meta, he held senior leadership roles at BlackBerry and Hootsuite, building a deep well of experience in the tech industry.

His leadership extends beyond Meta, having previously served as Vice-Chair of the Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), a leading industry association that advocates for the world’s foremost internet and technology companies on ICT policy challenges throughout the Asia Pacific. 

The summit will feature a series of engaging events designed to address cybersecurity from multiple perspectives. The Youth Summit on Cyber Security will empower the next generation with crucial awareness and skills. On the evening of 17 September, top executives will gather for the exclusive CEO’s Forum, discussing “AI as Your Greatest Asset and Your Newest Vulnerability.”

The following day, 18 September, a full-day conference will bring together global and local experts to explore AI, cyber defence strategies, and policy frameworks. The event will conclude with the popular Night Hack, a dynamic, hands-on challenge where participants test their cybersecurity skills in real-time scenarios. Together, these sessions aim to foster collaboration, innovation, and actionable insights to strengthen digital resilience.

The 11th Annual Cyber Security Summit 2025 is set to be a landmark event for Sri Lanka, fostering collaboration between international and local experts to strengthen the nation’s digital resilience.