Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announced the signing of a strategic agreement with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia at LEAP 2022 in Riyadh. This initiative will aim to maximize investment in hybrid cloud security solutions, endpoint protection, network security, and extended detection and response against security threats, all through the launch of a Trend Micro local cloud data lake for cybersecurity SaaS solutions in the Kingdom. These efforts are built on Trend Micro"s continued commitment which includes the establishment of its MEA headquarters in Riyadh, enhancing cooperation in the field of data sovereignty, hosting cloud computing solutions for cyber security, exchanging knowledge and experiences on best practices protecting the nation’s digital agenda. Furthermore, it secures users in the government sector, while significantly strengthening the Kingdom’s digital economy and safeguarding the development of innovations. Under the patronage of H.E Vice Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Haitham bin Abdulrahman Al-Ohali, the strategic agreement was signed by Eng. Nawaf Al-Hoshan, Deputy Minister for Technology at Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Dr. Moataz Bin Ali, Vice President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Trend Micro. According to the strategic agreement, the ministry will support the company"s plan to expand the implementation of its solutions by motivating decision-makers in government agencies, and entities affiliated with the communications and information technology system, to adopt the company"s solutions and services. These industry-leading innovations aim to protect the country’s cybersecurity environments including hybrid cloud workloads, endpoints, networks improving detection and response against cyber security risks. The company will also establish a center of excellence in the field of cybersecurity within the country, as it will host expert resources capable of providing clients, from the public and private sectors, with the necessary advisory expertise and services required to secure the country’s visions. “We cannot stress enough on the importance of this partnership in empowering the Kingdom’s digital journey,” said Eng. Nawaf Al-Hoshan, Deputy Minister for Technology at Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. “Its contribution to developing the country’s digital capabilities and enabling our IT professionals to digitally reinforce the nation’s security stance will help accelerate the advancement towards the vision 2030 goals and prepare to adapt and overcome future challenges at every stage.” “IT security is a critical component of any digital transformation journey. We are proud to be the first global cybersecurity company to establish its regional headquarters in the Kingdom and announce the launch of a cloud data lake for SaaS solutions locally,” said Dr Moataz Bin Ali, Vice President and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Trend Micro. “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology exemplifies Trend Micro"s dedication as a trusted partner to enhance the Kingdom’s digital environment while making it a safe place for corporate investments. Initiatives of this nature reaffirm our company"s commitment to providing the most robust and multilayered solutions safeguarding an entire nation’s digital ambitions.” In line with Trend Micro"s ongoing commitment to fortifying the digital infrastructure of Saudi Arabia, the total investment entailing its Riyadh headquarters, the local cloud data lake, programs such as the Technical Incubation Program and initiatives on Internet safety for children and families will exceed 200 million Saudi riyals.