Kuala Lumpur, Friday, 23 February 2024 – HELP University and Macquarie University have officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on offering micro-credential courses and other programmes in cyber security. This landmark partnership between two esteemed institutions signals a concerted effort to tackle the escalating cyber threats facing the ASEAN region.
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the demand for robust cyber security education cannot be overstated. Recognising this need, Macquarie University’s Cyber Skills Academy and HELP University’s Institute for Professional and Executive Development (IPED) strengthen the synergy by offering programmes to bridge the cyber security skills gap in ASEAN and Malaysia, fostering innovation and bolstering regional cyber security
The shared vision between the two universities encompasses a multifaceted approach aimed at positioning the ASEAN region as a leader in cyber resilience and innovation. Specifically, the partnership is geared towards addressing the critical market need for cyber security and digital skills training in Malaysia and across ASEAN countries.
The global cyber security market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with significant potential in cyber security training. With a projected leap in valuation from USD $1.9 billion in 2022 to USD $12.1 billion by 2026, there is a pressing need for accessible and industry-aligned cyber security training. Moreover, corporate governance is evolving to integrate cyber security expertise, with 70% of corporate boards projected to have such expertise by 2026.
Positioned within the economically vibrant ASEAN region, Malaysia faces significant cyber threats, with an average of 84 million cyber-attacks daily. Despite its digital maturity, cyber security investments in Malaysia remain disproportionately low in relation to its GDP.
The key objectives of this partnership include addressing the cyber security skills gap in the ASEAN region, delivering tailored cyber education for ASEAN’s unique landscape, and empowering the next generation of cyber professionals through joint collaboration and industry partnerships.
By setting and upholding global industry standards, providing clear educational pathways for continuous learning, and preparing a workforce ready for industry demands, the collaboration with Australia’s leading cyber education university aims to create a transformative impact on the cyber security landscape in ASEAN and beyond.
Professor Dr. Andy Liew Teik Kooi, Vice-Chancellor of HELP University, stresses, “The vital importance of equipping a wide array of stakeholders with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the digital age. In our collaboration with Macquarie University, we are uniting efforts to address cybersecurity challenges comprehensively. Recognising that cybersecurity education is indispensable not only for students and professionals but also for government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry associations, non-profit organisations, businesses, and the broader community, we affirm our commitment to enhancing awareness and security education in the ASEAN region. This collaborative initiative underscores the interconnectedness of information and the pervasive nature of the online world, emphasising the need for collective action to safeguard against cyber threats.”
Matthew Bushby, Chief Executive Officer, Macquarie University, Cyber Skills Academy says, “We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with HELP University. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to democratise access to world leading cyber education and develop innovative educational programmes that address the specific cyber security challenges faced by the ASEAN region and Malaysia. Together we can make a tangible difference in fostering cyber resilience, build cyber fluency and driving innovation in this critical field.”
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Media Contacts
Juliet Chan
Director, Corporate Communications
E: juliet.chan@help.edu.my
T: +6 03-2716 2000 ext 2182
Heikal Mutadir
Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications
HELP University
E: heikal.m@help.edu.my
T: +6 03-2716 2000
About HELP University
HELP University was founded in 1986 and it has developed into a leading institution of higher learning in Malaysia. HELP University offers a wide range of social science, and humanities programmes, and is renowned for its psychology, accounting, business, law, education, and IT programmes. The university has embarked on a transformation journey to become the Analytics-Driven Entrepreneurial University.
In 2019, HELP University was awarded the Premier Digital Tech Institution (PDTI) status by the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) for being a leading digital tech-focused institution that produces high quality graduates for the workforce.
In 2020 it was awarded an overall 5 Stars rating by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) an annual publication of university rankings. QS also awarded 5 Stars to HELP for the following categories: Teaching, Employability, Academic Development, Internationalisation, Facilities, Social Responsiveness, Inclusiveness, and Business and Management Studies (MBA). In 2021, HELP University was ranked No 1 among 650 universities in Asia for Outbound Student Exchange programmes by QS Rankings World University Ranking: Asia 2021.
Visit https://university.help.edu.my for more information on HELP University.
About Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia)
Macquarie University, top 1% of Universities globally, is recognised for its pre-eminence in key research disciplines, as well as for producing graduates who are among the most sought-after professionals in the world
Uniquely located in the heart of Australia’s largest high-tech precinct, Macquarie brings together more than 44,000 students and 3000 staff in one thriving hub of discovery.
Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university: one unbound by ivory towers and sandstone walls. Rather, we are focused on fostering collaboration between students, academics, industry and society, encouraging all to traverse the boundaries of their own perspective and affect change.
Macquarie enjoys an enviable reputation for research excellence – 100 per cent of our research is ranked at world standard or above and five of our researchers are ranked in the top one per cent of researchers in the world.
Additionally, three of our subjects are ranked among the top 50 globally, and seven are ranked among the top 100.
Looking to the future, we have developed five research priorities – Healthy People, Resilient Societies, Prosperous Economies, Secure Planet and Innovative Technologies – that provide a focal point for the cross-disciplinary research approach that’s at the heart of our ethos.
Visit www.mq.edu.au for more information on the university.