Kota Samarahan (11 Mar): In a strategic move to address the pressing demand for cybersecurity professionals, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) have forged a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by fostering collaboration in cybersecurity certification programs, research initiatives, and knowledge sharing.
The MoU was inked by Mr Gurpardeep Singh, Chief Operating Officer of APU, and Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit, Vice Chancellor of UNIMAS, in a ceremony held at the newly inaugurated GREET Lounge at UNIMAS’s Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (FCSIT).
The GREET Lounge, a multifunctional space is designed to facilitate training sessions and industry collaborations, symbolizes the university’s commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment.
“This partnership enhances the prominence of both UNIMAS and APU in the field of cybersecurity,” remarked Prof. Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit during the ceremony.
“In an era where Sarawak and the world are progressively reliant on technology, the demand for proficient cybersecurity experts has reached unprecedented levels. This collaboration offers great opportunities for students and staff to gain valuable cybersecurity skills and certifications.”
The collaboration between UNIMAS and APU has already yielded tangible results, with seven UNIMAS lecturers obtaining the Rocheston Certified Cybersecurity Engineer (RCCE)
Level 1 certification after attending a training program conducted by Mr Haja Mohideen, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Rocheston.
Additionally, a cybersecurity talk titled “Hack the Future: Exploring Cybersecurity with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning” was organized, attracting over 150 students from FCSIT.
Both institutions are recognized as Premier Digital Tech Institutions (PDTI) by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), underscoring their commitment to nurturing a robust talent pipeline for the nation’s digital economy.
The partnership between UNIMAS and APU is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the Sarawak community, engaging educators, students, and professionals alike in the pursuit of excellence in cybersecurity.
With the rapidly evolving digital landscape and the ever-increasing threat of cyber attacks, the collaboration between UNIMAS and APU represents a proactive step towards fortifying cybersecurity defenses and cultivating a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the digital realm.
This effort is related to Sustainable Development Goal: Quality education (SGD 4) and Partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).
