APU earns top award for cybersecurity innovation

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has been awarded the Cyber Security Innovation (Education) of the Year award by Cybersecurity Malaysia.

This prestigious recognition was presented during the Malaysia Cyber Security Awards and Gala Dinner 2024, highlighting APU’s leadership in cybersecurity education and its commitment to producing top-tier cybersecurity professionals.

APU: Commitment to cybersecurity education

APU’s continuous efforts in developing cutting-edge training environments have set it apart from other institutions in the region.

The university’s robust cybersecurity programmes, including the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Cyber Security) and the Master of Science in Cyber Security, were instrumental in earning this accolade.

These programmes are designed to meet industry demands, ensuring that students are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.

“This accolade from Cybersecurity Malaysia is a testament to APU’s relentless pursuit of excellence in cybersecurity education,” said Datuk Parmjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the APIIT Education Group and APU.

“It affirms our commitment to equipping the next generation of cybersecurity experts with the skills needed to address the complex challenges of today and tomorrow.”

APU’s innovative teaching methods and state-of-the-art infrastructure played a crucial role in securing the award.

The university’s Cyber Range, Security Operations Centre (SOC), and Forensics and Cyber Security Research Center (FSeC) provide students with hands-on training in a realistic, industry-relevant environment.

Setting the standard in cybersecurity

The recognition by Cybersecurity Malaysia further solidifies APU’s standing as a leader in cybersecurity education, not only within Malaysia but across the Asia-Pacific region.

The university’s curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and threat landscapes in cybersecurity, ensuring that students receive a relevant and current education.

Dr Julia Juremi, Head of the Forensics and Cyber Security Research Center, commented on the innovative approaches that set APU apart: “We showcased our teaching methods, tools, and technologies that distinguish us from our competitors, including the use of Cyber Range scenarios and the SOC MSSGARD SIEM solution.

Our Cybersecurity as a Service (CaaS) team, which operates under FSeC, also allows students to engage in real-world projects.”

APU’s excellence in cybersecurity education has consistently been acknowledged, with the university receiving Gold Awards for Best Asia Cybersecurity Education Provider from 2019 to 2024.

This latest recognition from Cybersecurity Malaysia enhances the university’s credibility even further, attracting more students and professionals to its programmes.

Prof Vinesh Thiruchelvam, Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer at APU, noted the importance of this recognition: “Cybersecurity Malaysia’s endorsement of APU’s excellence not only highlights our rigorous standards but also amplifies our influence across the Asia-Pacific region, solidifying our role in shaping regional cybersecurity practices and policies.”

As APU continues to build on its legacy of excellence in cybersecurity education, this latest award underscores its role as a leading institution in the field.

With a curriculum designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry and state-of-the-art facilities, APU remains a top choice for students and professionals seeking premier education in cybersecurity.