22/05/2024
TAR UMT inks MoU with LGMS group to realise ASI Cybersecurity Cadet Programme
KUALA LUMPUR: Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) recently finalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the LGMS Berhad group to realise the Applied Security Intelligence (ASI) Cybersecurity Cadet Programme, a collaborative initiative aimed at nurturing future cybersecurity professionals for the nation.
“This programme was specifically designed to provide students with hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle the ever-evolving challenges in the cybersecurity landscape,” said LGMS chairman Fong Choong F**k (right in pic).
Signing on behalf of the University was its president Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei (centre left in pic) with the Dean of Faculty of Computing and Information Technology Ts Lim Shen Huoy (far left). Meanwhile, LGMS was represented by ASI CEO Yong Meng Hong (centre right). ASI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LGMS.
LGMS is Malaysia’s leading cybersecurity group and has a strong reputation for its integrity, values, security training and best practices. LGMS comprises teams of experts in pe*******on testing and digital forensics backed by decades of industrial experience.
Fong advised students present at the event that practical experience is the differentiating factor, emphasising that it’s not just about theoretical knowledge but about applying what they learn in real-world situations.
“The Cybersecurity Cadet Programme will provide comprehensive training and certification, establish a platform for students from different universities to collaborate, and connect them to work on various projects in the real-world, akin to a ‘Grab’ for cybersecurity,” said Fong.
“The programme has stringent criteria to ensure that only the most passionate students are enrolled. There would also be specific requirements, including exams, training and certification to qualify students for the programme,” he added.
Under the programme, students will receive free training and certifications, enhancing their skills and employability in the cybersecurity domain.
“They are also set to gain invaluable hands-on experience by working directly with businesses to implement security fixes. This practical experience is essential for understanding real-world cybersecurity challenges and solutions,” said Fong.
Additionally, students will be compensated for their visits to subscribers, providing both professional and financial benefits. This incentive ensures that students are rewarded for their contributions and efforts.
“Engaging with various businesses offers students a broad perspective on the cybersecurity challenges across different sectors. This industry exposure is crucial for developing a well-rounded understanding of the cybersecurity landscape,” said Fong.
The programme was also developed in conjunction with the upcoming launch of the LGMS StarSentry cybersecurity solution for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), scheduled for early next month.
“StarSentry embodies the ideal solution for SMEs, offering a straightforward, ‘plug and play’ approach to cybersecurity. This innovation allows SMEs to easily monitor their digital environments, ensuring they can focus on their core business without the constant fear of cyber threats,” said Fong.
“As a result, we foresee a greater demand for cybersecurity professionals, a profession much needed by the nation to address growing cyber threats that threaten the data integrity of even the largest organisations.
“As AI technology evolves, so do cybersecurity threats. The growing demand for AI-related jobs is also reflected by the rise in salaries for these positions,” said Fong.
The ASI Cybersecurity Cadet Programme is designed as a comprehensive portal where university students can register to become part-time cybersecurity engineers.
Meanwhile, TAR UMT’s Dean of Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, Ts Lim Shen Huoy described the programme as ‘a forward-thinking initiative to the dual challenges of cybersecurity risk management and practical education in the field of cybersecurity.’
“This programme will serve as a bridge, connecting the academic world with the practical demands of the cybersecurity industry,” she said.
“At TAR UMT, we are fully committed to providing our students with the best opportunities to gain hands-on experiences and industry-relevant skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities not only in the cybersecurity sector but also in other fields,”
