SUBANG BESTARI, 5 September 2026 — HELP
University has been selected as one of only two Malaysian Premier Digital
Tech Institutions (PDTIs) to receive funding under the APAC
Cybersecurity Fund (ACF), a regional initiative led by The Asia Foundation
and supported by Google.org.
The APAC Cybersecurity Fund aims to strengthen
digital resilience across the Asia-Pacific region by equipping micro and small
businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises with practical skills to
navigate the internet safely and confidently. Supported by Google.org, Google’s
philanthropic arm, the initiative is led by The Asia Foundation in partnership
with Protect.ngo and Global Cyber Alliance. Working with implementing
organizations and universities, the program promotes inclusive cybersecurity
through localized cyber hygiene training and Cyber Clinics that provide
hands-on, tailored support to local stakeholders. The initiative spans 13
countries: Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia,
Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Through the initiative, HELP University has established CyberSAFE@HELP, a
university-based cybersecurity clinic designed to strengthen the cyber
resilience of Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), NGOs and
community organisations while providing students with meaningful real-world
learning opportunities.
Recognised by the Malaysia Digital Economy
Corporation (MDEC), Premier Digital Tech Institutions represent a select group
of higher education institutions recognised for their strengths in digital
technology education, industry collaboration, talent development and
contributions to Malaysia’s digital economy.
HELP University’s selection reflects its
continued commitment to developing future-ready digital talent while using
education and innovation to create meaningful impact beyond the classroom.
Turning Students into Cybersecurity Ambassadors
CyberSAFE@HELP brings together expertise from
HELP University’s Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology (FCDT), Faculty
of Business, Economics and Accounting (FBEA) and Research and
Development Office.
At the heart of the initiative is a model that
connects student learning directly with the cybersecurity needs of Malaysian
organisations.
Under CyberSAFE@HELP, 50 HELP University
students will be trained as cybersecurity ambassadors, equipping them with
the knowledge and practical capabilities to support organisations facing an
increasingly complex digital environment.
The initiative aims to reach 100 MSMEs, NGOs
and community organisations through cybersecurity awareness programmes,
cyber hygiene training, cyber risk assessments and digital resilience
initiatives.
For participating students, the programme
provides an opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world cybersecurity
challenges while developing competencies in areas including digital risk
management, communication, project coordination, client engagement, teamwork
and problem-solving.
For participating organisations, CyberSAFE@HELP
will provide practical knowledge and support to help strengthen cybersecurity
awareness, improve digital safeguards and build greater organisational
resilience.
Bringing HELP University’s Mission to Life
CyberSAFE@HELP reflects HELP University’s
mission of helping people succeed in life and live a life of significance
through education.
By bringing together education, technology and
community service, the initiative enables students to use their knowledge not
simply to advance their own professional development, but also to help protect
businesses and organisations that contribute to Malaysia’s economic and social
development.
The initiative demonstrates HELP University’s
approach to experiential learning, where education extends beyond academic
knowledge and gives students opportunities to address genuine challenges faced
by industry and society.
Through these experiences, HELP aims to develop
graduates who are professionally capable, socially responsible and equipped to
create meaningful change through their expertise.
Supporting a More Cyber-Resilient Malaysia
The initiative comes as MSMEs and other
organisations across the Asia-Pacific region continue to accelerate their
adoption of digital technologies while facing increasingly sophisticated
cybersecurity risks.
Smaller organisations may lack the resources,
specialist expertise or cybersecurity awareness available to larger
organisations, making practical cyber hygiene and resilience-building
increasingly important.
Through CyberSAFE@HELP, HELP University will
contribute to the regional objectives of the APAC Cybersecurity Fund at the
local level by connecting university expertise and student talent with
Malaysian organisations that can benefit from greater cybersecurity awareness
and support.
Connecting HELP to a Global Cybersecurity
Community
CyberSAFE@HELP also connects HELP University
with the wider international cybersecurity clinic movement through
participation in the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, a global
community focused on expanding experiential cybersecurity education while
providing digital security assistance to organisations and communities.
The network brings together universities and
cybersecurity clinics internationally, enabling the exchange of knowledge,
practices and experiences in cybersecurity education and community service.
Participation in this wider ecosystem provides
an opportunity for HELP University to contribute Malaysian perspectives and
experiences while learning from cybersecurity clinics operating in other parts
of the world.
The CyberSAFE@HELP initiative reinforces HELP
University’s commitment to educational excellence, digital innovation,
industry relevance and meaningful community impact.
By empowering students to translate their
education into service, HELP University aims to develop the next generation of
cybersecurity talent while contributing to a safer and more resilient digital
future for Malaysia.
(Press Release)
