HELP University Selected as One of Only Two Malaysian PDTIs to Receive APAC Cybersecurity Fund Grant

CyberSAFE@HELP initiative will develop student cybersecurity talent while strengthening the digital resilience of Malaysian MSMEs and communities

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.