The Malaysia Cyber Security Academy, established by CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), is slated to commence operations in the second quarter of next year, according to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He stated that the academy's creation, which was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on September 23, aligns with the Digital Ministry's goal of developing a more skilled workforce in the digital sector, particularly in cyber security.
“The academy will play an important role in enhancing our nation’s cyber resilience in addressing the shortage in the cyber security field by offering technical and vocational education and training (TVET) courses". “It will also serve as a cyber security capacity-building centre that will conduct expertise evaluations, streamline research and continuously develop cyber security capabilities, and strengthen the efficacy of the nation’s cyber security measures in tackling threats and intrusions", he said in a statement.
Gobind mentioned that the academy aims to cultivate world-class Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) cyber security professionals, with the goal of transforming Malaysia into a global cyber security hub. It will also promote ethical values in the field to foster individual self-discipline against cyber threats and will implement marketing strategies and accreditation programs to build international partnerships.
He said the academy would also serve as a premier TVET cyber security capacity-building centre, targeted at civil servants, industry and academia. “This academy will offer short-and-middle term certified courses, including micro-credential and nano-credential programmes. It can also customize cyber security courses for universities, polytechnics and local colleges", he said.
Gobind stated that Malaysia will require up to 26,430 cybersecurity professionals by the end of 2025, with that number projected to increase to 28,068 the following year. This estimate is based on research conducted in 2023 by CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), the Department of Skills Development (JPK), and the Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training. As of July this year, CSM reported that there are currently 16,765 cyber security personnel in Malaysia.
Gobind indicated that the academy will concentrate on essential areas, including incident handling and response, cyber security governance, security assurance and assessment, digital forensics, and cryptography. He noted that CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), as the leader in national cyber security capacity development, will evolve the current Cybersecurity Professional Development program into the Cybersecurity Academy. CSM is acknowledged as the Industry Lead Body in cyber security under the Department of Skills Development (JPK) and serves as the chair of the Cyber Security Technical and Technology Working Group (TTWG) under the Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT).
