Have you ever wondered how secure your business data really is in today’s digital landscape? With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and costly by the day, protecting sensitive information has evolved from an IT afterthought to a critical business survival strategy that demands immediate attention from leaders across all industries.
Curtin Malaysia Industry Forum Highlights Urgent Need for Digital Trust in an Era of Rising Cyber Threats
With cyberattacks on the rise and data breaches costing businesses worldwide billions each year, Curtin University Malaysia’s Faculty of Business is stepping up efforts to equip future leaders and local enterprises with the knowledge to safeguard their most valuable asset – data. Meanwhile, the urgency of this mission becomes clearer as no organisation remains immune to evolving cyber threats.
Building Bridges Between Academia and Industry Expertise
In collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), the Faculty recently hosted an Industry Forum titled ‘In Building Digital Trust: Safeguarding the Crown Jewel’. As a result, this session forms part of the Faculty’s signature Industry Forum Series, specifically designed to bridge industry expertise with academic learning.
The forum, coordinated by the Faculty’s Associate Dean of External Engagement, Yip Ka Yii, attracted a strong turnout of industry professionals, academics, and students eager to explore what it truly means to secure data in a digital-first world. For example, participants gathered to understand how real-world cybersecurity challenges differ significantly from popular media portrayals.
Expert Insights on Data Protection Fundamentals
Keynote speaker Ts. Lee Chin Hon, Regional Councillor of Malaysia for CA ANZ and Chairman of CA ANZ Malaysia for 2025, provided insights on the fundamentals of data security, the staggering costs of breaches, and how real-life cases often unfold far differently than Hollywood thrillers. His presentation emphasised the practical aspects of cybersecurity implementation strategies that businesses can adopt immediately.
“Data is the crown jewel of any organisation. Protecting it is no longer just an IT concern – it is a business survival imperative. Building trust in the digital economy starts with understanding the basics of data security.”
Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders for Digital Challenges
Dean of the Faculty of Business, Professor Pauline Ho, highlighted the role of such forums in preparing students and the business community for today’s challenges. She emphasised how these initiatives create meaningful connections between theoretical knowledge and practical application in cybersecurity management.
“Through the Industry Forum Series, we aim to expose our students, entrepreneurs, and SMEs to real-world insights from industry leaders. This ensures our graduates and local businesses are not only prepared but positioned to thrive in a digital-first environment,” she explained during the forum proceedings.
Empowering SMEs Through Knowledge Sharing
By hosting such dialogues, Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business is actively empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Miri and beyond with practical knowledge to strengthen their resilience in the face of escalating cyber risks. Furthermore, these initiatives demonstrate the university’s commitment to supporting local business communities through comprehensive cybersecurity education and awareness programmes.
The forum’s success reflects a growing recognition that digital transformation requires more than just technological adoption – it demands a fundamental understanding of information security principles that protect both businesses and their customers. As cyber threats continue to evolve, such educational initiatives become increasingly vital for maintaining competitive advantage and consumer confidence in the digital marketplace.
