25 August 2025
In support of Malaysia’s national priorities to develop future-ready digital competencies, Kaspersky recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) to bolster the university’s new Information Security Programme with global industry expertise, hands-on training and real-world threat intelligence. The partnership aims to equip educators and graduates with in-demand skills that will contribute to Malaysia’s goal of building a strong and sustainable cybersecurity talent pipeline.
Recent data highlights Malaysia’s shortage of cybersecurity talent. Kaspersky figures show Malaysia remains one of the most targeted countries in Southeast Asia, with ransomware detections surging 153% year-on-year and 27.9 million online threats recorded in 2024 alone. A joint study by the Department of Skills Development, The Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST) and Cybersecurity Malaysia (CSM) projects that the nation will require at least 27,000 cybersecurity experts by 2025, yet the current numbers fall short. With the Malaysia cybersecurity market expected to reach US$2.17 billion by 2030, closing this gap will be vital to sustaining the nation’s digital growth.
Under the MoU, Kaspersky will work with UTHM to enrich its Information Security curriculum with industry-developed courses and teaching materials, provide professional development for faculty and offer students hands-on exposure to real-world cybersecurity tools and practices. These initiatives will also expand UTHM’s academic and research activities, and improve graduate employability in line with industry needs.
“Cybersecurity is the very foundation of trust in our digital world and building its talent is as crucial as advancing infrastructure and innovation. Through our collaboration with UTHM, we are investing in a new generation of Malaysian cyber defenders – equipping them with world-class knowledge, skills and resilience to safeguard the nation’s progress and contribute to a safer and more secure digital future for the global community,” said Evgeniya Russkikh, Head of Cybersecurity Education at Kaspersky Academy.
“At UTHM, we are committed to prepare our students to be competitive and resilient in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. This partnership with Kaspersky not only strengthens our academic capabilities but also enhances our global connections, giving our students and faculty access to industry expertise in cybersecurity,” said Professor Dr. Afandi Bin Ahmad, Provost of the UTHM Pagoh Branch Campus.
UTHM is one of six Malaysian universities recognised at the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition (CYDES) 2025 event for advancing research collaboration and talent development in cybersecurity.
The MoU with UTHM builds on Kaspersky’s long-standing commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and talent development in Malaysia. Over the years, the company has collaborated with local universities including Universiti Malaya and Universiti Kuala Lumpur to strengthen curricula, deliver specialist training and provide students with real-world exposure to cyber investigation practices. Beyond academia, Kaspersky has worked with grassroot communities, schools and NGOs to deliver hands-on workshops and awareness programmes that nurture digital resilience from an early age.
