Building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the eWorldwide Group on February 22, 2023, the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has taken significant steps to enhance digital inclusivity.

The collaboration has introduced a new initiative aimed at "Right Skilling and Reskilling" women and youth in critical technical areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The partnership kicked off with activities spearheaded by APU’s School of Foundation (SoF), under the coordination of Dr Sarvinder Kaur, the Head of SoF, with a clear goal in mind—to close the skills gap necessary to fast-track digital transformation. This initiative also aligns with the 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy (MySTIE) framework, positioning Malaysia as a global leader in technology.

eWorldwide Group (eWWG), a renowned international organisation, is dedicated to the ethical application of technology for inclusive and sustainable development, with a particular focus on cyber-safety. Their collaboration with APU reflects a shared vision to foster innovation and digital growth.

On August 14, 2024, 13 APU students, accompanied by two lecturers, attended a round table discussion on the "New Global Standard for Terms and Conditions (T&C) for Children’s Online Engagement with Social Media and Gaming Platforms." This event, hosted by Professor Salma Abasi, Chairperson and CEO of eWorldwide Group, was held at CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) and included an MoU signing between CSM and eWWG. A presentation by CSM's Outreach Business Development & Industries Division provided insights into ongoing initiatives in cyber technology.

Speaking at the event, Prof Abasi emphasised, “Equipping women with these essential skills will help bridge the growing gender digital divide in the region, enabling women to reintegrate into the digital workforce and drive economic growth for the nation.”

During the discussions, Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei, Senior Head of APU’s School of Technology (SoT), emphasised critical issues such as age-appropriate digital content, data sharing clauses, AI manipulation of data, and the risks of addiction linked to harmful online content that exploits children. Feedback highlighted the importance of greater transparency from digital service providers, reducing the harmful impacts on children’s rights, and creating a safer digital environment where children are empowered to understand platform rules, report violations, and advocate for policy changes.

The visit concluded with a tour of CSM’s L.I.V.E. Gallery, where university students showcased impressive projects related to cybersecurity.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Professor Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer (CIEO), stated, “This partnership strengthens APU’s commitment to equipping our students with cutting-edge skills in emerging technologies like cybersecurity, while also addressing key sustainable development goals (SDG4) in education. It’s a unique opportunity to foster both innovation and social responsibility in the next generation of tech leaders.”