Curtin Malaysia industry forum highlights urgent need for digital trust in an era of rising cyber threats

Miri, Sarawak – 27 August 2025 – 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.

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’. The session is part of the Faculty’s signature Industry Forum Series, designed to bridge industry expertise with academia.

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 where no organisation is immune to cyber threats.

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.

“Data is the crown jewel of any organisation. Protecting it is no longer just an IT concern – it is a business survival imperative,” stressed Ts. Lee. “Building trust in the digital economy starts with understanding the basics of data security.”

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.

“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 said.

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.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Professor Pauline Ho (left) presenting a token of appreciation to Ts. Lee for his insightful sharing during the Industry Forum.

Participants and the speaker posing for a group photo at Curtin Malaysia.