CYBERSECURITY MALAYSIA ENCOURAGES SMART INTERNET USAGE THROUGH NATIONAL ICT SECURITY DISCOURSE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The National ICT Security Discourse (NICTSeD), coordinated by CyberSecurity Malaysia, serves to educate school communities, students, and teachers to become informed and responsible internet users.

CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab said the discourse, which involved secondary schools across Malaysia, helped students recognise and overcome the challenges and risks encountered while navigating the internet.

"In line with the 2013-2025 Malaysia Education Blueprint, NICTSeD is an annual initiative organised through our ‘CyberSAFE® in School’ programme to support the national Digital Education Policy.

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"This programme targets students from Form 1 to Form 5 to encourage critical and creative thinking related to cyber security issues, internet use, and current technology," he said when met by Bernama after the prize-giving ceremony for the 11th NICTSeD competition at Angkasapuri here today.

The programme is held in collaboration with the Educational Resources and Technology Division (BSTP) of the Ministry of Education and supported by the Digital Ministry.

SMK Alor Akar, Pahang, were crowned champions of NICTSeD: CyberSAFE 2024 Challenge Trophy after presenting arguments on cyber security and Artificial Intelligence (AI), taking home the challenge trophy, RM5,000 in cash, and a participation certificate.

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SMK Tinggi Batu Pahat, Johor, won second place, followed by Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) Tun Ghafar Baba in third place, both receiving cash prizes of RM3,000 and RM1,500 respectively, along with participation certificates.

Meanwhile, one of the students, Arjun Jaya, 17, from SMK Alor Akar, said that participating in NICTSeD had greatly enhanced his understanding of cyber security.

"This is my third time participating in NICTSeD, and it has truly helped raise awareness among students about cyber security and the internet," he said.

Another student, Mohamad Irfan Zulkifli, 15, said such competitions boosted his confidence to express his opinions in front of an audience.

"It is important because if you lack confidence, how can you make people believe you? But what is most crucial is the meaningful content of the arguments you present," he said.

-- BERNAMA