From Blackboard to Firewall: Protecting Malaysia’s Schools in the Digital Age

“We must equip students, teachers, and administrators with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely. This means integrating cyber security seamlessly into the curriculum, not as an afterthought,” said Ts. Dr. Vinesha Selvarajah at the School Curriculum Convention 2024.

From left: Ts. Dr. Vinesha Selvarajah, Ms. Pamela Esther Devadason, and Ms. Ra Delina Patail highlighted cyber security issues at the School Curriculum Convention 2024 in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

In today’s quickly changing digital landscape, we want to build a classroom without boundaries, where knowledge can flow freely via digital devices.

This is the future that Malaysia’s education system aims for. However, with technological power comes great vulnerability, and cyber security within educational institutions is urgently required to protect the welfare of students, teachers, and sensitive educational data.

The Education Ministry (MoE) recently held the ‘Konvensyen Kurikulum Persekolahan’ (School Curriculum Convention) 2024 at Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. Tuan Haji Azman Haji Adnan, Director General of Education Malaysia, inaugurated the convention.

It focuses on adapting the technology domain of the future. It is filled with engaging forums to explore the most effective methods for adapting the technology domain, especially theory and practice related to designing, developing, using, managing, and evaluating processes and resources in the future of technology.

The ministry expects this convention to boost the digital aspect of Malaysia’s curriculum, promoting integration across subjects to excel in formulating the 2027 School Curriculum.

At the same time, three invited panels discussed cyber security topics. The panelists included Ts. Dr. Vinesha Selvarajah, APU’s Industry Liaison Head Technology Cyber Security Programme Leader/Senior Lecturer; Ms Pamela Esther Devadason, Principal of Beaconhouse Sri Murni Cheras; and Ms Ra Delina Patail, Chief Optimisation Officer at Elevate for Impact, Head of Tech Engagement, APAC wide at SEEK.

Ts. Dr. Vinesha Selvarajah, a cyber security expert, delivered a stark warning: schools are increasingly susceptible to cyber-attacks due to their interconnected devices and sensitive data.

Her message was clear, “We must equip students, teachers, and administrators with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely. This means integrating cyber security seamlessly into the curriculum, not as an afterthought.”

While Malaysia has implemented initiatives such as the Modul Kesedaran Keselamatan Siber Nasional (MKKSN) and CyberSafe programmes, there is still a significant gap.

The existing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) module in the curriculum is unable to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology.

Dr. Vinesha proposes a dedicated cyber security module, but this presents logistical challenges like infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and funding.

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Ts. Dr. Vinesha Selvarajah, is a dedicated professional who excels in bridging the gap between industry and academia as the Industry Liaison Head of Technology, Senior Lecturer, and Cyber Security Program Leader at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU).

According to her, the solution is to implement a comprehensive policy that streamlines cyber security activities.

This policy should integrate cyber security across the curriculum, either by infusing cyber security concepts into existing disciplines or establishing a dedicated module.

Each school in Malaysia needs to invest in infrastructure and training to provide the necessary technology and educate their staff and students to recognise and address threats.

“With consistently updated curriculum content and strategies, we can stay ahead in the ever-changing digital world.

“By focusing on cyber security, Malaysia can establish a safe learning environment for students to excel in the digital era.

“It is not only about safeguarding data; it is about nurturing innovation and educational excellence for future generations. Now is the right time to act,” she concluded.