DIGITAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CYBERSECURITY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME EQUIPS SENIOR CITIZENS TO NAVIGATE DIGITAL THREATS
USM, PENANG, 9 September 2026 – As digital technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, the ability to use it safely, confidently and responsibly is no longer merely a valuable skill, but an essential component of personal and community well-being. While technological advancement has brought greater convenience to communication, financial transactions and daily activities, it has also created new avenues for online scams, fraud and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Recognising the need to strengthen digital resilience among senior citizens, the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), organised the Digital Sustainability and Cybersecurity Empowerment Programme for Senior Citizens, held from 7 to 8 September 2026 at Seminar Room 1, TORAY Building, USM.
The programme targeted Bumiputera participants aged 50 and above, particularly administrative and operations officers, teachers and education support staff under the Penang State Education Department. It was designed to enhance participants’ knowledge, awareness and practical skills in navigating an increasingly complex digital environment. Rather than focusing solely on cybersecurity concepts, the programme emphasised practical knowledge and real-world applications. Participants were equipped with the skills to identify online scams and cyberattacks, recognise warning signs, safeguard personal information, secure financial and digital accounts, and respond appropriately to potential threats. The programme adopted a progressive learning approach, beginning with fundamental cybersecurity awareness, followed by practical training and simulations, and culminating in activities designed to strengthen participants’ ability to respond effectively to real-world digital threats.
On the first day, the programme commenced with a welcoming address by CGSS, USM Director, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei, who highlighted the importance of ensuring that technological advancement is accompanied by strong cybersecurity awareness. He encouraged participants to remain vigilant when navigating the digital environment, particularly by verifying information and avoiding suspicious links, messages and requests, especially those involving personal information and financial transactions. The opening session was followed by an introduction to the programme delivered by Honorary Associate Professor Dr. Hj. Mohd Sayuti Hassan, CGSS Lecturer and Programme Coordinator. The session provided participants with an overview of the programme’s objectives, content, learning approach and training structure, while outlining the key outcomes expected throughout the two-day programme.
The first training session, Introduction to Cybersecurity and Types of Cyberattacks, was conducted by Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei. Participants were introduced to the evolving cyber threat landscape and common forms of cyberattacks, enabling them to better recognise potential risks and take appropriate preventive measures. The programme continued with Digital Account Security and Personal Data Protection, conducted by Dr. Suzyrman Sibly, CGSS, USM Lecturer. The session emphasised the importance of safeguarding digital identities, protecting personal information and strengthening account security against unauthorised access and misuse.
The learning experience was further enhanced through Social Engineering Simulation and Device Security, conducted by Dr. Mohd Sukri Shafie, Senior Principal Research Officer, CETREE, CGSS, USM. Through simulation-based learning, participants gained a deeper understanding of how social engineering techniques exploit human behaviour and psychological vulnerabilities to deceive individuals into disclosing personal or financial information or granting access to digital accounts.
On the second day, participants progressed from fundamental concepts to practical scenarios through the Identifying Phishing Emails and Password Security modules, conducted by Mr. Fikry Azizan, Information Technology Officer, Cybersecurity Section, Digital Transformation Centre (PTD), USM. The session equipped participants with practical skills to identify suspicious emails, messages and links, while highlighting the importance of creating, managing and protecting strong passwords to minimise the risk of digital account compromise.
Participants were subsequently introduced to Internet and Social Media Security and Cybersecurity Culture, delivered by Honorary Associate Professor Dr. Hj. Mohd Sayuti Hassan. The session highlighted responsible internet and social media practices while reinforcing the importance of viewing cybersecurity not merely as technical knowledge, but as a culture and an essential part of everyday life.
The programme reached its practical highlight with the Cybersecurity Incident Response Simulation and Cybersecurity Challenge, conducted by Ts. Dr. Najwadi Yusoff @ Abdul Rahman, Lecturer, School of Computer Sciences, USM. The interactive sessions tested participants’ ability to identify threats, assess risks and determine appropriate responses to cybersecurity incidents.
Through a learning-by-doing approach, participants applied their knowledge to scenarios reflecting real-world digital challenges. This practical experience strengthened their understanding of cybersecurity while building greater confidence in responding calmly, carefully and appropriately when confronted with potential scams and cyber threats.
During the closing session, Honorary Associate Professor Dr. Hj. Mohd Sayuti Hassan, as Programme Coordinator, emphasised that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that begins with individual awareness, knowledge and action. He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their daily lives and share it with their families, colleagues and wider communities. He also expressed hope that participants would become digital safety ambassadors within their respective communities, helping others recognise warning signs, verify information and take preventive action against digital fraud.
Overall, the programme successfully empowered 70 participants with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to identify and respond to cyber threats, while strengthening their ability to safeguard personal information, financial accounts and digital identities. The knowledge gained is expected to extend beyond the participants through the adoption and sharing of safer and more responsible digital practices, contributing to stronger digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness and community resilience. The programme concluded with a group photograph involving the participants and organising committee, marking the completion of the two-day initiative.
SDGs: 4 & 17
Original Text : Syafiq Saifullah Azmi / Translation : Ashween Sonia Sani Murugesan
Photos by: Syafiq Saifullah Azmi