CGSS, USM AND ICU JPM STRENGTHEN CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS AMONG SENIOR CITIZENS

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), PENANG, 6 October 2026 – As digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, the ability to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly is essential to personal well-being and community resilience. While digital advancements have simplified communication, financial transactions and access to services, they have also increased exposure to online scams, data theft and evolving cyber threats. Equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to recognise and respond to these risks is therefore vital, particularly for those approaching retirement.

In support of this effort, the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM), organised the Digital Sustainability and Cybersecurity Empowerment Programme for Senior Citizens – Series 3 on 5 October 2026 at Seminar Room 1, TORAY Building, USM. The programme marked the final series of the initiative for 2026, bringing together 70 Bumiputera participants aged 50 and above, comprising administrative and operations officers, teachers and education support personnel under the Penang State Education Department.

The programme aimed to strengthen participants’ digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness and practical ability to navigate online environments safely, particularly as they prepare for retirement and the next phase of their lives. Building on the knowledge gained during the first two series, the final session focused on consolidating key learning outcomes, encouraging knowledge-sharing and translating cybersecurity awareness into practical action.

Previous sessions had covered essential topics, including Introduction to Cybersecurity and Types of Cyberattacks, Digital Account Security and Personal Data Protection, Social Engineering Simulation and Device Security, Identifying Phishing Emails and Password Security, and Internet and Social Media Security and Cybersecurity Culture. Participants had also explored Cybersecurity Incident Response Simulation and Cybersecurity Challenge, which emphasised threat identification, risk assessment and appropriate responses to potential cyber incidents.

The final series commenced with a welcoming address by Honorary Associate Professor Dr. Hj. Mohd Sayuti Hassan, CGSS Lecturer and Programme Coordinator. He highlighted the importance of translating cybersecurity knowledge into everyday practice, emphasising that vigilance, informed decision-making and responsible digital behaviour are essential safeguards against online threats. To reinforce the knowledge acquired throughout the programme, participants were subsequently divided into five groups and assigned tasks based on the designated cybersecurity topics. The group activities encouraged participants to draw on their previous learning, discuss potential risks and develop appropriate responses to common digital security challenges.

The discussions culminated in group presentations involving all 70 participants, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences and practical recommendations. This collaborative learning approach encouraged active participation and critical thinking while reinforcing the importance of applying cybersecurity principles in everyday situations, including protecting personal information, recognising suspicious online activities and responding appropriately to potential scams.

The programme was further honoured by the presence of Ms Masrina binti Zainal, Deputy Director of ICU JPM, who represented Dr. Haji Syaharudin Shah bin Mohd Noor, Director of the Penang Bumiputera Participation Coordination Division, ICU JPM, as the officiating representative. Also in attendance was Ms Norbiha Salasiah binti Busu, Chief Assistant Director of the Human Resources Sector, Penang State Education Department.

In her address, Ms Norbiha Salasiah binti Busu expressed her appreciation to ICU JPM for providing education-sector personnel with the opportunity to participate in this knowledge-sharing initiative. She highlighted the value of cybersecurity education for staff approaching mandatory retirement, noting that greater awareness and practical knowledge could help them avoid common digital risks and make more informed decisions when using online services. She also emphasised that the ability to identify scams, safeguard personal information and conduct online transactions securely is increasingly important in protecting individuals and their families, both during their service and after retirement.

Meanwhile, Ms Masrina binti Zainal thanked the Penang State Education Department for its cooperation in facilitating the participation of the target group. She highlighted the importance of providing the Bumiputera community with access to relevant knowledge and practical skills to help them adapt to technological developments and manage the challenges of an increasingly digital society with greater confidence. She also commended CGSS, USM, for developing the training modules and engaging qualified speakers to deliver relevant knowledge and practical guidance. The combination of expert-led sessions, simulations and collaborative activities, she noted, provided participants with valuable opportunities to strengthen their understanding of cybersecurity and its practical application in daily life.

She further expressed hope that the programme could be considered for continuation in 2027, enabling more Bumiputera public-sector employees in Penang to benefit from similar learning opportunities. She subsequently officiated the programme, marking the conclusion of the 2026 series. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of participation, followed by a group photograph involving the participants and organising committee to commemorate the completion of the initiative.

Overall, the three-series programme reflects a continued commitment to strengthening digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness among senior citizens and public-sector personnel approaching retirement. By reinforcing practical knowledge, encouraging peer learning and promoting responsible online behaviour, the initiative is expected to help participants protect their digital identities, recognise potential threats and share safer digital practices with their families and communities.

Through the collaboration between CGSS, USM, ICU JPM and the Penang State Education Department, the programme also underscores the importance of lifelong learning in ensuring that individuals remain informed, confident and resilient amid rapid technological change. These efforts contribute to building a more digitally capable community in which technology can be used safely, responsibly and for the benefit of all.

SDGs: 4, 9 & 10

Text by: Syafiq Saifullah Azmi
Photos by: Secretariat GAPP, USM