Exploring Cybersecurity at CCoE Malaysia

On May 8, 2025, I had the opportunity to join DICE Club for a visit to the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) Malaysia, a national hub for cyber defense, digital training, and future-focused education. This visit opened our eyes to the crucial role cybersecurity plays in creative industries—and why every student, especially in media and design, should understand the digital threats shaping our world.

CCoE isn’t just a center—it’s an ecosystem. We learned that they offer free, accessible training programs for women, students, government workers, and underserved communities. Their collaboration with industry leaders like BlackBerry keeps the curriculum relevant and aligned with real-world cyber threats. We were amazed by their high-tech labs, threat simulation tools, and hands-on learning approach.

The tour included live demos of threat detection and response systems. We explored real-time monitoring setups, ethical hacking practices, and even simulated ransomware incidents—giving us a taste of what cybersecurity professionals deal with every day.

But what impressed us most was CCoE’s commitment to inclusivity. Their initiatives to bring more women and underrepresented groups into the cybersecurity space were inspiring. Seeing how digital defense is made accessible and empowering for all truly emphasized the human side of cybersecurity.

For me, one of the most exciting takeaways was how this all connects back to creative media. As someone in the design and storytelling field, I began to think about the crossroads between cybersecurity and creativity—like how UI/UX design can prevent phishing, or how digital artists and developers must consider data privacy, secure coding, and user protection.

The visit also included a session with CCoE experts and their BlackBerry partners, who shared insights into evolving cyber threats, future-proofing skills, and the importance of staying adaptable in a fast-changing digital landscape.

The highlight of our day? Meeting Dato' Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab, CEO of Cybersecurity Malaysia, who was kind enough to pose for a group photo with our students and lecturers. It was a proud moment, one that reminded us that collaboration between education, industry, and innovation is essential for Malaysia’s digital future.

To Cybersecurity Malaysia and DICE Club—thank you for making this eye-opening visit possible. The experience strengthened our awareness of digital safety and sparked ideas about how creative professionals can contribute to a more secure online world.

I've captured several moments from the visit that reflect the energy, innovation, and sense of purpose at CCoE. Keep an eye on my Instagram for photos and highlights.

If you’re curious about cybersecurity, want to get involved in future industry visits, or explore how tech and creativity can intersect for good—let’s connect. The digital world needs more builders, storytellers, and defenders working together.