ZTE and MMU launch AI and cybersecurity programme in China
The Malaysian participants of the 'Shaping the Future-fit Public Services with Cybersecurity in AI Landscape' programme at ZTE in Shanghai, China.
This initiative, which commenced in May 2025 and will conclude in November 2025, brings together 20 senior government officers representing 14 ministries across Malaysia, with full sponsorship from the Public Service Department (JPA).
The programme is designed to equip participants with advanced competencies in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation digital transformation, which are increasingly critical to the evolution of public sector services.
Structured in two phases, the initiative blends academic rigour with real-world industry immersion.
Phase one, held at MMU, consists of an intensive one-month preparatory training focused on cybersecurity fundamentals, AI-driven public service innovation and Generative AI (GenAI) applications.
Delivered through lectures, hands-on labs and real-world simulations, this phase lays a strong technological foundation for the participants.
Phase two involves a five-month industry attachment hosted in China, organised by ZTE and supported by MMU subject matter experts.
This immersive experience includes workshops, case studies and field visits to leading technology hubs, with exposure to smart city solutions, digital governance models and emerging cybersecurity frameworks.
"MMU is proud to contribute to this national initiative, aligning with the government's vision of building future-ready public sector talent.
'Through this programme, participants will gain invaluable international exposure and hands-on experience with top technology firms in China, enabling them to return as digital transformation champions within their respective ministries." said MMU president Prof Datuk Dr Mazliham Mohd Su'ud.
ZTE Malaysia managing director Ge Yuqiao also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This partnership with MMU underscores ZTE's long-standing commitment to talent development and innovation in Malaysia.
'We believe the insights and skills gained by the participants will greatly enhance the nation's digital governance and public service delivery."
Mahmood Yahya from the Home Affairs Ministry conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to JPA on behalf of the participants, "We are truly honoured to be selected for this transformative journey.
'We are committed to maximising every opportunity, knowing the knowledge we gain will directly contribute to Malaysia's public sector excellence."
This collaboration signifies a strategic alignment of academic strength and industry leadership to develop public sector innovators.
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The Star
21 minutes ago
- The Star
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'Globally, platforms struggle to enforce age restrictions effectively, often relying on self-declaration mechanisms that are easily circumvented. 'Enforcement tends to be weak unless backed by strong regulatory requirements and technology-based age assurance. 'Malaysia should expect platforms to strengthen their verification systems and should complement this with national efforts to raise awareness among parents and children about the importance of respecting these thresholds,' he said. Srividhya Ganapathy, the co-chairperson of the Child Rights Innovation and Betterment (CRIB) Foundation, on the other hand, advocated for a more serious approach, stressing that monitoring alone is not enough. 'In practice, children regularly create accounts long before the age of 13, often without any real safeguards in place. The so-called enforcement of age restrictions is inconsistent and largely symbolic. 'Once online, children face a range of risks – cyberbullying being one of the most prevalent. Many children are targeted in private messages or group chats, with little visibility or intervention from adults. For some, the bullying continues across multiple platforms, and the lack of a clear support or reporting pathway means the harm often goes unnoticed and unaddressed. 'We cannot continue to rely on platforms to police themselves. Vague promises of monitoring aren't enough. We need enforceable standards, better age verification, and a proactive, not reactive, approach to safeguarding children online. Children's safety should not be left to the goodwill of corporations,' she said. Tech too soon? From the perspective of those like Srividhya, haphazardly setting an age requirement is not the end of the story. She believes that while such age requirements may serve as a benchmark, there needs to be an overarching strategy that includes measures to provide age-appropriate education so that kids learn how to engage the digital world via smartphones and social media when the time eventually comes. Srividhya believes that there needs to be an overarching strategy that includes measures to provide age-appropriate education so that kids learn how to engage the digital world via smartphones and social media when the time eventually comes. — Photo by Sanket Mishra on Unsplash 'Outright bans often drive children to access technology in secret, without support or protection. 'Instead, we must equip them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces safely and responsibly. A minimum age should be the starting point, not the solution. 'We also need to acknowledge the realities faced by Malaysian families. 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Borneo Post
21 minutes ago
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