KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — The National ICT Security Discourse (NICTSeD), coordinated by CyberSecurity Malaysia, serves to educate school communities, students, and teachers to become informed and responsible Internet users.
CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Amirudin Abdul Wahab said the discourse, which involved secondary schools across Malaysia, helped students recognise and overcome the challenges and risks encountered while navigating the internet.
"In line with the 2013-2025 Malaysia Education Blueprint, NICTSeD is an annual initiative organised through our ‘CyberSAFE® in School’ programme to support the national Digital Education Policy.
"This programme targets students from Form One to Form Five to encourage critical and creative thinking related to cyber security issues, Internet use, and current technology," he told Bernama after the prize-giving ceremony for the 11th NICTSeD competition at Angkasapuri today.
The programme is held in collaboration with the Education Ministry's Educational Resources and Technology Division, and supported by the Digital Ministry.
SMK Alor Akar from Pahang was crowned champion of the NICTSeD: CyberSAFE 2024 Challenge Trophy after presenting arguments on cyber security and artificial intelligence, taking home the trophy, RM5,000 in cash, and a participation certificate.
SMK Tinggi Batu Pahat from Johor won second place, followed by MRSM Tun Ghafar Baba from Melaka in third place, both receiving cash prizes of RM3,000 and RM1,500 respectively, along with participation certificates.
Meanwhile, one of the students, SMK Alor Akar's Arjun Jaya, 17, said that participating in NICTSeD had greatly enhanced his understanding of cyber security.
"This is my third time participating in NICTSeD, and it has truly helped raise awareness among students about cyber security and the Internet," he said.
Another student, Mohamad Irfan Zulkifli, 15, said such competitions boosted his confidence to express his opinions in front of an audience.
"It is important because if you lack confidence, how can you make people believe you? But what is most crucial is the meaningful content of the arguments you present," he said.
— Bernama
