Fortinet partners with Sunway University to develop cybersecurity talent

• 3^rd uni to join from Malaysia after Universiti Teknologi Petronas and MMU
• Mix of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory work & real-world exercises

Fortinet®, a global cybersecurity company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sunway University, one of Malaysia’s leading private universities, to provide its students with Fortinet’s industry-recognized cybersecurity training and certification program.  This partnership will provide Sunway’s students with cybersecurity courses from Fortinet to prepare them with the in-demand cybersecurity skills necessary to secure and manage Malaysia’s digital infrastructure. This partnership will also enhance students’ employment opportunities in the field.

Sunway University becomes the newest member of the Fortinet Training Institute's Academic Partner Program in Malaysia, joining Universiti Teknologi Petronas in 2017 and Multimedia Universiti in 2021, in the initiative aimed at addressing the global cybersecurity skills shortage.  Participants will commence their training at the Fortinet Certified Professional level with the chance to pursue further specialized training aligned with their career goals.

The program will be delivered by certified instructors through a blend of self-paced and teacher-led sessions, encompassing both classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory work, complete with real-world exercises. This comprehensive training program is designed to produce graduates well-equipped with the necessary cybersecurity skills to safeguard networks against international cyberthreats and contribute to enhancing the nation's digital security infrastructure.

Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President, Sunway University said “Our partnership with Fortinet is a testament to our dedication to providing education that meets the demands of the industry. Through this partnership, we aim to empower our students with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the digital economy. We are committed to ensuring that our graduates are not only well-equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of the future but also capable of contributing effectively to the needs of our nation”.

Dickson Woo, Country Manager, Fortinet Malaysia describes the collaboration as a crucial step in addressing the cybersecurity skills gap in Malaysia. According to an IDC-Fortinet Survey, only 38% of businesses in Malaysia have a dedicated IT security team while a staggering 98% are struggling to keep their team's skills updated.

“The need for a robust pipeline of cybersecurity talent is more apparent than ever,” said Dickson, adding, “By providing students with access to our training and certification programs, we aim to equip them with the latest skills necessary to tackle the ever-evolving cyberthreats. This partnership underscores our commitment to fulfilling our role as an academic partner and helping the country develop the talent needed to fill the shortage, ensuring that businesses and organizations are better equipped to protect against global cyberthreats and strengthen our national digital security landscape.”