- FSeC-CaaS delivers enterprise-grade cybersecurity services for SMEs
- APU bridges Academia and Industry to train Malaysia’s next-gene cybersecurity experts
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has achieved a national milestone, evolving beyond an academic hub into a full-fledged professional service provider. In a statement, the university noted that it is now the first and only higher education institution licensed by the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) under the Cyber Security Act 2024 [Act 854] to provide Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CaaS).
Following NACSA’s endorsement, APU’s Forensic & Security Research Centre (FSeC) is officially approved to deliver Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing Services and Managed Security Operations Centre Monitoring Services. Out of more than 320 licensed organisations nationwide, APU is the sole academic institution entrusted with this responsibility, demonstrating expertise on par with professional cybersecurity standards.
Operating under APU’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact, CaaS exemplifies how academia can directly address societal needs. The initiative enhances cybersecurity across Malaysian industries while simultaneously contributing to human capital development.
The initiative is driven by a team of professionals led by Professor Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU’s Chief Innovation and Enterprise Officer; Assistant Professor Dr Julia Juremi, Head of the Forensics and Cyber Security Research Centre (FSeC); Reshiwaran Jegatheswaran, Cybersecurity Engineer; and Zaid Ahmad, Technical Team Lead, supported by students selected from over 1,500 undergraduates and postgraduates in cybersecurity programmes.
“Through FSeC–CaaS, APU demonstrates how academia can directly contribute to national cybersecurity capability,” said Dr Julia Juremi. “Our students gain hands-on experience while SMEs gain access to licensed, world-class protection at an affordable cost.”
FSeC-CaaS will deliver comprehensive cybersecurity services tailored specifically to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), ensuring accessibility to enterprise-grade solutions that many businesses may otherwise lack. These include:
- Security Audits: Detailed assessment of cybersecurity readiness with actionable recommendations.
- Penetration Testing: Ethical hacking exercises to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Network Configuration & Hardening: Strengthening firewalls, VPNs, and wireless networks to withstand intrusion attempts.
APU claims that since its establishment in 2024, FSeC-CaaS has executed multiple engagements, including the security assessment of the Malaysian government portal Portal Pertukaran Suka Sama Suka in August 2025, demonstrating the university’s ability to deliver cybersecurity solutions aligned with national standards.
By bridging academic training with professional service delivery, APU says it provides real-time protection for businesses while preparing students as industry-ready cybersecurity experts. Through its CaaS initiatives, the university claims to continue safeguarding Malaysian enterprises, empowering students, and strengthening national cybersecurity resilience.
