Congratulations: Ambassador of Malaysia to Asean Sarah Al Bakri Devadason presenting the certificate to Tan.
Tan Jing Jie, a third-year doctorate student from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), is the Malaysian champion of the Asean-IPR Cybersecurity Youth Essay Competition.
In his writing, the varsity’s Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science PhD candidate explored how artificial intelligence (AI) and assistive technology can strengthen global cybersecurity efforts while mitigating risks such as privacy breaches, misinformation and algorithmic bias.
Drawing from his research on image recognition for visually impaired individuals and human personality recognition for social media, Tan examined both the potential and ethical dilemmas of AI-driven innovations, particularly in accessibility and digital security in his “Bytes of Peace: Leveraging Technology to Promote Trust and Security” essay.
Tan’s essay stood out for its nuanced discussion on balancing technological advancement with ethical responsibility, a press release from UTAR read.
He received a certificate, a fully-funded five-day trip to Bangkok, a US$400 (RM1,769) cash prize, and an opportunity to publish his work.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Tan said the competition provided a platform to connect his research with pressing global concerns.
“The rapid integration of AI in everyday life brings both incredible possibilities and unforeseen risks.
“Through this competition, I was able to explore solutions that not only push technological boundaries but also ensure ethical responsibility in cybersecurity,” he said, crediting his mentors Dr Tan Joi San, Assoc Prof Dr Kwan Ban Hoe, Dr Danny Ng Wee Kiat, Assoc Prof Dr Hum Yan Chai, Prof Anissa Mokraoui, and Dr Lo Shih-Yu for their guidance.
The competition journey required rigorous preparation, with Tan refining his research through discussions with academic peers and industry professionals.
The final rounds of the competition were particularly demanding, as participants were required to defend their essays before a distinguished panel, respond to real-time critiques and engage in thought-provoking discussions.
“The challenge wasn’t just about presenting research but communicating complex ideas effectively.
“The panel raised critical questions about cybersecurity policies, AI regulation and ethical concerns, which required me to think on my feet and provide well-supported arguments,” Tan said, adding that the discussions also highlighted Asean’s evolving cybersecurity landscape, particularly in areas such as regional collaboration, data protection and responsible AI deployment.
The experience allowed Tan to not only test his research against real-world scenarios but also engage with professionals and policymakers shaping the field.
The Asean-IPR Cybersecurity Youth Essay Competition was aimed at engaging the youth from Asean member states and Timor-Leste by encouraging them to explore unique perspectives on cybersecurity through the lens of human security.
With the growing importance of cybersecurity in peace-building and human security, the competition sought to raise awareness and stimulate discourse among young minds about how technology impacts security, trust and stability in the region.
The selected winners – one from each Asean member state and Timor-Leste – were given the opportunity to attend the Asean-IPR Regional Conference on Cybersecurity and the Role of Information Technology in Fostering a Culture of Peace in Asean in Bangkok, Thailand.
Held from Feb 24 to 26, the conference provided participants a platform to present their ideas and engage with experts from the fields of peace-building, IT and cybersecurity.
“The exchanges at the conference deepened my understanding of how cybersecurity intersects with trust and peace.
“Technology has the potential to bridge divides, but only if developed responsibly,” Tan concluded.
