Empowering Women in Cyber Security: AWSN’s Engagement with ASEAN Fellows at the University of Melbourne
On July 3, the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) was honoured to present to 24 distinguished ASEAN and Timor-Leste fellows at the University of Melbourne as part of the Aus4ASEAN Digital Transformation and Leadership Fellowship Program. This unique opportunity brought together mid to senior level professionals from government, academia, NGOs, consulting, corporate, and startup sectors across Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The session, titled "Empowering Women in Cyber Security", was designed to introduce AWSN’s mission, share insights from our leadership journey, and explore meaningful collaborations across the region. The fellowship program, funded by the ASEAN-Australia Centre of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), aims to strengthen leadership in digital trade and the inclusive digital economy. It aligns with the ASEAN-Australia Digital Trade Standards Initiative and explores critical themes such as e-commerce, data flows, smart technologies, and digital inclusion.
AWSN: A Decade of Impact
During the presentation, AWSN’s Head of Operations, Jacqui Tang, and Programs Delivery & Evaluation Lead, Dr Shobhana Madhu, shared the organisation’s journey and growth over the past 10 years and the various initiatives delivered as part of AWSN's commitment to increase the participation, visibility, and leadership of women in the security industry. Through initiatives such as AWSN Cadets, AWSN Scholars, and community grants, AWSN supports women and girls at every stage of their cybersecurity journey from education to executive leadership.
Our team about how AWSN empowered underrepresented groups, which not only address the gender gap but also foster innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth in the digital economy.
Engaging Dialogue and Regional Collaboration
The interactive Q&A session that followed was a highlight of the day. Fellows engaged deeply with AWSN’s work, asking thoughtful questions about our programs, impact metrics, challenges, business model and strategies for scaling inclusion. Many shared their own experiences and challenges in advancing gender equity within their home countries.
Key themes that emerged included:
- Capacity Building: How can we create sustainable pipelines for women in cyber across ASEAN?
- Policy and Advocacy: What role can governments and institutions play in driving systemic change?
- Regional Networks: How can AWSN collaborate with ASEAN-based organisations to share resources, knowledge, and best practices?
These conversations laid the groundwork for future partnerships. Fellows expressed interest in co-developing training programs, hosting joint events, and leveraging AWSN’s model to build similar networks in their regions.
The Power of Fellowship
The Aus4ASEAN Fellowship Program is a testament to the power of regional cooperation. Over two weeks in Melbourne and Canberra (June 22-July 5), fellows engaged with Australian policy leaders, industry experts, and academic institutions. They explored digital trade standards, smart technologies, and strategies for inclusive digital transformation.
Importantly, the program also addressed women’s safety and inclusion in the digital economy. A theme that resonates deeply with AWSN’s mission. By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, the fellowship fosters a shared vision for a secure, equitable, and digitally empowered ASEAN-Australia region.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Impact
AWSN is excited about the potential collaborations that emerged from this engagement. We see opportunities to:
- Support ASEAN-based women in cyber initiatives through mentorship, training, and resource sharing.
- Co-host regional forums and roundtables to elevate women’s voices in digital policy and cybersecurity.
- Develop cross-border research and advocacy projects focused on digital inclusion and safety.
As we move forward, AWSN remains committed to building bridges between sectors, countries, and communities. We believe that by working together, we can create a future where all women and girls have the opportunity to lead, innovate, and secure our digital world.