ECU will help strengthen Maldives' cyber security capacity through an Australia Awards Fellowship. Credit: iStock - Misrad Sarajlic
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is proud to have been named as a successful host organisation in the latest round of the Australia Awards Fellowships.
Senior Lecturer of Computing and Security, Dr Ahmed Ibrahim, will lead ECU's program - Cyber Resilience Fellowship: Strengthening Maldives – Australia Security Partnership.
The prestigious Australia Awards Fellowship program, funded by the Australian government, aims to build networks of influence and leadership by strengthening partnerships between Australian and partner organisations around the world.
Fellowships target senior and mid-career officials and professionals who are in a position to advance development outcomes in priority areas and increase the institutional capacity of partner countries through their leadership.
Dr Ibrahim said he was looking forward to continuing the collaboration between ECU and Maldives in the priority areas of digital economy and cyber resilience.
"This Fellowship aims to build cyber resilience and strengthen the cyber security capacity of key government institutions in Maldives by providing hands-on training and leadership development for senior government officials," Dr Ibrahim said. "Through a series of activities, the Fellowship will equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to secure critical infrastructure and develop cyber security policies."
His Excellency Ibrahim Latheef, National Security Advisor of Maldives, welcomed the announcement.
"This new program to equip future Maldivian government leaders with expertise in cyber security and resilience marks a significant milestone," he said. "These leaders will play a pivotal role in advancing Maldives' vision of digitalisation as the foundation of our nation's future.
"Australia's support has consistently strengthened Maldivian institutions through investments in human capital, education, and other critical areas, for more than 50 years.
"I extend my deepest appreciation to Edith Cowan University and Australia Awards for making this possible."
Fifteen Fellows from the Maldives government will attend ECU in 2026 followed by a team of ECU researchers visiting Maldives.
The program will involve simulated cyber security incident tabletop exercises, cyber-attack scenario simulations, site visits to Australian Security Operations Centres and tailored leadership masterclasses.
"By targeting both high-level decision-makers and technical staff, this fellowship not only builds capacity but also strengthens bilateral ties," Dr Ibrahim said. "The involvement of senior Maldivian officials - including those from the President's Office, the newly formed Cyber Security Agency, key government agencies and state-owned enterprises - ensures that the outcomes of this fellowship will have a lasting impact on Maldives' cyber security posture.
"Furthermore, the fellowship aligns with Australia's strategic interest in developing secure digital economies and resilient maritime sectors in the region, supporting both national and regional security objectives."
Dr Ibrahim's longstanding collaborations with Maldives has already led to the establishment of an MOU with Maldives National University and the creation of an Industry PhD Scholarship in cyber security.
