The first training course in cybersecurity through the Asean-Japan Cybersecurity Capacity Building Centre (AJCCBC) will be conducted in Thailand this June to fight cybercrime in the region.
Thailand's Digital Economy and Society (DE) Ministry and Japan's Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry said the centre has been developing a cybersecurity workforce for state agencies and critical information infrastructure operators in Asean.
DE minister Pichet Durongkaveroj said this project received US$5 million (156 million baht) in funding from the Japan-Asean Integration Fund for the first four-year term. Japan has supported the project through technical expertise.
The AJCCBC is located at the office of the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA).
"During the first four years of this project, Japan will help Asean develop cybersecurity personnel and provide knowledge to the centre for long-term management and sustainability," he said.
Mr Pichet reiterated the centre will not be Thailand-specific, but cover all of Asean.
Thailand is supporting the centre by exploring future partnership and sponsorship opportunities with Asean dialogue partners, private companies and the Asean ICT Fund.
Mr Pichet said it is helpful that Thailand was selected for the project as it underlines the importance of cybersecurity workforce development, allowing the country to learn and adapt international practices in cybersecurity workforce development. This is also an opportunity for the country to build a network of cybersecurity experts in Asean for better cooperation down the road.
Collaboration through the centre will include cybersecurity awareness, strengthening information security and data protection and promoting information sharing, he said.
ETDA chief executive Surangkana Wayuparb said the centre is going to deliver cybersecurity training every two months, targeting government officials and critical information infrastructure personnel. Courses to be conducted include cyber defence exercises with recurrence, forensics and malware analysis.