APU’s ASIGWISE hosted its inaugural ‘Men as Allies’ forum, a roundtable event led by Assistant Professor Ts Dr Vinesha Selvarajah and a panel of experts that fostered gender inclusivity and professional allyship in cyber security by empowering students through a dialogue on mutual respect and partnership.

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The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) recently marked a significant milestone in its commitment to diversity with the inaugural flagship event of the APU Special Interest Group of Women in Security (ASIGWISE). 

Held on 16 March 2026 at Auditorium 7, the Men as Allies Forum Discussion brought together a vibrant mix of students, academic staff, and industry professionals to address the evolving landscape of the cyber security sector. 

As a student-led club dedicated to empowering women, ASIGWISE focused the afternoon’s proceedings on raising awareness, building confidence, and increasing female participation in the technology and security industries.

The organisation was originally founded by Assistant Professor Ts Dr Vinesha Selvarajah, whose passion for promoting inclusivity and diversity continues to shape the group’s mission. 

Under the guidance of ASIGWISE Advisor, Ms Zaireeda Mohd Fauzee, and supported by a dedicated academic team including Ms Zety Marlia Zainal Abidin, Ms Chong Mien May, and Mr Darveen Selvarajah, the club provides a vital space where students can learn, connect, and grow both academically and professionally. 

This forum, organised in conjunction with International Women’s Day, served as a prime example of the team's commitment to making a positive social impact through meaningful initiatives.

Rather than a traditional lecture, the session utilised a roundtable format moderated by Assistant Professor Ts Dr Vinesha.

The panel featured Mr Shahab Alizadeh, Mr Darveen Selvarajah, Ts Vikneswaran Kunasegaran, and Mr James Chan, who joined participants for an engaging and insightful dialogue. 

The discussion moved beyond simple advocacy, emphasizing that true allyship is rooted in genuine partnership. 

Panellists reminded the audience that women should never feel the need to shy away from expressing their opinions and that men must actively value those perspectives to create a truly conducive environment for success.

A particularly heartening highlight of the event was the enthusiastic engagement from the students in attendance. 

Throughout the session, they contributed thoughtful viewpoints on how mutual respect and shared responsibility serve as the foundations of a supportive professional community. 

By the time the forum concluded, it had successfully reinforced the idea that determination and resilience are key to achieving one’s goals in cyber security. 

Ultimately, the Men as Allies Forum Discussion left participants with a renewed sense of responsibility, proving that when men and women complement each other’s strengths, the entire industry moves forward together.