The Asia Foundation and Google.org Partnership Featured in Coverage of APAC Cybersecurity Fund in Sri Lanka
February 20, 2024 — DailyFT, a Sri Lankan business and financial news outlet, highlights the APAC Cybersecurity Fund in its coverage of The Asia Foundation and its partners’ program initiatives in Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, which ranked 81st out of 175 countries in 2020’s National Cyber Security Index, scoring especially low in protection for digital and essential services, the program aims to reach up to 5,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) covering 10,000 individuals. Country Representative for The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka, Dinesha De Silva highlights the essential nature of the program.
“In the context of Sri Lanka’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is imperative to recognise the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises as both the drivers of innovation and economic growth, and as prime targets for cyber threats. The alarming rate at which a significant number of MSMEs are falling victim to malicious cyber-attacks cannot be overlooked, highlighting the urgent necessity to enhance their cyber defences. It is not just a strategic necessity, but a critical national investment to empower these enterprises with comprehensive cyber security education and awareness,” De Silva said.
Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is providing $15M to The Asia Foundation to launch the APAC Cybersecurity Fund in partnership with CyberPeace Institute and Global Cyber Alliance to bolster cyber capabilities of 300,000 underserved micro and small businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises. Working with implementing organizations and universities across the region, The Asia Foundation aims to equip local communities and students via upskilling tools and cyber clinics to protect against online risks. The initiative will span 13 locations, including Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
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