Google.org and The Asia Foundation Partner on $5M Cybersecurity Initiative in Asia 

SINGAPORE, June 30, 2025—Responding to urgent digital security needs across Asia and the Pacific, Google.org announced a new $5 million funding in support to The Asia Foundation to expand university-based cybersecurity clinics in 11 countries. This addresses a critical need for locally led, sustainable models that embed cybersecurity into communities, educational institutions, and the small business ecosystem.   

This landmark initiative will directly support micro, small, and medium enterprises, nonprofits, and at-risk communities. These sectors often lack the resources and capacity to stay safe in an increasingly digital world, and the clinics will help bridge that gap. 

The program will focus on training university students—the new generation of cybersecurity experts—to deliver cybersecurity services and support directly to local organizations. The cybersecurity clinics will be hosted by leading academic institutions in countries including India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Communities will benefit from student-provided cybersecurity support, such as risk assessments and cyber hygiene support, and the students benefit from experiential learning to support their cybersecurity skills building and workforce readiness. This will create a multiplier effect to help thousands more protect themselves against online threats. The Asia Foundation is pleased to continue its partnership with the Global Cyber Alliance, whose technical expertise and global perspective will support implementation across the region and strengthen clinic outcomes. 

“This is a regional investment in digital safety, skills, and opportunity,” said Anthea Mulakala, senior director for International Development Cooperation at The Asia Foundation. “The cybersecurity clinics will strengthen local economies by supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, and fostering deeper collaboration between universities, government, and industry.”  

The grant builds on the momentum generated over the past five years by The Asia Foundation and Google.org’s partnership to provide digital training across the region.   

• Two rounds of Go Digital ASEAN (2020-2025)—endorsed by the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises—trained more than 400,000 aspiring and established entrepreneurs in digital literacy, financial tools, and cybersecurity awareness to unlock their digital potential and grow their businesses and revenues. 

• Launched in 2023, the APAC Cybersecurity Fund is enhancing cyber resilience for MSMEs and nonprofits across 12 countries in Asia and the Pacific. The program aims to train 600,000 individuals in basic cyber hygiene and support 300,000 organizations to strengthen digital safety. In India alone, it will reach 90,000 MSMEs across 20 states. Pilots of cyber clinics in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Singapore have shown that localized, hands-on support not only boosts digital security for small enterprises but also cultivates the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. 

A second key component of the grant is the expansion of the university-led cyber clinics consortium across Asia, creating a regional platform for sharing tools, research, and innovations. Developed in partnership with the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) and supported by the global Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics—of which GCA is a long-standing participant—the Asia clinics network will join a growing community of clinics in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This collaboration will foster shared learning, regional policy engagement, and a more connected and resilient global cybersecurity ecosystem. 

About The Asia Foundation (asiafoundation.org)   

The Asia Foundation is an international nonprofit organization working to solve the toughest social and economic challenges in Asia and the Pacific. Informed by more than 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, we work with partners across more than 20 countries through 17 offices to improve lives and expand opportunities.    

About Google.org (google.org)  

Google.org applies Google’s innovation, research, and resources to promote progress and expand opportunity for everyone.