Day: April 24, 2025

West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Universitas Potensi Utama (UPU) Indonesia held a virtual roundtable discussion on April 24, 2025, bringing together legal and technology experts to address the rising threat of cybercrime in Southeast Asia and explore solutions through cybersecurity tools and legal reforms.

The session, held shortly after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two universities.

The roundtable featured Dr. Budi Triadi, M.Kom, from the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at UPU; Dr. Mujib Medio Annas, M.Kn, from the Faculty of Law at UPU; Dr. Frank Elijorde from WVSU College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT); and Atty. Federic Loise Regencia from WVSU College of Law.

At the heart of the discussion was the growing concern over the rise in cybercrime, especially online scams and identity theft, which have become increasingly prevalent across Southeast Asia. The experts shared insights into how technologies like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems are being deployed to detect digital anomalies, providing early warnings and improving incident response in both public and private digital infrastructures.

Dr. Elijorde emphasized the significance of real-time monitoring and threat detection through SIEM, stating that proactive systems are essential in combating the sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals today. Dr. Triadi highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and intelligence-sharing, noting that cybercrime is a borderless threat that requires a unified approach among Southeast Asian nations.

Legal frameworks for cybercrime in both the Philippines and Indonesia were also brought into focus. Dr. Annas and Atty. Regencia discussed the challenges in implementing and enforcing cybersecurity laws, particularly in communities with low digital literacy. They stressed the need for stronger legal education, public awareness campaigns, and inclusive digital policies that protect citizens without compromising access and convenience.

The roundtable concluded with a renewed commitment to academic cooperation between WVSU and UPU. Both institutions expressed their intention to pursue joint research initiatives, policy recommendations, and outreach programs that will enhance cybersecurity and digital literacy in underserved communities.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Universitas Potensi Utama (UPU) of Indonesia officially entered into a new academic partnership through a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony today, April 24.

The online event brought together key officials from both institutions. WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Advancing internationalization through joint collaboration between faculty and students highlights the essence of this partnership and WVSU’s commitment to going global”.

Also present were Atty. Pauline Grace T. Buñol–Alfuente, Dean of College of Law (COL); Dr. Ma. Beth S. Concepcion, Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT); Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO); and faculty members from CICT and COL, signaling a focused collaboration in the fields of legal education and information technology.

The agreement aims to promote international academic exchange, research collaboration, joint conferences, faculty mobility, and shared curriculum development.

Discussions are also underway for potential collaborations in the fields of Communication and Business.

This MoU represents a step forward in WVSU’s continuing commitment to global engagement and cross-cultural academic growth.