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.