AVM. Amorn Chomchoey, Secretary General at the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) commented about this initiative: "In Thailand, women in cybersecurity comprises only 3% of the workforce compared to the global average of 10%. We are delighted to collaborate with Huawei to increase the number of female cybersecurity experts in the country and to promote gender diversity in the field of IT through the establishment of the Women Thailand Cyber Top Talent 2023 competition. This competition will provide opportunities for women to learn, develop their skills, and gain experience in cybersecurity. Through this shared initiative, Huawei and NCSA envision not only empowering women in cybersecurity, but also shaping a future where diversity becomes a cornerstone for innovation and excellence in the rapidly evolving digital realm."
The 'Women Thailand Cyber Top Talent 2023' competition included an online selection round that drew a total of 218 teams across three levels: Junior, Senior, and Open, with a total of over 407 participants. There was an on-site final round to select the winner of each level from 30 competing teams. The competition itself is designed to foster skill development in the field of ICT for women and others, thereby paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive pool of digital talents in the country. The competition offers contestants the opportunity to leverage their extensive knowledge, skills, and potential to address cybersecurity challenges, which can then be directly applied to professional work and real-world scenarios. Ultimately, the initiative will equip the country with an ample and proficient cybersecurity workforce, both now and in the future.
Pimchanok Utamee, the representative of the winning team 'NR01' at the Junior level, expressed: "Winning the Women Thailand Cyber Top Talent 2023 award holds immense value to me, particularly as it marks my debut in a cybersecurity competition. The entire experience throughout the competition was very comprehensive, offering a substantial learning and growth opportunity while also heightening my awareness of the importance of cybersecurity systems. As ambitious women within this field, one of the most crucial roles we can play is in educating others about cybersecurity. By setting a good example in using technology responsibly - whether it's mindful social media use or being aware of cyber threats - we are contributing to promoting positive behavior among Thai youth in their utilization of various technologies."
"Technology from Huawei and other private organizations can significantly improve Thailand's cybersecurity across various dimensions. This includes the development and deployment of technology capable of detecting and preventing activities that violate cyber laws, such as leveraging AI for the detection and prediction of cyber threats. Additionally, creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange is crucial in fostering a strong understanding of cybersecurity knowledge among the Thai people." Pimchanok added.
Lt.JG. Ratiros Phaenthong WRTN and SM3 Natthaya Ruasrijan from the winning team 'hacKEr4nDtHECA7-1' at the Open level, shared: "As representatives of the Army Cyber Center directly involved in the field of cybersecurity, we take pride in receiving this award as it reflects the capabilities of our agency in safeguarding the security of Thailand's cyber ecosystem. It also helps us in assessing our capabilities compared to external participants, fostering problem-solving skills, and developing technology knowledge that can be utilized in our daily duties at the agency."
"We encourage women and LGBTIQA+ women to step out of their comfort zones and embark on endeavors that may seem challenging, such as enhancing their technology knowledge through upskilling and reskilling. This will lead to the enhancement of the digital workforce's potential across the industry. Furthermore, the inclusion of diversity, encompassing women and individuals from the LGBTIQA+ community within the technology industry, will contribute to expanding the talent pool and fostering a new generation of innovative ideas. In addition, the advancement of the country's cybersecurity is not solely reliant on the efforts of government agencies. The private sector also plays a pivotal role, with entities such as Huawei contributing crucial technology, expertise, and personnel. This collaboration will contribute to the establishment of a robust cybersecurity landscape for the country," Lt.JG. Ratiros added.
Huawei has been deeply rooted in Thailand for 24 years, and the company has both witnessed and contributed to Thailand's rapid digital development. In the digital transformation era, Huawei is committed to nurturing digital talents and empowering the cybersecurity workforce through various activities, in collaboration with key partners, designed to enhance knowledge and skills. This effort aims to help the country better prepare for cybersecurity threats in the future. With its 'In Thailand, For Thailand' and 'Leading Everyone Forward and Leaving No One Behind' commitments, Huawei will continue to invest in Thailand, ultimately fostering the country's competitiveness and elevating Thailand's presence as the digital hub of the region.
Source: Carl Byoir & Associates