Melbourne Security Associates

We combine cutting-edge University of Melbourne research with real-world security expertise to deliver specialised cyber security training and consulting services that strengthen Malaysia's critical infrastructure and government sectors.

Who are we?

Industry-focused | Research-backed | World-class ExpertiseMelbourne Security Associates (MSA) combines cutting-edge industry research with real-world security experience to deliver specialised cyber security services to critical infrastructure operators and government agencies in Malaysia.Our team brings together world-class research expertise from the University of Melbourne with high-level government experience in Malaysia, providing unique insights that other consultancies cannot match.

Our Services

We offer specialised training and consulting services designed to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across critical infrastructure and government agencies.Executive Training Programs
• Board of Directors: Cyber Resilience and Compliance Obligations in Malaysia
• C-Suite Executive: Cyber Security Strategy and Governance
• Incident Response & Crisis Managers: Cyber Defence and Situation Awareness
Consulting Services
• Cyber Security Maturity Assessment
• Cyber Crisis Management Advisory
• Cyber Security Strategy Development

Our Approach

Melbourne Security Associates brings a evidence-backed approach to addressing cyber security challenges in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.Recognition
Team members recognized as Subject Matter Experts for Malaysia's national cyber security strategy (2025-30)
Research-Backed Expertise
Licensed IP from the University of Melbourne providing proprietary frameworks and methodologies validated through extensive research
Government Networks
Unique insights into Malaysian security landscape through extensive case studies and Dr. Lim's police and government experience
Proven Local Impact
Track record of successful cyber security capacity building in Malaysia through capacity building projects in industry and government sectors

We've seen concepts in the maturity model that are appealing, for example there's this idea about the use of situational awareness that appeals because at the end of the day cyber security is like a war.Dr Amir Abdulsamad, Chief Information Security Officer, Petronas

The model that was proposed by the team was interesting because it focused on strategic thinking, decision making, and how you deal with threat intelligence on an organisational scale and even extending that to the national level.Dawud Wilmot, Chief Information Security Officer, Maxis Telecommunications

Our Team

Professor Atif Ahmad PhD CPP
Professor of cyber security practice at the University of Melbourne. Appointed Subject Matter Expert for Malaysia's National Cyber Security Strategy 2025-30.
• Advises major banks and telecommunications companies
• Leads international teams developing cyber resilience across Southeast Asia
• Former consultant for WorleyParsons and Pinkerton (Aus)
• Certified Protection Professional (CPP) with the American Society for Industrial Security


Dato' Michael Lim PhD
Retired Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Malaysian Police with 37+ years of experience in security operations.
• Managed portfolios including Computer Crime and Human Trafficking
• Provided Personal Security for Malaysian VVIPs
• PhD in Cybersecurity Culture and Practice from the University of Melbourne


Associate Professor Sean Maynard PhD
Expert in cyber security governance and risk management from the University of Melbourne. Appointed Subject Matter Expert for Malaysia's National Cyber Security Strategy 2025-30.
• Develops cyber governance frameworks
• Implements research-based security methodologies
• Creates award-winning security instruments