Deadline: 30-May-2026
The Top Women in Security ASEAN Region Awards recognize women professionals across ASEAN for excellence in cybersecurity, public safety, and security leadership. The awards cover multiple regional and thematic categories and include professional development benefits such as ISACA membership and training opportunities. Eligibility requires at least 3 years of experience in the security sector and demonstrated regional contribution.
The Top Women in Security ASEAN Region Awards recognize outstanding women contributing to public safety, cybersecurity, and the broader security industry across ASEAN member states.
The initiative highlights leadership, innovation, and professional excellence across both public and private security sectors.
Program Objectives
The awards aim to:
- Recognize women leaders in security and cybersecurity
- Promote innovation in risk management and resilience
- Encourage professional development in security fields
- Highlight mentorship and industry advocacy
- Strengthen regional collaboration across ASEAN security sectors
It celebrates contributions across technical, operational, and strategic security domains.
Key Focus Areas
Security and Public Safety
- Physical security operations
- Public safety and protective services
- Risk management and resilience strategies
Cybersecurity and Digital Security
- Cybersecurity leadership and innovation
- Cyber risk management
- Electronic and technical security systems
Professional Development and Education
- Security training and education
- Mentoring and leadership development
- Security research and academic contribution
Industry Advocacy and Leadership
- Professional influence in security sectors
- Regional and national leadership roles
- Advocacy for women in security professions
Award Categories
The programme includes multiple recognition categories:
Country-Specific Awards
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Philippines
- Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar, and Laos (combined category)
Regional and Thematic Awards
- ASEAN Regional Award
- Cybersecurity Award
- Electronic Security Award
- Security Trainer or Educator Award
- Risk and Resilience Professional Award
- Security Researcher Award
- Security Professional Ambassador Award
- Cyber Risk Leader Award
Each category highlights excellence in a specific domain of the security sector.
Benefits for Selected Participants
Winners and participants receive professional development opportunities, including:
- 1-year ISACA membership
- Access to career development events and webinars
- Complimentary ISACA certification course (CRISC or CISM)
- Mentorship from certified digital trust professionals
- Access to ISACA and OIT professional resources
These benefits support long-term career growth in cybersecurity and security leadership.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is open to women professionals across ASEAN countries and beyond, subject to conditions.
General Requirements
- Women with at least 3 years of experience in the security industry
- Experience in cybersecurity, physical security, or related fields
- Demonstrated professional contribution in ASEAN region
Nomination Rules
- Self-nominations are allowed with at least one reference
- Winners cannot win in consecutive years
- Finalists may not be selected after 3 consecutive years
Additional Conditions
- Marketing or promotional vendor roles are excluded
- Non-ASEAN nominees must demonstrate clear ASEAN-related contribution
- Open category awards may have broader eligibility
Why It Matters
This awards programme is important because it:
- Promotes gender diversity in the security sector
- Recognizes leadership in cybersecurity and public safety
- Encourages professional development and mentorship
- Strengthens regional security collaboration in ASEAN
- Highlights innovation in risk and resilience
It elevates visibility of women leaders across critical security domains.
How It Works / How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply or nominate:
- Select Category
Choose the most relevant award category based on expertise. - Prepare Nomination
Highlight achievements, leadership, and impact in security. - Provide References
Include at least one reference for self-nominations. - Submit Application
Apply through the official awards nomination platform. - Evaluation Process
Applications are assessed based on impact, leadership, and innovation. - Award Selection
Winners are selected across country and regional categories.
Tips for Strong Applications
- Clearly demonstrate leadership in security or cybersecurity
- Highlight measurable professional achievements
- Showcase regional or ASEAN-specific impact
- Include mentoring or training contributions
- Provide strong evidence of innovation or influence
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak evidence of professional impact
- Misaligned category selection
- Lack of ASEAN regional relevance
- Incomplete nomination references
- Overemphasis on vendor marketing roles (not eligible)
FAQs
What is this awards programme about?
It recognizes women professionals in security and cybersecurity across ASEAN countries.
Who can apply?
Women with at least 3 years of experience in the security industry.
Which countries are included?
All ASEAN member states, including a combined category for Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar, and Laos.
Are self-nominations allowed?
Yes, with at least one reference.
What benefits do winners receive?
ISACA membership, training courses, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
Can someone outside ASEAN apply?
Yes, if they demonstrate significant ASEAN-related contributions.
Can someone win multiple years in a row?
No, consecutive year wins are not allowed.
Conclusion
The Top Women in Security ASEAN Region Awards is a major recognition platform celebrating women leaders in cybersecurity, public safety, and risk management. By combining professional recognition with development opportunities, it strengthens regional security expertise and promotes gender inclusion across ASEAN’s security ecosystem.
For more information, visit Women in Security.