Malaysia’s Digital Ministry has developed the National Cyber Ethics Module (ESN) for schools to foster ethical and safe digital practices among schoolchildren.
The pilot phase of the ESN is currently being carried out in selected schools across the country and is set to be fully rolled out nationwide in January 2026.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the ESN module was developed through close collaboration with the Education Ministry.
“The ESN comes at a time when the rise of digital games and various online programs makes the cultivation of cyber ethics among our youths increasingly critical,” said Gobind, in a statement today.
“While children are encouraged to embrace the digital sphere, it is crucial that we inculcate ethical and safe digital practices when they are online.”
Gobind explained that the module aims to increase students’ awareness and knowledge of online safety and ethics by providing comprehensive guidance on how to use the Internet and social media prudently, responsibly, and safely.
“The ESN is structured around six key topics—digital fluency, digital ethics, digital health and well-being, digital commerce, digital privacy and security, and digital rights and responsibilities,” he said.
The module, which is part of the CyberSAFE in Schools programme, was officially handed over to the Education Ministry on July 22.
Following the handover, the Education Ministry now leads the comprehensive implementation in primary and secondary schools nationwide, while CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), an agency under the Digital Ministry, remains a technical partner.
Gobind outlined CSM’s ongoing support, including providing the latest cybersecurity input, such as new threats related to generative artificial intelligence (AI), chatbot applications, and online gaming. In addition, it is also providing technical training and digital curriculum support to representatives from the Education Ministry and master trainers.
The agency is also monitoring and evaluating the module’s content effectiveness with the Education Ministry and Digital Ministry.
Gobind said the current pilot phase in selected schools is specifically meant to evaluate the module’s effectiveness. The module reinforcement phase is scheduled for late 2025, incorporating improvements based on feedback from the pilot.
He also stated that online training for Education Ministry officers regarding the national management of ESN will begin next month, with full implementation scheduled to begin in January 2026.
“The Digital Ministry will continue to support the Education Ministry as we aim to create a generation of digital users who are ethical, respectful, and alert,” said Gobind.
“By learning and adopting safe digital practices, our young ones will be able to better contribute to the nation’s digital ecosystem.”
