Securing the Silver Generation: Security Imperatives in an Ageing Society

Last Thursday, ASIS International Malaysia Chapter and Saito University College came together to co-host a thought-provoking mini symposium titled “Securing the Silver Generation: Security Imperatives in an Ageing Society” The event was held in conjunction with National Older Persons Day 2025, drawing professionals, academics, and students to discuss one of the most timely issues facing Malaysia today — the growing security needs of an ageing population.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Professor Dr. Mohd Nazil Salleh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Saito University College, who highlighted the importance of collaborative platforms in addressing national challenges that transcend generations and industries.

This was followed by a keynote address from Mr. Chris Chan, Chairman of ASIS International Malaysia Chapter, titled “Malaysia’s Ageing Shift – A Security Perspective.” In his speech, Chris reflected on Malaysia’s rapid demographic change — from 7.9% of the population aged 60 and above in 2010 to an expected 15.3% by 2030 — and explored what this shift means for security practitioners and society as a whole.

He emphasized that as Malaysia moves toward becoming an aged nation, security must evolve to encompass not only physical safety but also digital literacy, social inclusion, and psychological well-being. Drawing from personal reflections and real-world examples, Chris spoke about the need for user-friendly technology, fraud prevention, and stronger community preparedness.

The symposium featured a series of expert presentations and panel discussions, each addressing a critical dimension of elder security:

• Elder Fraud & Cybercrime – Trends and Defences

• Securing Ageing Spaces – From Care Homes to Cities (focusing on CPTED and operational risks)

• Security Workforce of the Future – Training for an Ageing Nation

The day’s agenda also included a roundtable discussion titled “What Should Elder Security Look Like in Malaysia?” — a dynamic exchange that brought together practitioners and educators to explore actionable strategies for a safer and more inclusive society.

The symposium brought together an impressive lineup of speakers from diverse professional backgrounds, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of security in an ageing society. Among them were Supt. Madhavan Nair A/L Unnikrishnan, Assistant Director of the Cybercrime Division at the Royal Malaysia Police; Dr. Raji B. Nair, Country Manager for Physical Security at Concentrix and an ASIS International Malaysia Chapter member; Dr. Shamir Rajadurai, Crime Prevention Specialist and Director at the International CPTED Association; Pn. Farah Salwa, Principal Assistant Director at PLAN Malaysia (Federal Department of Town and Country Planning); and Pn. Siti Subaidah Mustaffa, Managing Director of Corporate Risks Consulting Sdn Bhd, also a fellow ASIS International Malaysia Chapter member. Their collective expertise spanned law enforcement, corporate security, crime prevention, and urban planning — providing participants with valuable perspectives on how to safeguard ageing communities across physical, digital, and social dimensions. The panel was also moderated by Mr. Panniruky Perumal, Vice Chairman & Next Generation Chair of ASIS International Malaysia Chapter and one of the event’s lead organizers, together with Mr. Chris Chan, Chapter Chairman, who joined the discussions to share insights on security leadership and community resilience.

A highlight of the event was the Student Challenge Pitches, where three teams of Saito University College students presented innovative ideas to promote fraud awareness among the elderly. Each team had five minutes to present their concepts before a panel of judges, showcasing the creativity and empathy of the next generation of security professionals.

The event concluded on a high note, with participants agreeing that conversations around elder security must go beyond policy and enforcement — they must also inspire compassion, innovation, and collaboration across sectors.

As Malaysia edges closer to becoming an ageing nation, initiatives like this underscore the importance of forward-thinking partnerships. The success of the event reflected the shared commitment of ASIS International Malaysia Chapter and Saito University College to address emerging security challenges with both expertise and empathy. ASIS International Malaysia Chapter would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizers for this event, especially Perumal and Dr. Mhiruna from Saito University College for leading today’s event. Also, not forgetting the various sponsors, speakers, students and exhibitors for the time and participation. Enjoy the photos of the event below!

Securing the future means securing every generation — including those who built the foundations of the society we live in today.