Researcher teams with industry to enhance cyber security in Vietnam

Now based in Melbourne, RMIT Vietnam graduate Duy Dang-Pham is investigating ways to improve cyber security as part of his PhD research at the School of Business IT and Logistics.

He is collaborating with TTT Corporation – one of the largest construction firms in Vietnam – to improve its information security management system.

The research uses network analysis techniques to improve the security awareness of hundreds of employees within a short time.

“The practical values of my research are about the novel adoption of network analysis methods to identify the key employees and mechanisms for raising the workplace’s information security awareness in an efficient and effective manner,” Dang-Pham said.

His PhD primary supervisor Dr Siddhi Pittayachawan said Dang-Pham had amplified the impact of his findings by continuing to promote his research throughout his candidature.

“Duy has published three journal articles, one accepted journal article, and four conference papers to extend the body of knowledge in this field,” Pittayachawan said.

The Bachelor of Business (Information Systems) (Honours) graduate’s information security research is funded by an Australian Government International Postgraduate Research Scholarship.

Last year, he was awarded the RMIT Prize for Research Impact – Higher Degree by Research in the enterprise category.

Associate Professor Mathews Nkhoma, Head of the Centre of Commerce and Management at RMIT Vietnam and a former lecturer of Dang-Pham’s, applauded his achievements and contributions to RMIT and Vietnamese industry.

“Duy stands out from his peers not only for his research track record, but also for his guest lecturing and participation in workshops related to e-business and information security, both beneficial for students and industry partners in Vietnam,” Nkhoma said.

“His research has made practical impacts on Vietnamese business and established new relationships between RMIT and industry, all of which will lead to further collaboration and the possibility of external funding in the future.”

Dang-Pham says the RMIT prize had motivated him to continue his involvement with Vietnamese industry, especially in collaborative research projects that produce practical outcomes and useful innovations.   

“I am currently applying for funding with researchers in Vietnam and Australia to conduct more projects that focus on information security and supply chain management,” he said.

Dang-Pham’s core research interests include information systems, security management, and supply chain management.

His Honours degree also earned him a Vice-Chancellor’s List Award in 2013.

Story: Hoang Ha, Aeden Ratcliffe