George Hlaing, Managing Partner of Cybersecurity at National Consulting Partners Australia, embarked on his Public Leadership Credential (PLC) journey offered by Harvard Kennedy School with a clear goal in mind: to deepen his understanding of policy design and implementation.
With over twenty years of experience in strategy, cybersecurity, architecture, and project/program management across Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States, and Australia, George has achieved significant success in his career. In addition to his current role, he has executed critical infrastructure cybersecurity, ERP, and cloud transformation programs globally. He is also an Honorary Adjunct Professor at the University of Canberra, Chair of the Asia Pacific Event Advisory Committee for the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), co-chair of the Open-Source Track at the Open Source Institute (OSI), and an independent member of OSI鈥檚 Industry Advisory Panel. Through these roles, he remains committed to societal contributions and fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in academia and cybersecurity.
Recognizing the need for advanced knowledge in policy design and implementation, George sought to integrate his expertise in cybersecurity and technology leadership with broader public policy insights. His role as an advisory consultant to Australian Federal Government agencies and international clients underscored the importance of this knowledge. The flexibility of the online PLC program provided the ideal solution.
鈥淲hat I enjoyed most about the PLC program was the holistic learning experience, the quality content, and the collaborative environment,鈥 George said. 鈥淭he program's blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, delivered through an engaging, group work and flexible online platform, was truly transformative.鈥
Since completing the PLC program in 2023, George鈥檚 professional life has significantly transformed. The PLC equipped him with practical skills in policy analysis, design, delivery, evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making. These skills have enhanced his ability to strategically approach policy-related aspects of business technology transformation and cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring more robust and effective outcomes.
鈥淭he PLC has laid a solid foundation for my continued professional development,鈥 George explained. 鈥淭he strategic tools and frameworks provided by the program are invaluable for anyone aiming to make a significant impact in public leadership.鈥
The lessons from the PLC have been instrumental in his work at National Consulting Partners Australia and with his esteemed clients. He has effectively integrated the insights gained from the program into strategic planning and policy development processes. The PLC has also enabled him to foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation within his organization, encouraging his team to adopt a more analytical and strategic approach to problem-solving.
Looking ahead, George aspires to explore and address the intersection of technology policy, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and ethics. He is currently pursuing a Mid-Career Master鈥檚 in Public Administration (MC/MPA) at Harvard Kennedy School.
鈥淭he tools and frameworks I learned in the PLC, such as the strategic triangle, policy analysis matrix, and modeling trade-offs, will help me achieve my goal of contributing more effectively to the development of ethical and sustainable technology policies,鈥 he shared.
For those considering the PLC program, George offered this advice: "Embrace the journey with an open mind and a commitment to continuous learning. The program provides invaluable tools and frameworks that can profoundly impact your professional trajectory. Engage actively with the content and your international peers and be prepared to apply what you learn to make a meaningful difference in your field."